Chapter 5

Three days later, at the birthday party, all the city's elite had arrived.

"Chloe, it's time to change." Selena pushed open the door, holding a glass of orange juice. She was wearing a beautiful gown and exquisite makeup, looking even more like the birthday girl than I did.

"Drink this, line your stomach. You'll be busy tonight," she said, handing me the orange juice.

I took it and glanced down. The orange juice looked normal and smelled normal, but I noticed a tiny white particle on the side of the glass that hadn't fully dissolved.

"Thank you," I said, looking at her and smiling. Then I raised the glass to my lips and took a large sip.

Her eyes brightened.

With the orange juice in my mouth, I used the pretense of wiping my lips to spit most of it into a tissue.

A moment later, Selena leaned in solicitously. "Chloe, what's wrong? You don't look well."

I swayed a bit, playing along, and held onto the bedside table. "I feel a little dizzy. Maybe I've been too busy today."

"Then lie down for a bit," she said gently. "The party's still early. You rest, and I'll keep an eye on things."

I lay down and closed my eyes. In that instant, I saw Selena flash a triumphant smile. It was identical to the one she'd given me when she squatted in front of me in my previous life.

Selena stood by my bed for a moment, seemingly confirming I was really out. Then, she lowered her voice. "Come in."

The door opened, and I heard two sets of footsteps.

"Tie her up, gag her, and take her to that abandoned factory on the west side of town. Don't come back until I call you."

Ropes wrapped around my wrists, duct tape sealed my mouth. I didn't struggle throughout the entire process. Then, two men carried me out of the bedroom, through the back door, and into a van that drove further and further away.

Meanwhile, Selena slowly descended the stairs, a graceful smile on her face.

"Happy birthday, Miss Hayes, you look stunning tonight!"

"Mr. Hayes, you're so lucky. I hear your company is running smoothly."

Selena smiled and nodded, graciously accepting all the compliments, comfortably enjoying all the glory that should have been mine. For twenty years, she had meticulously imitated my tone and expressions. Coupled with a face almost identical to mine, no one suspected she was a fraud.

"Mr. Stone has arrived!" a voice announced from the entrance.

All eyes in the room turned to the door. Ethan stood there, dressed in a black suit, holding a large bouquet of roses. He gazed deeply at Selena, then quickly walked forward and knelt on one knee.

A collective gasp rippled through the banquet hall.

"Miss Chloe Hayes," his voice filled with tenderness, "I owe you a formal confession."

He took out a velvet box from his pocket, opened it, revealing a massive pink diamond ring.

"Will you be my girlfriend?"

The banquet hall was silent for three full seconds. Then, someone started clapping, someone shrieked, and people began chanting, "Say yes! Say yes!"

Selena stood there, her heart pounding, a blissful smile on her lips. She took a deep breath and slowly extended her hand. "I..."

The next second, the banquet hall doors were kicked open.

The entire room fell silent. Everyone turned to look at the entrance.

My gaze cut through the crowd, landing directly on Selena. "You're Miss Chloe Hayes? Then who am I?"