A room I didn’t recognize greeted me the moment I opened my eyes. Fear instantly wrapped around me. I sat up quickly, only to laugh at myself a few seconds later. I forgot I was in my sister’s house. Her and her husband’s.
Oh, right. I’m not Normani. I’m Noami.
I let out a sigh and got up from bed. I actually slept well. At first, I thought we’d be sleeping in the same room, but when I went upstairs last night, the door was locked. So he really doesn’t want to share a room. I guess that was already their setup from the start.
I looked for another room. I didn’t want to sleep on the couch since I probably wouldn’t get any sleep there anyway. And I was right. When I opened the room next to his, I saw my sister’s clothes inside.
So they don’t sleep in the same room? Why? What really happened between the two of them? Why is Fabio so angry at my sister?
After showering, I looked for something to wear before heading downstairs.
“What is this stuff? Doesn’t Normani ever feel cold in these?” I muttered when I opened her closet.
All I saw were tank tops and shorts, and some expensive-looking dresses I couldn’t imagine myself wearing. I’d probably break out in hives. I preferred loose, comfy clothes that gave me room to move.
She can’t go out in sleeveless clothes. I only ever wore those to sleep, and only when it was too hot, especially since the orphanage didn’t have that many fans.
I sighed and picked the most decent one I could find. I settled on a plain white shirt and cotton shorts. After all, I was the only one in the house. Based on what I read in the report, my sister’s husband was rarely home, always busy at the hospital.
I was sure he already left. Maybe he even left last night and I just didn’t notice.
I went down to make breakfast, mentally listing everything I needed to do for the day. I needed to ask James about Normani’s usual routine. I had to move the way she did. I couldn’t afford to mess this up—not until my sister wakes up.
I made her a promise when I saw her lying there. I’d do everything I could until she opened her eyes again.
I was humming and even swaying my hips while cooking fried rice, bacon, hotdogs, and eggs. I wasn’t used to skipping rice in the morning. I always ate heavy breakfasts. That way, even if I missed lunch, I wouldn’t go hungry right away.
**
Fabio frowned as he walked into the house. He headed straight for the kitchen to get some water when he heard someone singing.
He stopped when he saw his wife, hips swaying as she danced and sang while cooking. She looked cheerful, full of life, like nothing in the world could bother her.
His eyes dropped to the oversized shirt and shorts she was wearing. That was new. Since when did his wife wear that kind of outfit? Even at home, she was usually in dresses or skimpy tops.
He shook his head, annoyed at himself. Why was he even thinking about this woman? He didn’t care anymore. She could dance all day if she wanted to. He didn’t give a damn.
“When did you learn how to cook?” The question slipped out before he could stop himself.
I turned to him, startled. I clearly hadn’t expected to see him there. My heart skipped a beat when our eyes met.
What on earth?
**
I felt my face heat up. I danced. In front of my twin sister’s husband.
Great. That’s okay, it’s fine. I tried to reassure myself while mentally replaying the question he just asked.
“I can cook. I saw it on TV,” I lied. The truth was, I never really liked watching TV.
I used to hang out in the orphanage kitchen all the time. That’s how I learned. They also trained us to do household chores, especially since I was one of the older kids.
Fabio gave me a look. I couldn’t tell if he was mocking me or just curious.
He walked over to the fridge to get some water, giving me the chance to stare at his broad back. He was sweating.
That’s when I noticed he was in jogging clothes. He must’ve just gotten back from a run.
But wait. Why was he here?
James lied. He told me Fabio didn’t stay in the house when my sister was around. So what happened?
“Don’t you have work at the hospital today?” I asked, even though I already knew he was annoyed.
I started setting the table for both of us. He probably hadn’t eaten yet.
“Why do you care?” he snapped in a cold voice as he drank his water, his eyes locked on mine like he was trying to read my thoughts.
“Because I want to know,” I answered with a question of my own while placing food on the table.
I had no idea how to talk to my sister’s husband. I didn’t even know how to act around him. I didn’t know what my twin sister’s personality was like now. It had been so long since we were together. She had probably changed a lot.
I blinked in surprise when I saw him leaving the kitchen. I quickly called out to him.
“Love!”
It slipped out before I could stop myself. What did they even call each other?
Fabio froze but didn’t turn around. I bit my lip in panic. What if their pet name was “honey” or “sweetheart”?
“Uh… maybe eat first before you leave?” I forced the words out, even though my heart was pounding like crazy.
He turned to face me, brows furrowed.
I met his gaze, eyes locked. I could see the anger burning behind his eyes. Did I say something wrong? Was it supposed to be “babe” instead?
“Stop acting like you care. Don’t pretend you give a damn about me because I gave up on you a long time ago, Normani. A long time ago,” he said coldly before walking away.
I flinched at the sound of his voice. He yelled so loud, I heard the door slam shut a second later.
I looked at the food on the table and let out a deep breath.
I thought this would be easy. Pretending to be my sister should’ve been easy. We looked exactly the same. But being blamed for her mistakes? That was the hard part.
Normani, please wake up. I don’t know how much longer I can pretend to be your husband's wife.
