A flash of light, followed by the sound of a camera click startled us both, and I turned to my side to find a paparazoo that had been stalking my lately smirking at me.
“What the fuck,” Richard gritted out, taking a step toward him, but the paparazoo bolted off, quicker than lightening. “That idiot — ”I held onto Richard's arm, preventing him from going after him. “Leave him. He's not worth it. Let's just... let's just go inside. Come on.”He exhaled, placing a hand on the small of my back, causing me to look up at him. “This is all my fault, Elena. I should've known that taking you to public places would result to this. I'm so sorry. That picture will never see the pages of a magazine or tabloid, I promise.”I shook my head, and we began walking toward the entrance of the store. “It's nothing, really. I've become used to it over the past few months. I can't stop living my life because I'm afraid of getting photographed all the time. It used to annoy me, you know? The public always nosy in my personal life. I mean, the number one bestselling author suddenly disappears and has been in hiding, only to be found getting out of a car that most eligible bachelor in Manhattan...who wouldn't put a ten thousand dollar claim on such a story?” I asked, laughing it off.Richard remained quiet as we walked into the store together, his face grim. “It's about time you get a bodyguard or two, don't you think? I hate what just happened.” His tone was sharp, filled with anger. I swiveled around to face him surprise.“That's not necessary, Richard. I'm not in danger. I love my privacy. I don't want anyone questioning where I want to go or breathing down my neck at all times. It's discomforting.”He pursed his lips as though he wanted to argue with me, but thought better of it. I was thankful for his silence.The store manager; a tall, slender, dark-haired, imposing woman tensed up and rushed over the second she spotted Richard, a nervous smile on her face. She seemed to be in her late twenties, and I'd do anything to have her height. Her legs went on for days. If not for her fraying nerves, she could've exuded the kind of elegance that suited her store. Or maybe she exuded that elegance with everyone else but us. “Mr. Delmonte. What a pleasure to see you, Sir,” she said quickly, then shifted her gaze to me curiously. “Hello there, Miss.”Her eyes roamed over my body, thoughtful, assessing if I was worthy enough to be with Richard. It used to make me self-conscious and annoyed; to be thought of as anything but befitting of Richard's interest or friend, but now I could care less. They could think whatever they wanted to think.“Her name's Elena.”She looked away from me, finally, flashing probably the fakest smile I'd ever seen at him. “Oh, my deepest apologies, Sir. I mean, Miss...Elena. It's an honor to meet you. My name is Celeste, and I'll be assisting you today.”Richard grunted, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. I looked at him through my peripheral vision, thanks to the fireworks in my stomach to see that he was glaring at Celeste now. “We'll ask for your assistance when we need it, but for now I think you should let us be,” he said, his tone unfriendly.“I'm sorry to have upset you, Sir.” She looked downcast, her eyes on the floor.“Don't be.”Before I could say anything, he pulled me toward the glass display counters, his body rigid. “Are you alright?” I asked the moment we were out of earshot. “Why did you speak to her that way?”“I don't like the way she looked at you. It was unprofessional. The audacity to size you up like you're worthless... What the hell is that? First we get photographed by some loser and now this?”I chuckled quietly, leaning against a display counter. I reached out to pinch his cheek. “I am not the surely, unknown writer you once knew. I've written over thirty best sellers, all before the age of twenty five. It's very likely that she's not read any of my books, but have heard enough about me to consider me a threat. Which says a lot about the level of her self-esteem, but I won't be the one to point that out. Besides, her expression wasn't outright insulting.”“It was disrespectful, nonetheless,” Richard snapped. “She barely even knows you to act that way.”I wrapped my hand around his upper arm, laughing now. “Is this how you get with every lady that throws a snide glance at Sarah? I might be well known as a hot-shot, successful writer and woman, but Sarah is even more famous. Surely, writers are no match for writers. How do you deal with the jealousy she attracts from fellow women?”Richard exhaled softly, running a hand through his hair. “I think you're merely underestimating the gravity of the situation. You know Sarah. She can't be bullied, and she's never without a bodyguard. You on the other hand... you're too nice, and stubborn. You can't take care of yourself.”I huffed and turned back around to check the jewelry on display, not wanting to go further on the matter. With Richard, there was no winning. My eyes trailed over the gorgeous engagement rings, and lingered. The mere thought of me getting engaged seemed impossible. I couldn't imagine being with any man other than Richard. I would never be happy.One particular gold ring caught my eyes — the flat, birdlike shaped pendant studded with red diamonds. For a moment, I allowed myself to imagine how it would look like on my finger.I was such a lost cause.I sighed and shook my head, pulling Richard with me to the section where necklaces were displayed, my gaze settling on a diamond choker necklace. It was the type Sarah would love. “How about that one? Sarah would knock you over in joy.”He called Celeste over, and she handed the necklace to me before pointing me to the mirror at a far end. I moved over, holding the choker up against my neck to see how it would look like on me, and Richard gently lifted my hair for me, wrapping it over my shoulder and out of the way.“It's lovely. You should try it on.”I shook my head. “Oh no, I can't. I'm sorry. This is for Sarah. I can tell it'll fit her just fine without trying it on.”“Stubborn,” he muttered, reaching out around me, putting the necklace on me. His fingers grazed over my skin, sending shivers running down my spine, and he didn't even realize.“It's not a crime to like it. I can get it for you, Elena. We can find something else for Sarah.”My eyes widened, and he beamed at me through the mirror. “Have you forgot that you and Sarah are twins and you two own that day together?”“Yes, but this is too much. I can't accept it,” I said, my fingers curling around the clasp at the back. “Thank you for your kind gesture. Sarah would love this piece. You should definitely buy this for her. I don't think I'll celebrate my birthday this year. I'm so busy.”Richard nodded solemnly, taking the necklace from me, his gaze lingering on my face. “Hey,” he whispered, his voice soft. “Is something wrong between us, Elena? Are we good? I feel like you've been spacing out a lot lately, you know? Is it the pressure Sarah has placed on you with the wedding preparations? I'm aware that you've been handling all that's she's supposed to do, alongside writing your next book, but I want you to tell me if it's too much and you don't want to do it anymore. You know I hate it when you suddenly go more quiet than usual.”I squeezed his wrist, and grinned. “You worry too much. We're more than good, Richy. I don't mind the wedding preparations. I don't mind it all. I just love putting in my best in all I do, hence why you feel I'm spacing out.”His expression told me that he wasn't buying my lie, but thankfully, he let it go. I could feel the tears close. How could I tell him that the thought of him marrying Sarah made our friendship seem so...so final? If I was pretending before, now I really felt like I was losing him, every last bit of hope that we'd be together blown up.How could I tell him that my heart was shattering in a way it never had before, and I wasn't sure I'd ever heal?How?“I'm not sure I'll take Sarah's advice to invite the Krashingdowns to the wedding ceremony,” Mom said. “Their daughter, Eloise, has been Sarah's nemesis right from when they were little. It gets even worse because Eloise works in the same hospital with Sarah, and I'm sure she tries her best to outshine your sister. Not that she's ever successful. Sarah is that surgeon everyone trusts and wants to handle their cases. She's a star.”I gasped, looking up from the book I was reading. “Eloise now works at Elysium Healthcare?” I asked, surprised. How could that be? Eloise and I were pretty close. She was a sweet soul, and one of my best friends, and there was never a time I remember her disliking or even talking about Sarah. Yes, they weren't the best of friends, but Eloise kept to her lane. I wouldn't be surprised if Sarah had been feeding Mother lies about Eloise because she felt insecure. Eloise was also a hot-shot surgeon who knew her work quite well, and if she'd moved to Elysium Healt
“It feels so surreal, Elena. My little girl is going to be a bride soon. Oh, I'm so thankful,” Mother murmured as she rearranged the flowers in the replica of the arrangement she'd sent the church to be decorated with. We were in Dad's study now, where most of the planning was done. “You know, Elena, when you and Sarah were little, she was so sickly. I was worried she wouldn't live long enough to see the end of winter, or see the first day of spring. There were so many things I thought she'd never experience, yet here she is twenty-two years later, one of the most sought-after surgeon, about to marry one of the most eligible billionaires in the world. In the process, she's taking off the workload from me and your dad's shoulders, letting us retire at last, knowing our company is in safe hands, and will reach new heights soon.”A sharp stab of jealousy pierced my heart, causing me to look away. I was ridiculous of me to envy my twin sister, more so begrudge her the pride in Mother's ey
“Oh, come on now, Sarah,” I sighed, tightening my grip on the phone. “You promised that we'd attend the event together. How do you think your sister would feel? She was counting on you coming with me. This is the fourth time this month you're cancelling on me at the last minute. I would appreciate it if you give me an adequate notice before hand. Honestly, this sucks.”The phone rustled as she sighed. “I'm so sorry, Richy. I really wanted to be there tonight, you know that. I wanted to support Elena and be there with you, but we just got an emergency right now and I can't get away. I'm supposed to be in the theater by now, but I just wanted to let you know so you wouldn't be worried. I know you hate it when I leave you handing.”“I'm tired of the same excuses every time, Sarah. I'm trying to be caring and supportive as I can be, but you keep taking it for granted. I can't keep being the only one who's got to compromise. It's annoying.”“No one knows that better than me, love,” she sai
Once Elena finished her speech and announced the name of her book, the fundraising began. She got off the podium and went over to sign autographs, everyone cat calling, excited to have her so close. It was as though she was a goddess. Two women were crying as they told her about how her works had changed their lives. They were crying so hard that Elena began crying too. It was so beautiful to watch.“Mr. Delmonte! So glad you were able to make it.” I forced a smile onto my face as I reluctantly walked over to Jude Bellingham, the event's organizer, prepping myself mentally for the unnecessary small talk. As long as you were famous, gracing events like this had people treat you with so much pretentiousness. Too much ass-kissing from people who didn't give two fucks about who you were, but what your fame and wealth brought them. It was sickening to watch, let alone be an active participant.“Thank you once again for your generosity in letting us use this beautiful, spacious event center
My palms turned sweaty as I parked my car in front of the Williams mansion. It was Sarah and Elena's birthday today, and while I was happy to see Elena and celebrate with her, I couldn't say the same about Sarah. Things had not been the same between us for a while, and I was tired of ignoring it. I couldn't keep up with the pretense anymore.With barely three weeks to our wedding, every issue we'd ever had seemed amplified. Perhaps I'd lost interest, call it cold feet, but it felt bigger than that. There was a part of me that kept wondering if the only reason she and I even started dating was the knowledge that we'd end up eventually, through our arranged marriage.But the catch was... would we have? The woman my parents had chosen was Elena. If I hadn't...if that night hadn't happened, would I have been married to Elena now?I ran a hand through my hair and drew a shaky breath. It didn't matter now, did it? There was no going back in time to change anything, and loss of interest or n
“Guess what, Ponyo? I've got something for you too. You honestly didn't think I forgot that did you?”She pouted at me. “You know you didn't have to.”“I wanted to,” I said firmly, holding up a second paper bag I'd brought along with me. “What sort of best friend would I be if I don't get a birthday present for my best friend?”“Richy — ”“See what's inside first. Please.”She exhaled, taking the bag from me. “You're so sweet, it hurts,” she murmured. I watched her carefully as she unwrapped the box inside the bag, her eyes widening, my heart beating erratically. When was the last time I was nervous about something as simple as a gift?“Oh, Richard,” she gasped, and I breathed a sigh of relief. “Richard, this book isn't out yet! I got it on pre-order, but it won't be released till another six months gone by. How did you ever — ” she flipped it open, tears escaping her eyes when she saw the personally written note inside. It was from Nina Simone, her favorite romance author. “Is this...
“Are you home right now, babe?” The phone line rustled with Talia's yawn as she replied lazily. “I'm at Grandmother's place, Elena. She wanted us to have lunch together.”I bit my bottom lip, feeling a flash of guilt because it had been a while since I visited Grandmother Willow. I had been wallowing in my own sorrows too damn much lately.“Want to come over?” Talia asked in a singsong, that knowing stretch on the last word. I chuckled. “Is Richard there too?” He was the main reason why I had been avoiding Grandmother Willow's place. He went there a lot to seek her counsel, and due to the fact that I wanted to ensure we spent as little time as possible with each other as the wedding date drew closer, I had no choice but to stop visiting Grandmother altogether.Talia tsked. “If I told you the truth, you wouldn't want to come anymore.”That confirmed things for me. I exhaled as I glanced around my office, feeling so lonely. I needed someone to talk to. To share my pain with. “Alright
“You're a jerk, through and through!” Talia yelled at me from the backseat, before turning to Elena. “You think so too, right babe. He's a jerk, right?”Elena nodded. “A hundred percent,” she said before looking up, our gazes colliding in the rearview mirror, her eyes however unfocused. She belched, scrunching up her face at the putrid smell that left her mouth. “You're a fucking jerk. I hate you,” she whispered the last part, but I caught it anyway.Something about the way she said it hit me hard, and a dull ache I couldn't make sense out of rippled across my chest. I knew they were both drunk, and I shouldn't take what they were saying to heart, but I'd never seen Elena look at me with so much...so much disregard.“Ponyo? Is everything alright? Did I do something wrong?”She looked away, resting her head against Talia, the two if them snuggling close in the backseat. I sighed as I kept my attention forward, on the road, as I drove us home. I didn't understand a thing. Elena and Tali