Chapter 2

**CHLOE**

“Jeffrey...” I said softly, feeling goosebumps rupture all over my skin.

“Is this real?” Tears streamed down my cheeks. I held myself at arms length, fearing my mind was playing games on me.

“It's me,” he said, closing the distance between us.

“What happened? Tell me everything.” I looked into his eyes, my hands around his neck.

“You left so suddenly after the wedding..." I didn't even try to stop my tears. "And why does everyone think you're dead?” 

He freed himself from my embrace and took a deep breath. 

“Say something, Jeff! You're driving me crazy,” I said, raising my voice.

“You know I love you, right?” he said, holding my hands, and I nodded in affirmation.

"And I've always wanted a good life for us," he said, taking a breath. "I'm not Jeffrey. My brother is," he said hurriedly, as if to stop his voice from breaking.

“And now… you're the widow of a billionaire..” His eyes lit, and there was a tint of excitement and jealousy in his tone. 

“Think of the possibilities! Imagine... A new life abroad...” His eyes burned with exhilaration, a stark contrast to the emptiness around me.

He paused, and then his eyes rested on my face. It seemed he was searching for a flicker of understanding, betrayal, or anger, but my face remained blank.

Wait, what?

“So.. you lied to me. You impersonated your brother… you married me..” my voice cracking, each word laced with the icy realization of betrayal, “do you even realize how sick this is?!” I snarled.

“I did this all for you, baby. I want us to live together happily and comfortably.” He stretched his hands to hold mine.

I wrenched my hand away from his. "You killed your brother for this?!" Ice-cold fear clawed at my throat. Burning anger boiled in my gut, consuming me whole. 

I feel sick.

“Did you even love me..” I cut short, 

“Whatever your name is, or was I just a pawn in your stupid game?” I said, tears welling up.

“Robert. It's Robert,” he replied, ignoring my question. 

Who the hell is this guy?

"Just leave my room!" My heart is racing..

 "And I want no part in your games. I'm leaving first thing tomorrow."

"Calm down," he strode towards me, "we can talk things out.”

“Leave!” I repeated, pointing at the door. "Else, I'll scream.” 

I heard a knock on the door, and Lily walked in when I didn't respond.

“Fine, if that's how you want it,” his eyes darkened, “but you'll regret this.” His shoulders brushed past Lily roughly as he stormed out of the room.

“You've got to be kidding me,” Lily let out a sarcastic laugh. “Wasn’t he supposed to be six feet under?”

Not now, Lily.

“So.. As if hiding his wealth wasn't enough, he also faked his own death?” Lily continued when I didn't respond, “wow, that's really something.” 

“No,” I said, trying to hold back the tears gathering in my eyes. “He's not Jeffrey.” 

“What do you mean he's not Jeffrey?”

“He lied,” Lily's eyes were still fixed on me, she was waiting for an explanation. 

“He posed as his brother and got married to me.” My voice broke, “all just to steal his brother's fortune through me.”

“What? ” She stood in shock for a while,

“Oh, my, Chloe…” She rushed over to the bed, her hands enveloping me in a warm embrace. My sobs dissolved into the comfort of her touch, lulling me to sleep. Lily and I went back home the next day, even before sunrise. 

We spent a week at home and now I had to go back to Jeffrey's mansion.

“So you're really going back to that house?” Lily asked as she watched me fold my clothes into a bag.

The events of the past week flashed through my mind.

I have to go back, I have to keep my family safe.

“You saw what Robert is capable of," 

my heart sank, if only I hadn't brought that monster into our lives. 

I zipped up my bag. “He said he'll do worse if I don't show up at the mansion today.”

I took a deep breath. “I honestly don't want to test that monster.”

“Then I'll go with you,” she stated flatly. I knew arguing was pointless.  

Black-suited men stood in every corner of Jeffrey's mansion, some flanking the entrance, others patrolling along the house's far side, where a fountain stood. I could bet the shadows held more unseen figures. The last time I was here, I assumed they were only there because of the funeral.

I walked to my room, Mary trailing behind with my bag. I was a bit relieved we didn't run into Helen or Rachel on our way in. 

“Do you need anything else?” Mary asked. She had finished unpacking my bags, even though I insisted that I could manage.

“No, thank you, Mary,” I said, and a warm smile stretched across her face. She was the only one who seemed to like me in the house. Well, I won't be staying for long.

Robert had sent me a message earlier, saying he'd be out for a few days and I'd be free to leave once the paperwork was done. Of course, he didn't fail to leave a reminder about the consequences of betrayal.

“It's been a long day; I should probably check up on Lily,” I murmured to myself as I got out of the shower and threw on my pink nightwear.

I stepped out of my room and into the corridor.

“Her name is Chloe?” I heard a deep baritone say, it was far too different from Robert’s high-pitched squeak.

The conversation dissolved into hushed whispers.

I should ignore it, nothing good comes out of being nosy.

I took a few steps and then stopped in my tracks.

Ugh, what are they saying about me though?

I should probably just check who that is.

My palms trailed silently along the rail of the stairs. 

"Are you Chloe?" A man sporting a cast on his right arm and bandages around his head, standing beside Helen, asked as I walked in, even before I had a chance to take in his appearance.

I paused, taking in his appearance. A wave of realization crashed over me. 

Oh, God. 

I felt my head spinning; the room seemed to tilt. My chest hammered against my ribs, and my lungs begged for oxygen from me, subconsciously holding my breath. Darkness crept at the edges of my vision slowly, and with a soft thud, everything faded to black.

I hadn't met him before. But from the pictures, I knew exactly who he was.