Enemies To Soulmates

DANNY I stalked off and slid into my car, adrenaline still buzzing. My phone lit up with the only person who could adjust my blood pressure back to safe levels. Mom. I answered on the first ring. “Hello, my beautiful mom.” She laughed. “My handsome boy. Will you come home tonight? Your mother wants to see you.” “Say no more.” I grinned, already powering the car. “On my way.” Driving home always felt like speeding toward a soft place. Dad had “evicted” me at twenty...same as Asher, because, and I quote, “I can’t share your mother’s attention.” Princess got kicked out for five dramatic minutes once and still had a master key. Asher and I needed a formal invitation from the Queen herself. Tonight, I had it. When I walked into the living room, Mom was already on the couch waiting like a scene from a commercial: silk blouse, soft glow, the exact smile that had saved me a thousand times. I kissed her cheek and sprawled, head in her lap like I had since I was six. “I missed

KELLY The next day, I didn’t go anywhere. Didn’t step a foot in the office. I slept until my body had no more dreams left in it. When it was finally time to get ready for my so-called husband audition, I sat in front of the mirror and went all out. Flawless skin. Smoky eyes. Red lips. My hair loose, shining like fire under the light. When I tilted my head, I caught myself thinking, 'Wow. Imagine if he saw me like this. Poor man would probably propose before dessert.' Then I froze. No. This was too easy. I wasn’t here to impress anyone... I was here to assess him. See if he was worth my time, my secrets, my hair. Besides… wouldn’t it be fun to watch him underestimate me? I smiled to myself, grabbed a makeup wipe, and started erasing the masterpiece I’d just painted. Off went the lipstick, the shimmer, the smoky eyes. On went the mole, the thick glasses, and my trusty wig... the one that screamed “introvert librarian with no social life.” I swapped my dress for a shapeless,