The Real Zoe

Chapter 5

CHLOE'S POV

I sat facing Austin in a softly lit restaurant, my fingers playing with the long part of my wine glass. A soft classical music was playing in the background. The setting was romantic–low lights, people were talking softly, and waiters moved quietly, attending to guests. 

I still can’t believe this was happening, even as I drank my wine.

Austin actually asked me out on a date. I did not see that coming. 

We have been married for months and our relationship had been nothing more than an arrangement. He was carrying out his duty as a father, and I was playing my role as his wife. There has been no affection between us, and we didn't make any effort to be anything more than two people living under the same roof for the sake of Jamie. 

But now?

Now, we were sitting facing each other, looking at each other secretly, exchange a few words, and even trying to hold hands over the table. It still felt a little weird, it didn't feel natural, but we were trying.

And for me, that was everything.

Austin had no romantic feelings for me, I knew that. But if I can make this work, if I can make him believe that I'm Zoe, his real wife, then maybe, I can make him fall for me.

And if I can make him fall in love with me, then my future will be secure. I won't have to worry about anything again.

Austin drank from his wine, then rested back a little in his chair, looking at me closely. “I know this may seem… unexpected,” he spoke quietly and carefully.

I laughed softly, trying to keep myself under control. “A little.”

He gave me a rare smile. “I thought...if we're going to do this, then it should be done the right way.”

His words made me feel happy. ‘The right way.’

I nodded, offering him a soft smile. “That would be nice.”

Austin looked satisfied with my answer, and for a moment, that made me feel like everything was going the way I wanted.

Then he said something that made me feel sick.

“I'm attending an event in few weeks time. A launch party for Owen Pratt’s new company.”

I blinked. “Owen Pratt? The millionaire?”

Austin nodded. “He had personally invited me. And I’ll like you to come with me.”

My heart beat faster. I have never been to any of Austin’s business events before, I have always been careful to avoid any situation that would make anyone notice that I'm not Zoe. But if I refused now, it would only raise suspicion. 

I forced a smile. “I'd love to.”

**************************

The Night of the Launching event 

The place look beautiful, it had elegant lights and the floors were shining. The place was full of rich and famous, important people, wearing expensive dresses and nice suits. They were having small talks about business, and laughing while holding their glasses of champagne. 

Austin put his hand on my back, walking me through the place, introducing me to his friends. 

“This is my wife, Zoe,” he said that many, many times.

I felt sick to my stomach each time, I smiled, shook hands, took compliments, and acted like I belonged here.

I was still feeling nervous, but then I started to relax.

I drank champagne, smiled at Austin’s friends, and even allow myself enjoy the way he was paying more attention to me. Maybe this was working after all.

Then, a voice from behind made my entire body go rigid.

“Austin Perkins.”

Austin turned when he heard his name, I took a deep breathe and turned with him.

Owen Pratt stood before us, he looked very rich and powerful. He is tall, has dark hair and green eyes, wearing a fancy suit. He smiled and offered his hand.

Austin shook it firmly. “Owen. Impressive event.”

“Thank you for coming.” Owen said and nodded his head in appreciation. “I was thinking we could work on something together. I believe can accomplish great things together.”

Austin nodded in agreement. “I would like to know more.”

Then he turned to me.

“And of course, Mrs. Perkins.” He offered his hand, and I paused before taking his hand. His hold was strong and warm. But the way he looked at me made me feel uneasy.

“I have heard so much about you.” He said smoothly. 

I stiffened. 

‘Heard so much about me?’

I forced a polite smile. “You have?”

“Yes,” Owen nodded, looking at Austin. 

I blinked. But before I could process the unease creeping up my spine, Owen continued.

“Let me introduce you both to someone very important. My business partner and the co-owner of this new company.” Owen said turning slightly. 

I stopped breathing for a second.

A woman walked up, her high heels made a soft clicking sound.

I couldn’t see clearly. My heart was beating fast.

It felt like nothing was moving.

She looked exactly like me.

Zoe.

The real Zoe. My twin sister. 

She's dressed in a deep green gown that fit her perfectly, her hair was styled neatly, she looked strong and confident. She looked different from the woman I grew up with, the woman I had left bleeding on the floor weeks ago.

But what made my stomach twist was the way Owen introduced her.

“This is Chloe,” Owen said. “My business partner.”

Chloe.

She was using my name.

My legs felt weak. Everything started spinning, like I had just been hit with really hard.

Zoe’s gave me a slow, knowing smile. She moved forward smoothly, looking at me with an unreadable expression. 

She didn't look angry and that scared me.

She looked amused.

She knows.

She knew everything. 

She moved forward, her expression warm and affectionate. She threw her arms around me in an embrace. 

“Zoe,” she said sweetly and hugging me really tight. I've missed you so much.”

I couldn’t move. Couldn’t think.

Zoe moved back, holding my arms as she stared into my eyes.

“It's so good to see you, sister.” She said. Then she squeezed my hands before she let go.

My face turned white. She was standing in front of me, calling me Zoe–her own name.

I had spent months stealing her life, convincing myself that she was gone forever. 

But she wasn't gone. She was right here.

My entire body trembled. I could feel Austin standing beside me, looking back and forth between me and Zoe, his expression changing from shock to confusion. 

“Hold on…His voice was slow, careful. “You're…” He turned to me. “You're twins?” Austin asked, sounding completely surprised. 

I swallowed hard, totally dumbfounded.