Twice the Trouble, Twice the Desire

Veronica's POV: It was my engagement day, but I couldn't bring myself to feel happy. I was pretty sure the groom felt the same way. A few months ago, my family went bankrupt. My dad was so devastated that he collapsed and ended up in the hospital. He still hadn't woken up. I should be thankful the Glenmore family didn't call off the engagement. The party still went on as planned, like nothing had happened. Honestly, I didn't care who I married anymore. My mind's stuck on one thing—how to pull my family out of this mess. My best friend Aria leaned in and said, "Nicky, this is the most extravagant party I've ever been to. You're the most stunning woman in the room!" Since my family fell apart, all my so-called friends vanished. Aria was the only one who stuck around. I gave a half-smile, replying, "You're so sweet. The Glenmores have deep pockets and even deeper pride. They weren't gonna skimp on the show." This was all just a deal, and I knew what I brought to the table. I was elegant, beautiful, and scandal-free. My family was decent before we went bankrupt. On paper, I was the perfect bride for the Glenmores. Aria lowered her voice and asked, "Hey, do you like Nash?" I shook my head. "We've only met a few times. What do you think?" She looked disappointed. "Don't you feel... I don't know, a little reluctant?" My eyes stung for a second. I instantly turned around and grabbed a cup of ice cream from the table, handing it to her. I said, "You know, arranged marriages don't come with choices. I'll just have to figure out how to stay positive." Aria took the cup and scooped a big bite. "I eat sweets when I'm down. You can come to me whenever you feel the same. I'll always be here with you, got it?" My eyes stung with emotion, and tears welled up. I said, "Oh, Aria, that means a lot to me." I couldn't mess up my makeup now. I had to keep smiling. Aria was a bit chubby, and she had an insane love for food. My mind drifted as I watched her devour that ice cream. I barely know Nash. The only reason I even have the slightest soft spot for him was that he kinda reminded me of someone from five years ago... That memory was fuzzy now, buried under too much time and too much pain. Still, that little resemblance was the only thing giving this engagement the tiniest bit of warmth. Just then, there was a small commotion by the rose arch. A group of people walked in, their steps calm and confident. Leading them was a man in a well-tailored black suit. He was tall and broad-shouldered, and every movement exuded innate superiority. He immediately became the center of attention. The guests stopped chatting and came up to greet him. I wondered, 'Nash? But Nash has already arrived, hasn't he?' I was confused, and Aria leaned in again, glancing around. "Might not be Nash. I heard he's got a twin brother, but I've never seen him." I stared at him for a good while. This man was like a spitting image of Nash. But he seemed to be more in control, more composed. I was about to get a better look when two women stopped me. "Sweetheart, the wedding dress is, wow! You brought the designer's sketch to life!" They looked me up and down in awe. "Runway models don't hold a candle to your grace." "Can we get a photo together?" "Add me, please." I smiled and nodded at them. They immediately called over a waiter to snap the photo for us. The fishtail gown hugged my curve perfectly, and the hand-sewn crystals on it sparkled in the setting sun. After taking the photos, the two women left, Only then did I realize Nash had been gone for a while. Lifting the hem of my dress, I started searching the venue. The male guests kept sneaking glances towards me. Some stopped chatting and raised their glasses when I passed. I gave them my brightest smile, leaving them with the image they came for. This was my role, after all. Then I saw him. That tall figure ahead. The custom suit fit him like a glove, accentuating his perfect shoulders and back. Without thinking, I walked up and hooked my arm through his. "Nash, you left me hanging for so long..." The two men who were talking fell silent and stared at me, clearly startled. I looked up and was greeted by sharp features and a pair of stormy gray-blue eyes. 'That is Nash, right? But why does he just look so confused?' Then the guy beside him burst out laughing. He smacked the man I was holding on the shoulder and could hardly hold back his laughter. "Max, I knew this would happen one day. You guys look so much alike. Even Nash's fiancée can't tell you guys!" I wondered, 'He's Max? Not Nash?' I froze for a second and looked even closer. Yeah, they were nearly identical, but there was something different. This guy was cool and reserved, while Nash always came off as cocky and reckless. My face burned. I quickly pulled my arms back and stepped to the side. "Hi, Max. Sorry, I mistook you for Nash." The laughing guy, face red from the laughter, finally caught his breath. He explained to me, "He's Maxwell, Nash's twin brother. He's been abroad for a few years on some projects. Just got back." Maxwell turned to me with a polite smile. "Sorry, I missed the earlier parts. Congratulations, by the way." The other guy was still cracking up, holding onto Max like he'd fall over. I was mortified. I turned and made a beeline for the house. Normally, I steer clear of gossip and small talk, and today, I walked straight into disaster. With burning cheeks, I fled inside the house. Thank goodness no one was inside, and it gave me a second to breathe. This place was massive—four floors above ground, two below, which was way bigger than my old home. I'd only been here twice, so I didn't know the layout all that well. 'Maybe Nash's in here somewhere,' I thought. I wandered aimlessly in the large house. The hallway was silent, except for a faint sound coming from somewhere nearby... Curious, I moved towards it.