I Replaced Her, Now I Choose to Let Go

When the mob boss set his sights on her twin sister, the sister who already had the love of her life dropped to her knees in tears and begged. "Please, Renata... help me." And just like that, Renata Stone took her sister's place and became Douglas Warren's kept woman. Three years later, the sister who had disappeared without a trace suddenly came back, accusing Renata of stealing her identity. Furious, Douglas locked her in a basement for three days and three nights. Renata never defended herself, never cried or made a scene. The first thing she did after walking out was schedule an abortion. Then she signed the papers refusing treatment. No one knew that the brain cancer eating away at her had already reached its final stage. ***** She did not have much time left. When Renata reached for the pen, the doctor sitting across from her hesitated, sympathy written all over his face. "You should really let your family know," the doctor said carefully. "If you cooperate with treatment, there might still be a chance..." For a split second, Douglas and Carlin Stone's face flashed through her mind. But Renata let out a quiet, bitter laugh. No. They were not family. She did not have family anymore. Slowly, carefully, Renata signed her name on the consent form declining treatment, every stroke deliberate. Then she stood and bowed politely. "Thank you for everything these past few days." The doctor sighed, his voice heavy. "Then for this last month... at least be kind to yourself." Renata gave a faint nod. "Okay." She moved toward the exit at an unhurried pace when hurried footsteps suddenly echoed down the hallway. "Renata!" Carlin rushed over, eyes full of panic. She grabbed Renata by the shoulders and looked her up and down, checking her over like she was afraid something terrible had happened. Only after a moment did she finally exhale. "Thank God you're okay... but why do you look so skinny?" Her voice sounded genuinely worried, painfully gentle. Renata stayed silent. Carlin sighed helplessly. "Three years apart and you're still the same, huh? So quiet." She reached out instinctively, trying to ruffle Renata's hair like she always used to. Renata tilted her head away before she even realized it. Carlin's hand froze awkwardly in midair. Renata had always been quiet. Nothing like her twin. After their parents died in a car crash, the two sisters had only each other. Carlin went to school while juggling four different part time jobs just to raise her, yet still smiled and lied. "Mom and Dad left us plenty of money, we'll be fine for a long time." Because Renata was shy and withdrawn, she got bullied at school. Carlin once grabbed a stick and fought a whole group of kids for her. She even broke an arm. Still, afterward, she smiled and comforted her. "Don't be scared, nobody's gonna mess with you again." Renata grew up under Carlin's protection. Carlin had been her whole world. So when she took Carlin's place and became Douglas's kept woman, letting her sister stay with the man she truly loved, Renata never blamed her. When Carlin vanished overseas for three years without a single word, Renata never blamed her. Even now, if Carlin wanted her identity back, Renata still would not blame her. But why was the first thing Carlin said after they reunited was "It was her. She got greedy for money and luxury, used our matching face to steal my identity!" Renata lowered her gaze. Carlin waited, but no response came. Sadness flickered across her face. "Renata... are you mad at me? Or did you actually fall for that man? Did you start liking the life of being someone's kept woman? What did I teach you growing up?" Renata looked up in disbelief. For a brief second, the woman standing in front of her felt like a complete stranger. Carlin met her eyes, her expression softening again. Her tone turned gentle, coaxing. "Be good, okay? Just hang in there a little longer. Once Douglas calms down and forgives you, I'll marry him. Then we'll finally have a good life." Renata lowered her eyes again. Her voice came out soft, almost too quiet to hear. "But... I won't make it that long." "What?" Before Carlin could press further, heavy footsteps approached. A low, cold voice followed. "What are you doing here?" Douglas strode over, tall and imposing. The first thing he did was look at Renata. His eyes swept over her from head to toe, lingering for only a second before he looked away like it meant nothing. His tone turned hard. "If you're fine, why are you at the hospital? Trying to play the victim?" Renata paused. She shook her head slowly. "No, I..." "Enough." Douglas cut her off, impatience flashing across his face. "I only came to tell you one thing. You don't need to go to the Newford Academy of Fine Arts anymore." Renata snapped her head up. For the first time, her voice rose. "What? Why?!" "Because you got something that was never yours to begin with." Her fingers clenched instinctively. "But I got in on my own..." Douglas lifted a hand, cutting her off. His gaze was ice cold. "You really think you could've done it without my connections? Renata, things that don't belong to you always have to be paid back eventually."