MARRIED TO THE WRONG TWIN

Chapter 5 – The Luncheon

The limousine purred softly as it slid through the city streets. I sat rigid against the leather seat, my hands twisting the fabric of the pale blue dress Adrian’s assistant had delivered that morning. It fit perfectly, as though it had been made for Elara’s body—not mine.

Adrian sat beside me, immaculate in his suit, scrolling through his phone with the kind of focus that made even silence feel dangerous. He hadn’t spoken to me since we left the penthouse, but his presence filled every corner of the car, sharp and commanding.

When the driver stopped before the grand glass building, flashes from cameras exploded like gunfire. Reporters swarmed the entrance, shouting questions, shoving microphones forward.

“Mr. Kane! How does it feel to be married?”

“Mrs. Kane, can we see your ring?”

“Is it true this was an arranged match?”

My breath caught. The crowd pressed closer, and for a moment, panic clawed at my throat.

Adrian’s hand clamped around mine—firm, unyielding. To the world, it looked protective. To me, it felt like chains.

“Smile,” he ordered through clenched teeth, his lips curved in a perfect mask for the cameras.

I forced the corners of my mouth upward, my heart pounding as we swept past the flashing lights and into the glittering hall.

⸻

The luncheon was a blur of crystal chandeliers, golden place settings, and powerful people who whispered behind jeweled hands. I could feel their eyes on me, measuring, judging.

“Elara, darling,” a woman with a diamond choker purred as she approached, air-kissing my cheeks. “You look… different. Marriage has already changed you.”

My pulse raced. What would Elara have said? I swallowed hard, trying to summon her charm.

“Yes,” I said softly, forcing a smile. “Marriage has a way of… reminding us what truly matters.”

The woman blinked, startled. Then she gave a slow nod, as if I had spoken something profound. She drifted away, whispering to her companions.

Relief washed through me. One battle survived.

⸻

But Adrian’s gaze was on me, sharp and calculating. He leaned down, his voice barely above a whisper.

“That was clever,” he murmured. “Not like you at all.”

My stomach dropped. Did he suspect?

Before I could reply, a man from across the room raised his glass. “To Adrian Kane and his new wife!”

Applause erupted. All eyes turned to us. Adrian’s hand slid to my back, guiding me to stand.

“Say something,” he commanded under his breath.

My knees nearly buckled. A room full of strangers, their expectant eyes burning into me. If I faltered now, if I failed, everything would collapse.

I lifted my glass, my hand trembling, and prayed my voice wouldn’t shake.

“Thank you,” I began, my throat tight. “They say marriage is a leap of faith… and I suppose they’re right. But I promise you this—I will honor this union, not only as a wife, but as someone who believes love can turn strangers into family.”

The room hushed. Then came polite nods, scattered smiles, soft applause.

When I lowered the glass, my chest ached. Had I said the right thing?

I dared a glance at Adrian.

His expression was unreadable, his lips pressed into a line. But his eyes… for the briefest second, they softened.

Then, just as quickly, the steel returned.

“Well played,” he said quietly, his voice unreadable. “Who are you, Elara?”

My heart lurched, my secret coiling tighter like a noose.

Because the truth was, I wasn’t Elara at all.

And one day, he would know.