The Man Who Saw Through Me
1363 Words
4
Let me give you a little backstory to really put things in perspective.
I’m not the middle child, but I might as well have been. Trina came out first, smiling, camera-ready, and I came out second, holding a pencil. She learned how to pose, I learned how to draw. She got the charm, I got the silence. And for some reason, that always made me… background noise.
Trina was the kind of girl who could slap you across the face and have you apologizing for getting in the way of her hand. People liked her. I don’t blame them. She was shiny, loud, and made you feel like the sun was paying attention to you. I just preferred shade.
But, get this straight. It wasn’t the typical nerd and popular girl cliché, it was more of a popular girl and normal students troupe. I was just a student with friends and my passion for the arts, she was a socialite and the center of attention. My mum loved her for it, and my dad, well, he just followed after whatever my mum did.
I say all this to pass across a point, I cannot play my mum’s favorite twin. The irony of that is so loud I could barely hear myself think.
“You’re serious about this,” I said. “What makes you actually think I can pull off being Trina?” I made a gesture to myself.
He sighed, rubbing his temple. “You’re overthinking it. Just act polite, composed, and don’t mention your art. Dylan doesn’t need to know that part yet.”
“Oh yeah, because nothing screams Trina like ‘polite and composed.”
“Toni, please. Your mother doesn’t believe you fit Dylan Thompson’s caliber. We can’t risk this deal falling apart because of an image issue. Just do what you can, you already look like her it should not be too hard.”
“So I’m not wife material, but I’m good enough to cosplay as her so your empire doesn’t crumble. Got it.” I laughed—low, bitter.
I stood up to get out of here as fast as I could when my father’s voice made me pause.
“He requested to meet Trina,” he said. “Before the ceremony.”
I blinked. “What?”
“He sent a car, which is waiting for you in the driveway. Just… do your best.”
“Right. I’ll just Trina my way through it,” I muttered.
“Thank you. That will be all. I wanted you to know, I love your work. I even bought one for my building.” He smiled at me like it was supposed to mean something.
“Good for you,” I said as I got out of my chair to leave. I paused before asking, “Why do you even need someone to marry this dude anyway?”
“Look,” he said finally, voice steady, deliberate, “it’s not about romance. It’s about stability, alliances… making sure what we build doesn’t crumble the moment someone new walks in.”
My eyes narrowed. “So… I’m just a piece?”
He leaned forward, palms flat on the polished wood of his desk. “Not a piece. A safeguard. Marriage, in our world, isn’t just vows. It’s a legal tool. Contracts, property, investments—everything becomes simpler when there’s a bond that the law recognizes. You marry strategically, and suddenly, partnerships, real estate deals, construction ventures… they’re easier to manage, easier to protect. Without it? Everything we worked for could be split, challenged, or walked away from.”
I rolled my eyes at his explanation and walked out. I cannot retort because the only reason I agreed is because I could get something out of it. Maybe he was right.
I power-walked through the house, I needed to escape this emotional turmoil of a house. I stepped out the front door to see a black out Escalade waiting for me. A chauffeur opened the door for me and helped me get into the backseat.
Ooo, fancy.
The drive through the streets was blurred as I was still reeling from the past few days. One minute you can’t seem to paint, and the next you are marrying a billionaire. At least I was able to complete the painting and get it out by the deadline.
Think positive thoughts, look at the bright side. Exposure, your gallery, and a hot, young, and wealthy husband. A great deal, and all you had to sacrifice was your identity as Toni and replace it with your twin sister’s.
A great deal indeed.
We pulled up to a place that seemed like a restaurant. I was led through the main floor, up the stairs, and to an enclosed area. Then I saw him – Dylan Thompson. He was exactly as I imagined. He was in a compression shirt that framed his physique nicely and had on casual trousers. He was incredibly handsome, with his full lips, thick brows, and slightly upturned eyes. His face was not smiling, but it was not scowling either. He watched me curiously as I was seated across the table from him.
He c****d his head to the side and squinted his eyes at me. I could not see my face, but I am sure I scowled at him. His lips lifted in a smirk before he reached his hands towards me for a handshake.
“Hello Toni.” His deep voice vibrated.
Well, guess I didn’t get time to play pretend.
“What do you mean? It’s me, Trina.” I tried to save it. To be honest, I did not put effort in the save, and his raised eyebrow told me I failed.
“Really?” He smiled at me. He had nice teeth.
Focus Toni.
“Hah… What gave it away?” I asked leaning back into my seat. I drank the glass of water that the waiter had efficiently provided for me.
“You looked different from her.”
“We are twins.” I deadpanned. He burst out in laughter. Damnnn, I am happy I said yes to this marriage.
“I don’t know. You dress differently, walk differently, and you look like you do not want to be here. That’s what made me know.” He said, resting his arms on the table.
“I guess… You asked to meet. Why?”
“I got the answer I wanted. I was curious about the added terms, but now that I know that I am marrying the other sister, who is a popular artist, I know why.” He fixed his gaze on me.
“You know my art?” I asked, but I wasn’t surprised. I have said it before, I am pretty well known and have sold a lot of art.
“Anyone with taste knows your art. This new development is not unwelcome, though. I can iron out the adjustment to the marriage certificate with my lawyer. If I am marrying Toni, I want the name on the certificate to say Toni.”
Guess my parents were worried about nothing, Dylan Thompson seemed to think I was in his caliber.
“How thorough, I can send all the documents needed. That was easier than I thought.” I said, leaning back in relief. At least I did not have to pretend I was my twin the entire duration of my married life.
“It is not that easy, though. I was blindsided, and if I did not realize who you were, I would have been deceived. You owe me one, okay?”
I sat up straight and stared at him. He had a smile on his face, but behind it I could tell he was serious.
“What do you want from me?” I asked cautiously.
“Relax, darling, it’s nothing serious. You will know in due time; for now, just eat. Let’s get to know each other, Toni.”
He gestured for the waiter to come our order. I could feel it in my stomach that I was in for a time with him. One I could not avoid.
- Writer
