Twice The Lies

Chapter Three: "Yes, I do (ii)"

Chapter Three. Yes, I do (ii)

"Wh…what?" I stammered, my phone still clutched tightly in my hand as I turned to meet his cold gaze staring down at me. “Oh, it's just…a friend." I forced a nervous laugh.

Alexander's brows lifted slightly. "A friend? I mean, you sounded pretty tense; that's why I'm asking.”

“Ye… Yeah. I, uhmm… was just talking to a friend. I was kind of disappointed that she did not turn up for the wedding. It's nothing serious.”

For a moment, he watched me, silent as a rock. I noticed the first few buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing a part of his broad chest. His tie was loosened, barely hanging over his neck.

Then, he walked over to where I stood, his eyes soft and unwavering. “You look… different. I mean, in a beautiful way.”

“Th… Thank you,” I stammered, unsure of what was coming next.

There was this fire in his eyes, burning like a newly found desire. “No. I mean it. You are beautiful, Valeria.” His hands gently reached out to my cheeks.

I wanted to back away, but the warmth of his palms on my cheeks crippled me. I gasped when he suddenly grabbed my waist and pulled me closer to him. Lord, the scent of his body intoxicated me.

“Wh…what are you doing?” I muttered under my breath, surprised at the sound of my own voice.

Alexander only smiled. “I don't know either. But right now all I want to do is you.” Without warning, he leaned forward and kissed me.

I let out a moan the moment his lips touched mine. It was as if the world around me ceased to exist.

His lips were so soft yet commanding at the same time. There was a taste that came with it, a taste that pushed me to kiss back, deeper than he had kissed me.

I felt as his right hand slide up my back while the other stayed firm around my waist, keeping me pressed tightly against him. My heart pounded so violently, I could swear he felt it through my chest.

I forgot who I was supposed to be. For a moment, I was no longer Valeria; I was Victoria, kissing my sister's husband.

“My sister's husband!” Those words echoed in my head. “Don't ruin this for your sister!” My mother's voice followed suit, reminding me of the lie I was living.

My eyes opened as the reality of what I was doing hit me hard. I immediately pushed away from him, gasping for air. My lips still tingled from the kiss.

Alexander stared at me, his face visibly confused and slightly breathless.

“I…I can’t,” I whispered, taking a shaky step away from him. “I'm sorry, I should not have done that.” I couldn't even meet his eyes. Regret flushed over me immediately, cursing me for giving in.

Alexander let out a sigh. “I understand.” Then he turned away from me, jaw clenching. “I know I made a deal with you, and I just stepped out of line.”

Curiosity swept over me again, and for a moment, I forgot we had just kissed. I wanted to question him about this ‘deal’ he had with my sister, but then I realized it would only raise more suspicion about my true identity. Instead, I played along.

“Yeah, you stepped out of line, and we shouldn't be doing that,” I said, edging him further to talk.

Alexander glanced at me and turned away immediately, and for a moment, I saw guilt in his eyes.

“You're right. Sapphire is the only reason we got married in the first place, and we should stick with that.”

I blinked, visibly confused. “Sapphire? Who's that?”

He smirked faintly, amused by my ignorance. “It's late. Get some rest. Tomorrow morning, you'll get to see her.” Without saying another word, he stepped further away, loosening his tie ever so gracefully.

I swallowed hard, watching him unbutton the rest of his shirt, revealing his broad shoulders, which had veins faintly wired along his forearms.

When he turned to face me, I could fully see his bare upper body, designed like a Greek god of some kind. Then he disappeared into the bathroom, leaving me standing there, eyes begging for more.

*****

The next morning came later than I expected. I spent the previous night battling with my hormones as I watched the Greek god sleep peacefully beside me.

Mum had sent a text, reminding me to keep up with the pretense and not ruin things for my dear sister.

I had also texted Valeria, asking her when she would return to take her rightful place, but her only response was a smiley emoji.

Now here I was, seated beside Alexander in his Lamborghini as we rolled past the wrought-iron gates of the DeLuca Mansion. He had been awfully quiet with me since the kiss we shared the previous night.

I couldn’t help the small gasp that escaped my lips when the mansion finally came into view. It stood like a palace from another world, with marble pillars, sculpted fountains, and gardens so vast they looked like they belonged in a fairy tale. Even the driveway was lined with roses and trimmed hedges shaped to perfection.

“It's beautiful,” I muttered, but he barely smiled when he looked ahead like it meant nothing to him.

Guards surrounded the entire view, welcoming him in a rigid posture. The moment I stepped out, the soft scent of different flowers filled my nostrils, giving me a sense of nature in its purest form.

For a moment, my eyes caught a glimpse of a figure staring down at us through one of the windows, but before I could get a proper look at it, the heavy oak doors opened, and an elderly woman stepped forward with a warm smile.

“Good morning, Mrs. DeLuca,” she greeted us with a warm and motherly tone. “Welcome home.”

I smiled back nervously. “Thank you, ma'am. It's a pleasure to meet you, too.” I noticed her gray uniform was very neat, with her silver hair pulled into a bun at the back.

“Her name is Mrs. Rosalina Johnson,” Alexander said from behind. “She has been with the DeLuca family since I can remember. She deserves all the respect,” he added, stressing the last sentence.

“Don't mind him, dear. You can just call me Nanny Rosa,” she corrected.

I bowed faintly. “It's a pleasure, ma'am… I mean, Nanny Rosa.”

Nanny Rosa smiled once again, stretching out her hands to meet mine. “Come, dear. Let me show you around. I can't wait to see the look on Sapphire’s face when she sees you.”

At the mention of the name, I perked up. “Sapphire… that’s who Alexander was talking about?”

Nanny Rosa nodded. “Yes, my child. Come quickly, there's a lot I want to show you,” she said, and I followed her from behind.

I turned to see Alexander still standing at the same spot. He had a look of worry painted all over his face, like he dreaded what was about to happen.

My heart raced. What the hell was I getting myself into?