A Clean Break

Hearing those voice messages froze the blood in my veins.

In a panic, I pinched my thigh, desperate to confirm if this was a nightmare.

Amid the pounding of my heart, the harsh reality hit me. My sister, Yvette Chandler, and my boyfriend, Gabriel Johnson, were a thing. I was just Yvette's stand-in.

But how was that even possible? They always seemed to hate each other.

Yvette said that Gabriel was just a good-for-nothing spoiled rich kid with a prestigious family background.

Likewise, Gabriel thought Yvette was a nosy meddler who always pushed me to break up with him every time we fought.

The sudden buzz of an incoming WhatsApp call jolted me from my thoughts. I stared blankly at the screen before rejecting it.

"Why aren't you answering?"

Gabriel messaged me.

"Don't tell me you're crying.

"Come to Mirage Villa. I'll make it up to you tonight.

"Relax, marriage is just a formality. You'll have whatever Melanie gets, including me."

As I stared blankly at the screen, I heard a buzzing sound in my ears, as if my soul had left my body. Tears fell uncontrollably.

Through the haze, I remembered the first time I'd brought Yvette to that villa.

Even without my guidance, she effortlessly found the bathroom and the cleanser in the storage cabinet.

Later, I discovered her phone had already connected to the Wi-Fi. She claimed she instinctively used my social media password.

Gabriel's corgi adored her. She said it was because she smelled like me. But that dog never tolerated me, even when I bribed it with toys and treats. Yet, it wagged its tail at Yvette, whom it was meeting for the first time.

Then there were the luxury bags, couture dresses, and jewelry Yvette owned—identical to mine.

Some were given by Gabriel under the pretense of "gifts for the future sister-in-law". Others, she said, were presents from admirers.

Whenever I pressed for details, she dodged the questions. I thought she was shy. But it turned out that she had something to hide.

I replayed moments from our shopping trips when they'd bicker and try to outdo each other in front of me.

A few times, their heated arguments ended in sudden laughter. I'd been so naïve, celebrating their "improved" relationship.

This shameless couple played me for a fool, treating me like a toy in their twisted game.

I cried until my eyes swelled and my head spun. Then I grabbed my car keys and sped to Mirage Villa.

Mirage was Gabriel's private clubhouse, currently hosting his bachelor party. Gabriel was there, and so was Yvette.

Standing outside the gated property, I spotted them at the outdoor bar.

Gabriel seemed drunk. His chiseled face was flushed red from alcohol. With a dazed look in his eyes, he wrapped an arm around Yvette's neck and whispered in her ear.

Yvette pouted in feigned disdain and tugged at his tie.

Around them, a group of guys laughed and cheered.

Gabriel flicked his bangs, purposely leaned back, and flashed a mischievous smile as if he had just pulled off a prank.

Yvette gasped and toppled onto his lap.

Seeing that, Gabriel wrapped his arm around her and kissed her under the dim lights of the outdoor bar. Around them, cheers and whistles erupted.

Some popped champagne to celebrate, while others raised their phones to take pictures. There were also those laughing and teasing.

"Gabriel, you're getting married to Melanie the day after tomorrow, and here you are making out with her sister? Isn't that a bit inappropriate?"

"Haha! What happens in Mirage stays in Mirage. Even if Gabriel goes all the way with Yvette tonight, Melanie will never find out."