Revenge for My Twin SisChapter 1: The Great Pretender
Pain exploded across my back as I slammed onto the cold marble floor. The impact rattled through my spine, a sharp sting spreading through my body like wildfire. My vision blurred, the chandelier above me spinning in dizzying circles. A strangled groan escaped my lips as I forced myself to breathe through the pain.
I had barely registered what had happened when I heard the sound of high-pitched, exaggerated sobs from the top of the staircase.
That little devil.
I pushed myself up, gritting my teeth against the ache. My gaze snapped upward, and there he was—Lukas Trayson.
The eight-year-old menace stood at the top of the stairs, sniffling dramatically, his small fists rubbing at his tearless eyes. He looked innocent, but I knew better. That kid was a walking disaster, and judging by the smug flicker in his gaze before it quickly vanished, I knew this was his doing.
"You little shit," I hissed under my breath, my nails digging into the cold floor as I steadied myself.
Lukas gasped, his small mouth parting in exaggerated betrayal. And then—like the manipulative little brat he was—he let out a deafening wail.
“Daaaaddyyyy!” His cries echoed through the mansion, his voice trembling as he pointed a chubby little finger at me. "Mommy cursed at me!"
My stomach dropped.
Shit.
Heavy footsteps pounded down the hall.
Duke Trayson.
Lukas' father.
My soon-to-be husband.
The man I was deceiving.
I barely had time to school my expression before Duke appeared, his towering frame filling the doorway. His piercing blue eyes darted between me and Lukas, his brows furrowing in suspicion.
“What’s going on?” His voice was deep, laced with authority.
Lukas hiccupped dramatically. "She—she got mad at me, Daddy! She called me bad words!"
Lying little bastard!
I felt my pulse pound in my temples as I swallowed down my frustration, slipping into character.
Soft. Gentle. Demure.
Just like Britney.
I lowered my gaze, biting my lip like a guilty little lamb. "It's nothing, Duke," I murmured, my voice small and fragile. "Lukas was playing a prank… I just got startled. I—I didn’t mean to scare him."
Lukas sniffled, selling his performance.
Duke exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand down his face. "Lukas, go to your room."
Lukas pouted, stomping his little feet as he turned and disappeared down the hall.