The Capo's Counterfeit Queen

I returned home to find my parents rushing to greet me, both holding plates piled high with food, their faces gleaming with greedy excitement.

"Seraphina, darling, you're finally home!"

But then their smiles froze.

"Aurora? What are you doing here? Where's Seraphina?"

"We told you to stay with her! Your one job was to make sure nothing went wrong!"

I stared at them, the familiar sting of their favoritism now a dull ache. If it weren't for the fact that Seraphina and I were identical, I would have sworn I was adopted.

I walked past them without a word. "I'm just here to pack my things. I'm moving out."

My mother's face twisted into an ugly mask of rage. "What did you say? How can you afford rent?"

I folded my clothes into a suitcase, speaking slowly, almost calmly. "If Seraphina really marries into the Valeriano family, they're going to want to visit. What do you think will happen when they find out their future matriarch has an identical twin? Of course, if you want me to stay and explain everything, I can…"

Their concern for Seraphina vanished the moment they realized my presence could jeopardize her future.

They practically shoved me out the door.

"Get out! Don't be a nuisance here. I don't want you ruining Seraphina's good fortune and dragging our family down!"