What Was Mine Wasn't Mine

Leah Pence was Aurelia Spencer.

Leonard was the love she never had the guts to say out loud.

I'd suspected it for a while, but seeing it in black and white still hit like a punch to the chest.

Issac came over, voice low. "It's alright. You'll always have a spot as my lead."

I gave him a bitter smile. "Thanks. But maybe... this was my last shot."

***

Aurelia snuggled into my arms, all fake innocence. "I'll fund a few films for you too, just for fun, okay?

"I planned a surprise tonight by the river. Isn't my love worth more than some lead role?"

I forced a smile. Words that used to feel sweet now tasted like expired candy.

Still, I played along. "Okay."

After thanking Issac and the crew who'd backed me, I tried to dip out early.

Aurelia waved off the driver—said she'd take me herself.

Right as the engine started, her phone buzzed. I glanced—Leonard's name lit up the screen.

Her face shifted. She hesitated, then turned to me. "Babe, something urgent came up at work. Can you go to the riverside alone?"

I paused, then smiled. "It's fine. Go."

She kissed me and headed back inside.

I started the car—but I didn't go to the river.

I went home.

Tonight was it. Time to prepare everything for the fake death.

I collected every trace of us—photos, files, even cloud backups. Wiped it all clean.

The keepsakes? I was gonna burn them.

Then my phone lit up.

Anonymous message.

First image: Aurelia, clearly drunk, curled up next to Leonard.

[She's got stomach issues but still drank for me. You don't blame me, right?]

[She pretended to fight my in-laws, acted like she stole their resources—gave it all back to me in secret. Know why?]

[She's been my shadow since we were kids. Always loved me. Marrying you? Just a front. She was watching you for me.]

[You really thought someone could love you for no reason?]

[She said the only way she got through the nights was pretending you were me.]

The messages kept flooding in.

But I felt nothing.

I just moved quicker.

Dragged the dummy to the bedroom, soaked the place in gasoline—wanted it all to burn clean.

Then I forwarded every filthy text Leonard sent to the grimiest tabloid I knew.

Snapped my SIM in half and tossed it into the bushes.

Hit the ignition switch and walked off, eyes on the horizon.

It was pitch black ahead.

But that was fine. Morning always comes.

***

Aurelia was still clueless.

She glanced at Leonard, annoyed without realizing it. "Why call me back? Tomorrow's my anniversary with Leone. He'll start asking questions."

Leonard's eyes flared. "So it's my fault now?"

Her stomach dropped. "No—I didn't mean it like that. I'm sorry."

He folded his arms, clearly not buying it.

Her phone buzzed. Dominic, the butler.

She scowled and hit decline.

It rang again. And again. Over ten times.

Her gut twisted.

She finally picked up. "What?"

"Mrs. Rinehart... it's awful... Mr. Rinehart—he set the house on fire. He's gone. We tried everything, but... it's too late."