When the Heart Remembers

Michael's breathing was rough, his whole face tight with anger. He looked as if he was about to explode.

Meanwhile, Audrey was sprawled on the floor, knocked out cold with a bleeding cut on her head.

I knew it. I knew there was no way she'd ever be able to pull this off.

She only got a beating now. But when Michael sobered up, who knew if she'd even live to see another day.

I let out a slow breath and turned to leave quietly when suddenly, someone grabbed my wrist.

The next second, Michael yanked me into the room next door.

I still had on a mask. My eyes, wide with fear, met his.

The hotel lights were dim, stretching shadows across the walls. He pinned me against one, his voice low and hoarse.

"Your scent, your figure... they feel so familiar. Do I know you?"

I froze. No way could I answer him. We'd spent a whole year together—if I spoke, he'd know it was me.

I couldn't let anything happen between us. If I did, I'd end up just like Audrey.

I fought to break free, but even when Michael was drugged, he was still way stronger than I was. I didn't stand a chance.

I opened my mouth, ready to scream for help, when he leaned down suddenly, whispering, "Your eyes... They're beautiful..."

I went stiff. For a second, I thought he'd recognized me.

Then, he ripped off my mask and kissed me.

Panic shot through me. I quickly switched off the lights, but after that, there was no chance to escape.

Hours blurred together. Five, maybe six. By the time it was deep into the night, Michael finally let go, his strength fading.

Every part of my body hurt, but I forced myself up and put my clothes back on.

I wasn't like Audrey, living in some fairytale, believing a rich man would fall for a nobody like her. I wasn't about to get myself caught in a mess I couldn't climb out of.

So while he slept, I slipped out. I didn't hesitate or look back. I would just pretend that nothing had happened.

But the second I stepped out, I saw a heavyset, greasy-looking man stumbling out of the next room.

When he spotted me, he let out a low whistle.

I looked past him into the room. Clothes were scattered everywhere, and Audrey was on the bed, her dress torn, completely out cold.

As I recalled how she had murdered me in my past life, I just shut the door quietly and walked away.

When I got home, my parents rushed to greet me, both carrying plates piled with food, their faces glowing with joy.

"Audrey, darling, you're finally back!"

But then their smiles froze.

"Aurora? Why are you here? Where's Audrey?

"Didn't we tell you? You're supposed to stay by her side and protect her, make sure it all goes according to plan!"

I stared at them, amazed at how deep their favoritism ran. If Audrey and I didn't look exactly alike, I'd really believe I was adopted.

My face stayed cold as I walked past them. "I'm just here to pack my stuff. I'm moving out."

My mother's face twisted, ugly with anger. "What the hell are you talking about? How are you gonna afford rent?"

As I folded clothes into my bag, I spoke slowly, almost calmly, "If Audrey really ends up marrying Michael, his family will come to visit. What if they saw me and figured it all out? But I can stay if you want."

The moment they realized my being around could ruin Audrey's chances, their attitude flipped. They quickly chased me out.

"Get out! You're bad luck anyway. I wouldn't want you ruining a good thing for Audrey and bringing our family down with you!"