The reception hall sparkled with crystal and white roses, but all I could think of was the warmth of Calvin's kiss on my lips. That was my first kiss, my first kiss stolen under deception.
"You look beautiful, my princess," my mother said as she embraced me tightly. I hugged her back, guilt churning in my stomach. She didn't notice anything amiss, and she didn't realize she was congratulating the wrong daughter. The twins' switch was working too well.
Calvin's hand rested lightly on my lower back as we made our way to the crowd. Each touch from Calvin sent a shiver through my spine. reminiscent of those high school days when his mere presence would make me shiver, but it's entirely different reasons now.
Mily, darling! Calvin's mother approached me with her arms outstretched.
"Welcome to the family!" She pulled me into a warm embrace, I forced myself to smile and play the part of a radiant bride, while my screamed at the wrongness of it all.
The reception was filled with music and laughter. We cut the cake, our hands overlapping on the silver knife. We shared our first dance, which Calvin led with unexpected grace. His eyes, those eyes that held tenderness? No, I reminded myself. He was looking at who he thought was his bride.
"You are quieter than unusual," Calvin murmured during our dance. His warm breath was against my ear.
Nervous?"
"Just overwhelmed," I managed to reply, and that was the second word I have spoken since the ceremony. My voice didn't betray me. That's another blessing of being twins. We shared the same vocal pattern, the same laugh, the same everything.
The evening progressed quickly, and there were champagne toasts and congratulations. Family and friends gushed over the beautiful ceremony, old relatives pressed envelops into our hands with knowing winks,
Through it all, Calvin played the perfect groom. He was attractive and charming. He wasn't the same boy who tormented me in high school. This man was different.
As the sun set and the party continued, I caught glimpses of the life I was temporarily stealing.
Calvin's college friends shared embarrassing stories about him, his sister performed an emotional speech about having a new sister, and my parents beamed with pride. Each moment was a snapshot of joy that wasn't meant for me.
My phone buzzed in the hidden pocket of my wedding dress. It was a message from Mily:
"Still stuck at the airport. The storm is getting worse. I'm so sorry, sis. Thank you for doing this. I'll be there as soon as I can."
I stared at the message until the words blurred. What would happen when Milly finally arrived? How were we going to explain this? The end of the reception was approaching, and it was the moment Calvin and I would have to leave—together.
"Ready to go, Mrs. Thompson?" Calvin's voice startled me from my thoughts. He stood before me with his hand extended, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.
I placed my hands in his, feeling the cold metal of his new wedding band against my skin. "Ready." I lied, wondering how many more lies this night would require.
As we made our way through the shower of rose petals towards the waiting car decorated with "JUST MARRIED," one thought kept echoing in my mind: How long would I keep pretending to be my sis? And why did being with Calvin feel less like pretending with each passing hour?
Just as Calvin and I were about to enter the car, my mother's voice cut through the celebration.
"Oh, before you go, have you heard from Lily? it's unlike her to miss your wedding, Mily." Mom's eyes held genuine concern. "She has not been answering any of my calls today."
The question hit me like a bucket of ice water. My mouth went dry, and I could feel Calvin stiffen beside me.
"I... I," my voice cracked. "She called earlier and said she was stuck in traffic. There was a bad accident on the highway." The lie tasted bitter on my tongue.
Dad furrowed his brow. "Traffic? But I thought she was coming from...
A commotion at the reception hall entrance cut him off. The crowd parted, and there, still pulling her carry-on luggage, her hair windswept, and wearing travel clothes, stood Mily—my twin sister—the real bride.
Our eyes met across the room. Time seemed to freeze. I could feel Calvin's hand tighten on my waist, and in that moment, I realized with crystal clarity that my perfect pretense was about to shatter.
My heart stopped when I saw Mily, but something happened before panic could fully set in.