Natasha's POV
"Girl, you sound tired," Audrey teased through the phone.
I forced a little laugh. "I've been running around all day. The caterers, the DJ, the stupid florist who thinks two weeks is short notice for roses."
"That's because you want everything perfect."
"Of course I do," I smiled, stepping out of my car and heading toward the house. "It's my wedding, Audrey. In two weeks I'm marrying Ethan Clark. Can you believe it? Me… a wife."
Her laugh rang through the phone. "I hope you're ready for all the drama that comes with being Mrs. Clark."
"Drama I can handle," I said, balancing the phone between my ear and shoulder as I adjusted my bag. "What I can't handle is anything going wrong. But luckily, Ethan's been supportive through everything. He's—"
"Natasha, hang up and go rest already," Audrey interrupted warmly. "You've been planning everyone's wedding for years. This one's yours. Breathe, girl. Let Ethan pamper you."
"Fine," I chuckled. "I'll call you tomorrow after the event I'm working on."
"Wait? You're working on another event?"
"Yes girl. The wedding's tomorrow. And I have to make sure everything goes right."
"Hm… Natasha the perfectionist. Just take care, okay? Love you."
"Love you too."
I ended the call and tucked my phone into my bag. My heart felt light.
Only one name ran through my mind—Ethan Clark.
My fiancé. My forever.
I pushed open the door.
At first, I thought the noise drifting down the hall was the TV.
A low rhythm, heavy breathing, muffled sounds.
What was that supposed to be? I wondered.
But as I walked deeper inside, the truth crawled up my spine and settled in my gut.
No. No, it couldn't be.
I followed the sounds, step by step, until I reached Ethan's room. My fingers trembled on the doorknob. I pushed it open.
And there they were.
Ethan. Naked. On top of another woman.
And the worst part? It was my fucking sister!
My twin!
Noel's head tilted back, her mouth parting in a moan I wish I'd never heard. Ethan's hands clutched her like she belonged to him, like I never existed.
My breath caught. My knees buckled. For a second, I thought I'd pass out.
"No…" My voice broke, escaping before I could stop it.
They turned to me—but not with shame. Not with regret. Ethan's face was full of annoyance, as though I'd ruined his fun. Noel's lips twisted into a smug smile. "Oh...dear sis. We didn't know you'll be here to witness our little fun time. Right honey?" Noel spoke,her voice full of venom, hitting me hard like a punch I'd never received in my god-damned fucking life
My heart boiled. I stormed forward and my palm met Noel's cheek with a sharp slap. The sound cracked through the room.
"You disgusting bitch!" I screamed, tears already burning down my face.
Noel touched her cheek, smirking. "Finally grew a backbone, sis?"
Before I could hit her again, Ethan jumped off the bed and shoved me. His hand flew across my face.
The pain stunned me. My own fiancé. The man who promised to protect me. He struck me—for her.
"You're pathetic, Natasha!" Ethan snarled. "Always controlling, always nagging. Noel doesn't make me feel like that. She gives me what I need."
Noel's laugh was cruel, piercing. "Face it. He never loved you. Not the way you thought."
Something shattered inside me. The world tilted, everything I believed in collapsing like glass underfoot.
I didn't argue. I didn't beg. I couldn't. My body shook, my chest hollow. I turned, stormed out, and slammed the door behind me.
Three years. Three fuckin years down the drain.
The door had slammed behind me, but my heart was still inside that room, bleeding. My hands shook so badly I could barely get the car keys out of my bag.
Three… years.
Three. good. years.
I gave Ethan everything—my time, my body, my love. Hell, I gave him a kidney.
The memory stabbed me as I sat behind the wheel. Six months ago, the doctors said his life depended on a transplant. I didn't even think twice. I went under the knife, willing to risk my own health just to keep him alive. Because I loved him. Because I couldn't imagine life without him.
And now he was in bed with my sister. My own twin.
My chest tightened. "God, why me?" I whispered, but my voice cracked into a sob. I slammed my palms against the steering wheel, tears spilling until my vision blurred.
I wanted to scream. I wanted to tear my heart out just so it would stop hurting.
Instead, I drove. I didn't even care where. My hands were steady on the wheel but my soul was trembling.
~
(BIG SHOT CLUB)
The neon lights of the club flickered like a cruel joke.
The music inside was loud, fast, reckless—the opposite of the silence I felt clawing inside me.
Maybe that's why I walked in. Maybe I wanted noise to drown out the betrayal.
"Whiskey," I told the bartender, my voice hoarse.
He gave me a look, as if to ask if I was sure. I glared back. He poured.
I downed the glass in one breath, slammed it down, and ordered another.
Drink after drink, I tried to swallow the pain, but it only spread. With every shot, Ethan's face blurred into Noel's, Noel's smirk into Ethan's voice.
My body felt heavy, my heart ached, but still I kept going.
"Another," I muttered, my words slurred.
The bartender hesitated. "Ma'am, maybe that's enough—"
"Do I look like I asked for your opinion?" I snapped.
He poured. I drank.
By the time I staggered off the barstool, the room spun like a cruel carousel.
My legs barely held me as I pushed through the crowd of sweaty dancers. The music pounded in my ears, making my tears feel invisible.
And then I collided with someone.
Hard chest. Warm body. The scent of alcohol, just like me.
I looked up, blinking through the haze. A man.
Tall, broad, messy dark hair, his own eyes heavy with drink.
For one stupid second, my heart tricked me—I saw Ethan.
"Ethan…" I whispered, my voice cracking. My hands gripped his shirt like it was the only thing keeping me upright. "Take me home. Please…"
I didn't wait. My lips found his. Desperate. Broken.
And instead of pulling away, he kissed me back. Rough. Hungry. His hands slid to my waist, pulling me closer.
My heart raced, my body burned, and for the first time that night, I didn't feel invisible.
I didn't care who he was.
All I knew was that he wasn't Ethan Clark.
And that was enough.