The Twin Face That Haunts Me Chapter 14

The Twin Face That Haunts Me Chapter 14

Dad and I arrived at the gala far later than planned. Crystal chandeliers flooded the entire venue with harsh, brilliant light.

I was miserable in Selena’s borrowed dress; the shoulder straps slipped constantly, the waist hung loose, and every cut felt ill-suited to my frame.

The second we stepped inside, a crowd swarmed Dad, dragging him into endless small talk. I knew

no one in attendance, so I slipped silently toward the back and sank into an unnoticeable corner

seat.

If Selena had come instead, she’d be draped on Dad’s arm, laughing as she clinked champagne

flutes with every guest, poised and effortless. Not hiding away in a shadowed corner, sipping

champagne alone like I was.

The champagne tasted surprisingly good, and by my third glass, I headed to the restroom. When I

returned, Dad spotted me through the crowd and waved me over urgently.

“Flora, perfect timing-I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Come toast Thomas.”

Thomas…My feet froze mid-step.

Dad grew impatient, strode over, and grabbed my arm, hauling me toward the table. I tottered

unsteadily in Selena’s towering stilettos.

Seated across the table was Thomas. He wore a dark button-down shirt, the top collar button

undone, his Adam’s apple bobbing faintly as he swallowed. He leaned lazily back in his chair, yet every line of his frame commanded unshakable attention.

His gaze locked onto mine, slow and heavy, dragging over my eyes, the bridge of my nose, my lips,

before settling back on my eyes again.

I’d been told he wouldn’t be here tonight. There was nowhere left for me to hide. I stiffened

completely under the unblinking overhead lights, utterly lost for what to do.

At last, Thomas spoke, his voice low and rough. “They’re twins?”

“Sure are, identical twins, can you believe how alike they look?”

Dad didn’t catch my obvious distress, and gave my back a light shove forward. “Flora, what are you

standing there daydreaming for? Toast Thomas.”

“Thomas, excuse her awkwardness-she spent all those years out at her grandpa’s countryside home, only just moved back to the city, so she doesn’t know proper social etiquette.”

Thomas fell silent for two long beats, then repeated the single word quietly. “Countryside?”

Dad nodded cluelessly. “Yeah, that little village out west…”

“Dad!” I cut him off sharply, hands shaking as I lifted my champagne glass. “Thomas, cheers.”

Thomas said nothing. He dropped his gaze, remaining quiet for a long moment before lifting his own glass, tilting the rim gently toward mine.

Our fingertips brushed faintly through the thin crystal separating us, a fleeting, ghost of a touch.