I know because I’m usually the best at hearing the smallest noises. It’s how I’ve survived this long.
Glancing over my shoulder, in my closet, and under my bed isn’t just a nasty habit. It’s the only way I can exist.
My smile falters as I come face-to-face with none other than the groom himself.
Aiden King.
Jonathan King’s only son and one of his two heirs, along with his nephew, Levi.
He has sharp features and an impressive height that allows him to look down at me. His metal grey eyes zero in on my face with awe, wonder, and what seems like…loss.
The small mole on the side of his right eye catches my attention first, causing my legs shake.
It’s the same as in my memories.
His lips part, but it takes him a second to speak, “Mum?”
A tremor grips my fingers as I place the unfinished lobster back on the plate and pretend to fiddle with the food even though I’m seeing blurry shapes. I’m thankful my voice comes out calm, unaffected even. “I’m sorry. You’ve got the wrong person.”
He says nothing, but he doesn’t attempt to move. I feel his gaze digging holes into the top of my head like a hawk.
“Why aren’t you looking at me?”
I lift my head and flash him the serene smile I can fake so well. The one that hides endless chaos underneath.
Aiden continues watching me with judgemental and calculative eyes. “You’re not my mother.”
Phew. “That’s what I said.”
“Then who the fuck are you?” His attention doesn’t leave my face, almost as if he’s searching for something.
Or, to be more specific, someone.
“Excuse me?” I feign innocence.
“If you’re not Alicia, why do you look exactly like her and what the fuck are you doing at my wedding?”
I keep my cool. “I was invited by Agnus.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know how to answer that.”
He steps closer, his face and voice losing their surprised element and morphing to a steel so cold, it matches the colour of his eyes. “Why are you here? Who the fuck are you? And don’t tell me this is a coincidence, because I don’t believe in that.”
No wonder people call Aiden a replica of his father. If he weren’t eight years my junior, I’d actually be scared of him.
Scratch that. The only reason I’m standing my ground in front of him is because I’m already acquainted with the devil.
People are nothing compared to the devil. So they don’t frighten me.
“Aiden?”
The bride appears by his side, holding the hem of her ample white dress. Her blonde hair falls in elegant waves down her back, giving her an angelic appearance.
“What are you doing…” she trails off when her blue eyes meet mine. Her surprised expression is louder than her new husband’s and she blinks a few times. “A-Alicia?”
“I was just telling Aiden you’ve got the wrong person.” This time, I recover quickly.