One cold evening, you sit by the dim firelight, waiting for him, loneliness gnawing at you. When he returns, you bring up having a baby, hoping this time he’ll understand. Instead, he recoils, raising his voice and accusing you of trying to trap him. Your patience cracks. “Why do you hate me so much? What did I ever do to deserve this?”

His mask slips. “You…you aren’t her.”

Stunned, you press him, needing to know what he means. He hesitates, but before he can answer, the door creaks open. Your twin steps inside, her gaze smug, a dark glint in her eyes as she walks over, standing far closer to him than she should. She watches your shock, reveling in it.

“Go on,” she purrs to him. “Tell her the truth she’s been too blind to see.”

The truth spills out, as cold as winter. He confesses he never wanted this marriage—that it was your sister he longed for. He’s only here because the family forced him into this match, and the entire time, he’s hated you for trapping him in a life he despises. Your sister smiles, savoring the betrayal in your eyes, as he explains how he’s kept up the charade only to maintain appearances.

You let out a bitter laugh, surprising even yourself. “If you both wanted each other so badly, why keep me here? Why not just leave?”

Your sister sneers. “Oh, you poor thing. We need you here just as much as we need you gone. You’re useful, even if you’re in the way.”