Chapter 1 Chapter 1 For seven years , Ive been in a secret relationship with Castro Harrison , my brothers best friend . Just as I was hoping hed propose , I tracked his location to a private lounge at an upscale restaurant , where I found they were joking about me . Castro , now that Orianas back from London , what are you going to do about that replacement ? Castro remained silent , his lack of response speaking volumes . The tension in the air was broken by another friends sardonic laugh . Youve got to hand it to Castro having the nerve to pursue William Blackwoods sister while Oriana was away . Now that youve had your fun , and Orianas back … Well , Oriana deserved it after how coldly she left . A replacement was just what she needed to teach her a lesson ! The next day , Castro took me to Orianas welcome home party at the Blackwood Estate , lavishing attention on me with an almost theatrical display of affection . But when Oriana ran out in tears , her Chanel dress stained with wine , Castro pushed me aside without a second thought and rush out . I returned home alone , my cream silk blouse ruined by scalding soup and my skin was still burning . With trembling hands , I finally opened the door to his study the one room hed always declared off limits . There , prominently displayed on his mahogany desk , was a photograph of him and Oriana in Paris , the Eiffel Tower gleaming behind their embracing figures . My heart turned to ice as I dialed my brothers number in Switzerland . William … about that arranged marriage Ill do it . Aveline ? My brothers voice softened with concern , catching the unfamiliar strain in my tone . Whats wrong ? This doesnt sound like you at all . Chapter 1 A lump formed in my throat , but I forced a light laugh . Nothings wrong in realized marriage is inevitable , isnt it ? Does it really matter who it is ? I Besides , I continued , trying to keep my voice steady . I trust your and fathers judgment . Even for a business merger marriage , I know you would have vetted the candidate thoroughly . Williams relief was audible through the phone . Im glad youre being sensible about this . When are you coming back ? Would you like to meet him first before making your final decision ? No need . The sooner we proceed , the sooner we can resolve the companys crisis . Go ahead and start planning the wedding . Lets set it for … a month from now . Perfect ! By the way , have you heard from Castro ? he coninued , His first love is finally back in town . You should invite him to the wedding let him share in your happiness . So William knew about Oriana too . No wonder Castro never let me tell my brother about us . I lowered my eyes , concealing the pain that threatened to spill over . Dont bother him , Will . Were … not that close . Hearing the door unlock , I quickly said goodbye and ended the call . I looked up to find Castro leaning against the doorframe , his signature smirk playing across his lips . Not close to whom ? You . My honest answer only made his smirk widen as he pulled me into his arms . Oh really ? His voice dropped to a husky whisper . Should we discuss just how not close we are ? All those nights together werent close enough ? His breath was hot against my ear , and for the first time , his intimate gesture made my skin crawl instead of flutter . As I struggled , I caught sight of the lipstick stain on his collar a shade Id never worn . 22:14 Refusing To Be His Perfect Replica . Choose The Chapter 1 The movement aggravated my burns , sending sharp stabs of pain through my body until tears sprang to my eyes . Whats wrong , sweetheart ? Are you hurt ? My tears seemed to spark genuine panic in Castro . When he pushed up my sleeve and saw the angry red burns on my wrist , his voice trembled with concern . God , when did this happen ? Why didnt you tell me you were burned ? He seemed to have completely forgotten about the incident at the party . I remained silent , unsure whether to remind him and shatter his façade of devotion . Stop crying , darling . Let me get some medicine for that . He stroked my hair soothingly before standing to retrieve the first aid kit , muttering as he walked . Youre still such a child sometimes , arent you ? So sensitive to pain , so quick to tears . What would you without me ? do I stared numbly at the burns on my wrist . Yes , what would I do without him after seven years of his protection ? But Castro … I dont want you anymore . I dont want this false love anymore ! ( 0 ) Five-year-old Annie, who can understand animals, saved Landon Hawthorne, a wealthy businessman, from suicide. Now she's his whole world and he's her legal cheat-code against every villain fate throws ...