Chapter 2 I spent a restless night , tossing and turning , my skin clammy with fever sweat on the sheets . At dawn , Castro tried to coax me out of bed . When I mumbled protests and pushed him away , he leaned in with an amused smile to kiss me . For the first time in seven years , his kiss made me flinch . My hand Instinctively rose to slap him but I just a brief 1 peck . caught myself . Thankfully , it was a Awake yet , sleeping beauty ? he teased . I turned away , wiping my mouth with the back of my hand . Its Saturday . Why cant you let me sleep ? His expression softened with concern . You were running a fever last night . Come on , we need to get you to the hospital . Though I felt better , his insistence won out and I reluctantly got dressed . In the hospital corridor , we ran into Oriana . She was hobbling along alone , clearly having injured her ankle . Castros gentle demeanor vanished instantly . His brow furrowed with worry as he rushed to her side , steadying her with his hands . What happened to you ? Oriana gave him a warm smile , then glanced meaningfully at me . Just twisted my ankle . What a coincidence seeing you both here . Castro tensed , throwing me a quick look . Ah yes , my friends sister wasnt feeling well . Brought her in to check her fever . I was long used to this charade . From the moment Castro decided to keep our relationship secret , hed introduced me to all his friends as his best friends sister who hed promised to look after . Only his innermost circle knew the truth about us . 99.16 C „ Ecfusive To Be His Perfect Replica . I Choose The Arranget furringe é Youre such a good guardian to the poor girl . Oriana nodded sympathetically . Well , dont let me keep you my appointments down that way . She gestured toward a clinic door further down the hall . When she started to hop again . Castro didnt hesitate . He swept her up into his arms bridal style . Let me take you there , he said eagerly , Aveline , wait here for me , alright ? Watching them , something inside me crumbled . My fever seemed to return full force , leaving me weak and dirry . I leaned against the cold hospital wall , not bothering to respond . The stark white corridor suddenly felt endless and empty , much like my future without him . Castro didnt wait for my response he was already carrying Oriana toward the clinic , her arms wrapped around his neck . How telling . No matter how well he played his part , his true feelings always surfaced around Oriana , betraying everything he tried to hide . Yet he seemed completely oblivious to his own transparency . let out a bitter laugh and headed to my own appointment . My suspicions were confirmed my temperature was 106 ° F . The doctor explained that my untreated burns , combined with emotional stress , had led to an infection . I needed immediate IV antibiotics . My finger hovered over Castros number out of habit before I caught myself . Habits really are terrifying things , arent they ? With a self deprecating smile , I handled everything alone getting the prescription and finding the IV treatment room . After the treatment , I felt even worse , nearly collapsing as I tried to walk . However , Castro hadnt returned not even a text or call . Reluctantly , I called him . Youre still at the hospital ? He sounded surprised . Im sorry , sweetheart . I was going to drop home quickly and come back , but her stomach condition flared up and … Refusing To Be His Perfect Replica . I Choose The ana Oriana Chapter 2 But his explanation was cut short by a waitresss voice in the background : Sir , your meals are served . Buon apetite ! Despite his rushed attempt to muffle the phone , I heard every word . Its fine . I can handle on my own ! I said , as much to convince myself as him . Before I could hang up , he called out , Aveline , go home first . Ill explain everything later . What was there to explain ? Just another lie to add to his collection . I ended the call and ordered an Uber home . Castro didnt return that night . Unable to sleep through the New Years fireworks outside , I worked on some jewelry designs for my clients on my iPad . Accidentally touching the messaging app icon , I saw Orianas social media post from an hour ago a stunning photo of fireworks lighting up the night sky , captioned : After years of wandering , Ive come home to you . The fireworks welcome me back , just as brilliant as your love . Worth every moment of waiting . I stared at the screen for a long moment before realizing I was logged into Castros account on my iPad . I had no interest in reading their intimate messages . I logged out immediately , trying to ignore the hollow feeling in my chest . 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 ...