Mated to My Twin Brother

d only transferred here a few months ago. The reality of it hadn't fully sunk in yet. I did it. I beat Marah, I thought, a smile tugging at my lips. The look on her face when they placed that crown

ly as the last light of day disappeared behind the trees. I paused for a moment, then pulled the door open. Instead of Ralph's warm smile, I was greeted by cold, hard stares. Amara, Marah's best friend, stood there with two other girls from Marah's clique, their faces cold and unwelcoming. What the-? Fear shot through me, and I took a step back, but before I could run, a strong hand clamped over my mouth. Ralph? Relief started to seep in, but it evaporated just as quickly. His grip was tight, too tight, and when I looked up at him, the warmth I had believed in was nowhere to be found. His eyes were cold, devoid of the kindness I'd thought was real. This isn't the Ralph I know. What's going on? Panic set in as I fought against his hold, but it was no use. Amara and the others closed in, dragging me into the darkness outside. My heart pounded, every beat a desperate plea for help. "This can't be happening. Ralph... why are you doing this?" Amara's voice cut through the terror, blade-sharp. "Surprised? Clueless, or were you just lying to yourself?" she sneered, her voice venomous. No, this isn't real. Ralph can't be with her. He's different. He cares about me-But the cold truth began to set in: he wasn't different. He was just like them, and I'd been nothing but a pawn in their game. "Since you came here, my school year has been a nightmare. And you believed in Ralph? He's my boyfriend, you bitch!" Her words hit me like a punch, leaving me breathless. Ralph... her boyfriend? Ralph didn't say anything but began to tie my hands to the tree. Hands that had touched mine so delicately were now binding me without a hint of hesitation. "You were easy to fool, Winter," he said flatly. "Did you think I'd trade a two-year girlfriend for a transfer student like you? Hell no." The bitterness in his voice cut deep, and immediate tears welled up in my eyes. How could I have been so stupid? I thought I knew him,