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Marco

"How was your trip?" I asked my wife as she entered our room. When she arrived, I was lying on the bed, reading a book. I am not actually waiting for her; it's just a habit before going to bed.

"It was good. The place was beautiful, perfect for the scenes we’ll be filming for the TV series," she replied, smiling while undressing in front of me. I kept my eyes on her, confused that I no longer felt the slightest desire for her. And that made me confirm that my decision to divorce her was right. It might hurt her, but it will free her from the unknown suffering and greater pain as Ashley and I continue our relationship.

I was startled when she spoke again, pulling me out of my thoughts, which had drifted to the guilt I carried because of my betrayal. "Your eyes, I'm sorry, but I'm so tired, so I’ll just rest for now."

"Why? How am I looking at you?" I asked curiously.

"Like you haven’t seen a woman’s naked body in a year," she teased, smiling seductively. I chuckled and placed my book on the bedside table. I wasn’t sure why she thought I was acting that way, but I was grateful she didn’t suspect anything.

"So, you're tired?" I asked, adding a bit of affection to my tone. She laughed softly as if teasing me, but I didn’t feel anything, though I had to pretend to avoid hurting her.

"A little," she answered sweetly as she continued taking off her clothes. I couldn't remember the last time I felt any desire for her. One day, I woke up and realized I no longer loved or desired her.

Then there’s Ashley. I used to see her often, but I never felt anything for her—until now. Sometimes, I can’t even tell who my wife is when they’re standing side by side, at least not until they speak. But now, I’m confused, especially after seeing both of them unconscious in the hospital. I wouldn't have recognized my wife if it weren’t for our wedding rings. She looks the same—her body, face, and behavior.

I swallowed hard when I noticed my wife approaching me slowly with a seductive smile. Not because I was aroused but because I knew I’d have to oblige if she asked for something to happen between us. I didn’t want to, though. The only person I wanted to be with was Ashley.

"I don’t want you to feel neglected, so okay, I’ll give you what you want," she said, climbing onto the bed. I smiled at her with my arms wide open, feeling guilty but unable to hurt her.

Then I felt her lips gently brush against my cheek before she kissed me fully. Her kiss was firm and full of desire, so I closed my eyes and couldn’t help but think of Ashley. At that moment, I couldn’t help but respond passionately.

"Hmm..." she moaned softly when I gently bit her lip.

"I'm so sorry, Ash," I whispered as I pulled away slightly.

She smiled, misunderstanding, "You must’ve really missed me, Marco."

"You know how long you’ve been gone," I replied, though it was a lie. I had no other answer to give.

"And I’m really sorry for that. I’ll make it up to you, I promise," she said, kissing me again.

She was warm and did everything to ignite a spark in me. But she didn’t know I was thinking of Ashley the whole time.

I felt horrible, but I couldn’t help it. Maybe ending things with her is better than continuing this lie. I must think about this carefully because my conscience can’t handle betraying the woman I once loved.

I love Ashley now and know I’d do anything for her. She’s also struggling, knowing she’s deceiving her twin sister. I want to ease her guilt and let her find peace. We’ve been hiding for so long—I want the world to know she’s the woman I love.

Weeks passed, and I finally started talking to my lawyer. I didn’t tell the twins because I didn’t want anything to stop this from happening. I also didn’t want Ashlyn to confront Ashley if she found out. I know this will hurt both of them deeply.

I’ll ensure Ashlyn gets something from our divorce, even though we signed a prenuptial agreement. I didn’t want one, but she insisted. She didn’t want people to think she was just after my money. Her parents know about it, and they respect her decision. They’re good people, and I hate that I’ll be disappointing them.

That night, Ashlyn was already in our room while I was studying. My lawyer had asked me for a list of things that might go to my wife once we separated. I had just sent the email when Ashley entered the room. How did I know it was her? Simple.

"Sweet," she whispered.

I smiled, stood up, and welcomed her with a kiss and a hug.

"I wanted to let you know I’ll be going out tomorrow," she said softly.

I frowned. I didn’t like it when she left the house. "Whatever you need, just tell me. I’ll take care of it," I said possessively, tightening my grip on her.

She wrapped her arms around my shoulders and kissed me again. "I’m meeting a friend, and you can’t meet them for me."

"A friend? Do you remember anything about your friends?" I asked, surprised. I wish she could get her memories back. Although I knew there were times I ignored her in the past. But, knowing her past and how she was before, which I had no idea about, would fill the void in her being that I knew she was feeling right now.

"No, not yet. She’s a new friend. I met her through my online job. She’s an artist."

She is a freelancer, but I’ve never asked about the specifics. I’m fine with it since she works from home. "So I wouldn’t know her?" I asked, and she nodded.

"I can’t introduce you to her," she whispered, and I couldn’t argue. She was right; we can't be together in public right now. Although people who knew us might think that it was Ashlyn, I was with, the possibility of it reaching my wife is high as well.

She noticed my silence and kissed me again, and I responded. We were both heating up when suddenly—

"Marco, are you there?" Ashlyn’s voice came from outside the room.

Ashley and I looked at each other in panic. She quickly moved to the sliding door that led to the terrace, but it was locked, so she hid behind the curtains.