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. “It’s Saturday. Why can’t 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.

Castro’s 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.”

me

look.

friend’s sister wasn’t feeling well. Brought her in to check her fever.”

long used to

secret, he’d introduced me to all his friends as his best friend’s

circle knew the truth

99.16

C

Perfect Replica. I Choose

to the poor girl.” Oriana nodded sympathetically. Well, don’t let me keep you my appointment’s down

clinic door

didn’t hesitate. He swept her

there,” he said eagerly,

to

wall, not bothering to respond. The stark white corridor suddenly felt endless and

didn’t wait for my response – he was already carrying

around his neck.

matter how well he played his part, his true feelings always surfaced around

seemed completely oblivious to his own

a bitter laugh and headed to my own

temperature was 106°F. The doctor explained that my untreated burns, combined with emotional stress,

habit before I caught myself. Habits

– getting

treatment room.

even worse, nearly collapsing as I tried

not even a text or call.

called

sounded surprised. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I was going to drop home quickly and come

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