CHAPTER SIX

Penelope's POV

Julien's grip on my hand was firm, his fingers warm against my skin, yet the cold bite of his knuckle rings sent a shiver up my spine. His palm was rough, calloused from years of things I probably didn't want to know about, but despite the intimidating strength in his touch, it wasn't forceful. It was effortless. As if he wasn't just leading me into the hall but claiming me as his own.

I tried to ignore the way my pulse quickened. I couldn't afford to let myself feel anything, not now. Not when I was walking into a room full of people who thought I was Madison. Not when I was holding hands with the man of my twin sister. 

As we moved deeper into the venue, I didn't miss the way people reacted to him. Every person we passed—waiters, guests, businessmen in tailored suits, women in designer gowns—bowed their heads slightly, subtly, as if it was instinctive. Their deference was quiet, but it was there. An acknowledgment of power. Of authority. Julien didn't slow, didn't nod, didn't acknowledge them back. He expected it. And they obeyed without question.

The air in the hall was thick with opulence. The chandeliers above dripped with thousands of crystals, reflecting golden light across the room. The polished marble floors gleamed beneath my heels. Elegant floral arrangements—white roses, lilies, and deep red dahlias—lined the tables, their fragrance mixing with the scent of champagne and expensive cologne. Waiters moved soundlessly, weaving through the crowd with trays of hors d'oeuvres and crystal flutes of bubbly.

But none of that compared to the massive display at the front of the room.

A towering, multi-tiered cake sat on an elevated platform, intricate sugar roses curling along its sides. Above it, in bold, gleaming gold letters, was the message:

"Congratulations on Your 1st Year Anniversary, Madison & Julien."

My stomach twisted.

The reminder that I was stepping into Madison's life, into her marriage, made my chest tighten with unease. I'd spent so much time hating her, resenting her, but now—now I was her. Pretending to be her. Living in her shadow.

Julien finally stopped near a small, more private table set up near the cake. He turned to me, his sharp green eyes locking onto mine. "Looking for Fred Alo?"

I nodded, the question forming on my lips, but before I could speak, his mouth curled into a slow, knowing smile. "I lied."

I froze. Not because of the reveal but because of that smile. I never seen him smile so brightly. His smile felt like a glimmer to my world. A breathtaking and beautiful sight to behold.

Julien chuckled, shaking his head slightly as if amused by my reaction. "There was no meeting, no business deal. I just needed to get you back here."

I swallowed hard, masking my shock. "What?"

"You left without a word, and I was told to let you rest, but—" he exhaled, his gaze dipping slightly before he met my eyes again. "I had something planned for you. Something special. I wasn't going to let you miss it."

My breath hitched.

This wasn't just a party for business. It was their anniversary. And he had planned something for her.

The walls were closing in, the weight of my deceit and lie suffocating me.

I needed to tell him. Now.

Julien glanced at the crowd before turning back to me. "I'll make the toast, then we'll go."

With that, he excused himself, leaving me alone at the table.

My hands were shaking.

I had to do it.

I had to tell him before this went any further.

I sucked in a breath, bracing myself, but before I could take a step toward him, Madison's phone buzzed in her clutch.

I hesitated.

The screen lit up.

A message from an unknown number.

"Where are you? Are you seriously going to keep me waiting?"

My brows furrowed.

Who the hell was this?

A cold prickle crept up my spine. Madison had been unconscious, bleeding out in that hotel room. Whoever had been in that room before me—whoever had slipped away—was not Julien.

And now they were waiting for her.

My fingers hovered over the screen, but when I tried to unlock the phone, a passcode prompt appeared. My heartbeat quickened.

What was Madison hiding?

A breath ghosted against my ear, and I jumped.

"You look deep in thought," Julien murmured.

I spun around, startled, but he was already beside me, his hand slipping to my waist with ease. My breath hitched as he leaned in slightly, his presence overwhelming, intoxicating. His masculine scent addictive and almost sending me spiralling. He smelt just as he looked - a heavy blend of spices and amber that matched his alluring and seductive aura.

"We're leaving," he said, his voice low, intimate. "Come. I have something for you."

Panic clawed at my throat.

I couldn't keep up this act any longer.

I couldn't keep pretending.

Before he could take another step, I grabbed his wrist, my pulse racing.

He frowned, turning to face me fully.

I forced myself to meet his gaze.

This was it.

No more lies. No more pretending.

I squared my shoulders, took a deep breath, and said the words before fear could steal them away.

"I have something to tell you, Julien."