Using My Ex As A Stand-In For His Twin Brother

After my boyfriend Chase's hockey game, he threw a party with his friends to celebrate. At the party, Chloe, the head cheerleader, pulled out a diary.

With a mischievous smirk, she asked the crowd, "Who wants to know Aria's little secret?" Everyone gathered around. "Aria? She's always so uptight.

What kind of secret could she possibly have?" "What else? It's obviously about how she threw herself at Chase, our hockey captain.

That's a public secret by now." Suddenly, all eyes turned to Chase. He leaned back lazily on the couch, a smug grin plastered across his face.

I immediately stepped forward to stop her, telling Chloe to give the diary back. But Chloe had already flipped it open and began reading out loud. "I finally ran into Chase today.

I confessed my feelings to him, but he pushed me away so rudely." Everyone burst into laughter. Chloe continued reading. "Chase finally agreed to be my boyfriend. I'm so happy." ...

On the very last page. "Year three with Chase, and I still can't see him as you." I rolled my eyes. Now, that was my real secret.

Everyone thought I was Chase's desperate, loyal dog. But to me, he was nothing but a cheap standin. As the words fell, the room went dead silent. Chase's face darkened instantly.

He snatched the diary from Chloe's hands. No one dared to breathe. The crowd looked at me with mocking eyes, waiting for a dramatic showdown. Chase looked angrier than anyone.

His eyes burned with fury.

Seeing me standing there motionless, he stood up, grabbed my arm roughly, and dragged me into the stairwell. "Aria, what the hell does the last sentence in this diary mean?" "Who is 'he'?" The dim light flickered across Chase's face.

I froze for a second. The face was so similar. But no matter how much they looked alike, he wasn't him. Perhaps my gaze was too blankly direct.

Chase grew even angrier, slamming his fist against the wall right next to my head. "Who the hell is the guy you love?

Have you seriously been using me as a standin for someone else for the past three years?" I snapped back to reality and asked him back, "What about you?

You're my boyfriend, yet you let another girl rummage through my private stuff and read my diary?" Chase froze, a flash of guilt crossing his face.

Right then, Chloe ran out, pretending to play the peacemaker. "Chase, how could Aria possibly have someone else in her heart?

She probably just made up a guy in her diary to make you jealous." "It's all fake. Remember all the crazy things Aria did to get your attention before?" Chase finally calmed down.

Maybe he remembered how I used to do everything to pursue him, even hanging out with other guys just to get a reaction out of him. His face returned to its usual look of disgust.

He stepped back from me, frowning. "Aria, have you had enough drama? Only you could come up with something so childish." "Aren't you tired of this? You always act so needy.

Do you really need me to revolve around you twentyfour hours a day?" Chloe chimed in. "Aria, don't do this anymore. I'm keeping an eye on him for you anyway.

You're the only girl around Chase." I let out a cold laugh. The only girl? Then what are you doing right now?

At that moment, Chloe casually draped her arm over Chase's shoulder, acting incredibly close. "Chase, let Aria calm down by herself.

You can't keep spoiling her." Chase looked at her, a doting smile on his face. One he probably didn't even realize he was wearing. A dull ache throbbed in my chest.

Just like always, he would always spoil Chloe. No matter what she wanted, he would give it to her. But to me, he only had cold words.

When Chloe had period cramps, a single call from her would make him abandon me and rush to her side to take care of her all night.

But when it was me, he would only say, "Every girl gets cramps. Just deal with it." After being treated so coldly countless times, I didn't even feel hurt anymore.

As long as I could look at that face, it was enough. As I watched the two of them walk away laughing, a text message interrupted my thoughts. I tapped the screen.

It was from a number I knew by heart. "I'm back."

In the early morning, Chase came home dead drunk. He was leaning heavily on Chloe.

Even when she managed to dump him onto the couch, his hand gripped hers tightly, refusing to let go. "Chloe, you're not allowed to go out with that guy." Chloe looked at me with a provocative smile. "Aria, don't overthink this.

He's just looking out for me." It didn't matter anymore. Over the years, Chase had used every method possible to chase away any guy who tried to get close to Chloe.

At first, I thought it was just a coincidence. But when I finally confronted him about it, he just got irritated and snapped at me. "Chloe and I are just best friends.

Those guys chasing her are all trash. I'm just helping her out.

Is there a problem with that?" "Your own mind is dirty, so you see everything as dirty!" Pulling myself out of the memory, I looked at Chloe and gave her a flat smile. "I know.

I'm not overthinking it." Whether he was looking out for her or they were soulmates, it had nothing to do with me anymore.

A flash of surprise crossed Chloe's face, and she said awkwardly, "Well, he's home. I'm leaving." She had to pull her hand away several times before Chase finally let go.

The winter night was freezing. Looking at Chase's face, I couldn't bring myself to be completely heartless. I grabbed a blanket to cover him.

As I pulled the blanket up, my hand accidentally brushed his waist. He snapped his eyes open, saw it was me, and snarled, "Get lost! Don't touch me!" My hand paused.

The next second, I pulled the blanket right back off him. "Accidental touch. No big deal." With that, I clutched the blanket and turned back into my room.

Chase stunned for a moment, wanting to say something, but ultimately kept his mouth shut.

The next morning, as soon as I arrived at the office, I was notified that Chloe was being parachuted in to replace me for an interview with a top financial tycoon.

I was also ordered to hand over all my research to her. This project was almost finished; only one last interview was left.

I didn't even need to guess to know Chase was behind this. A cold chill spread through my chest.

He knew exactly how much effort I had put into this project, working late into the night in my study. Yet, he still let Chloe steal my hard work.

Right then, Chase walked in with Chloe. His very first words were a warning. "Aria, be understanding of Chloe.

She finally found a project she likes." "There are so many people in the company. Don't make things difficult for her.

Just hand over the files." He was so afraid of Chloe feeling awkward that he actually lowered himself to come to my office and demand it.

Yet, he didn't care about my feelings at all, professionally or personally. I couldn't help but remember the past.

Whenever I liked something, as long as Chloe wanted it, Chase would give it to her. I had begged him not to always favor Chloe, to consider me just a little bit.

But all I ever got in return was his cold reply: "If you don't want to break up, just let her have it." In the past, every fight ended with me looking pathetic and miserable.

But now, I didn't want to fight anymore. I didn't care who he favored. Seeing that I remained silent, Chase's face darkened with anger.

He lowered his voice, threatening me. "Aria, you'd better not make a scene... or else..." I smiled, interrupting him, and shoved the files I had just organized into Chloe's hands. "Here.

It's just a project." Both of them froze. Chase grabbed my wrist, his eyes staring at me dangerously. "What game are you playing now?" "Aria, are you mad?

Is that why you're acting like this?" Chloe's eyes welled with tears. She turned to leave.

Chase panicked and grabbed her hand, stopping her. "Chloe, I said it's yours, so it's yours." I let out a cold laugh, seeing right through Chloe's dramatic act, and sneered, "Chloe, stop acting, okay?" "The project, and Chase...

I'm giving them both..." ...to you.

Before I could finish, Chase's hand slapped hard across my face. "Who gave you permission to speak to Chloe like that!" We were surrounded by my coworkers.

Chase didn't care about my dignity. He was only afraid of Chloe being upset. Time seemed to stop.

Seeing the red mark rising on my cheek, a flash of regret and worry crossed Chase's eyes. He stammered, trying to explain, "I didn't mean to...

I didn't want to do that..." Chloe's crying interrupted him.

She sobbed dramatically, "I don't want the project anymore!" Chase glanced at me, said nothing more, and chased Chloe out of the office.

I ignored the whispers and mocking remarks from my coworkers, which were even louder than before. Five days. Just five more days and this would all be over.

Everything they threw at me today, I would pay them back in full.

For three days straight, Chase didn't come home. If this were the past, I would have sent him dozens of texts begging him to return. But now, I didn't care where he went.

I had just finished throwing away all my belongings in the apartment when my mom called. "Aria, your dad and I invited Chase's parents over tonight.

We should discuss your wedding plans." I wanted to refuse, but on second thought, our parents had spent so much effort on our relationship over the years.

Since the show was ending, it was best to make things clear. So, I agreed. When Chase arrived, he was thirty minutes late. I didn't expect him to bring Chloe with him.

Noticing my parents' displeased expressions, Chase explained casually, "We promised each other that we'd witness every happy moment of each other's lives." "So of course, she has to be here for the wedding discussion." Chloe added provocatively, "Yeah, we've been best friends for so many years.

Our bond is special. Aria, you don't mind, do you?" Chase's eyes swept over me, as if waiting for my usual outburst. I didn't make a scene, nor did I object.

I smiled and reassured my parents, "It's fine.

I don't mind." Hearing my response, Chase's face darkened, and the glass he was tightly clutching slipped from his hand, shattering on the floor.

Was he waiting for me to scream and cry like before? But I only did that when I actually cared. Now, my feelings for him... were completely gone. The atmosphere turned awkward.

Chase's parents spoke up apologetically, "Aria is such a good girl. Why don't we set the date first?

Whatever demands you have, we'll agree to them." My mom smiled and replied, "This is up to Aria." Everyone's eyes fell on me.

I stood up, and under Chase's smug, expecting grin, I spoke. "Alisa, I'm sorry, but I don't want to marry Chase." My answer shocked everyone.

Even Chloe, who was waiting to watch me get rejected, stopped her wine glass halfway to her mouth.

After a long pause, Chase sneered scoffingly, "Aria, your family has begged for this wedding so many times, and now you're saying you don't want to marry me?

Do you think I'm stupid? You probably set up this dinner just to make up with me." In the past, my parents had indeed brought up marriage to Chase multiple times.

Even though they didn't particularly like him, they did it because I loved him so desperately.

I wanted to bind his face to my side forever, so I had practically threatened my parents to get what I wanted. They had no choice but to swallow their pride for me.

But every time, Chase would just brush it off: "I'll marry Aria once my career is successful." After his company went public, he said, "I need to become more mature before I can make Aria happy." Wait, wait, wait.

One year after another. He had used countless excuses. But I knew the truth. What he really wanted to say was: The person I want to marry isn't Aria, it's Chloe.

This time, I would be the one to clarify.

I spoke calmly again. "Chase, just like you said before, we really aren't a good match for marriage." Seeing me so incredibly calm, confusion and panic finally flashed in Chase's eyes.

He opened his mouth to say something, but Chloe suddenly clutched her stomach, crying out in pain. "Chase, my stomach hurts so bad.

Can you take me to the hospital?" Right in front of my parents, Chase scooped Chloe up in his arms and rushed toward the door.

Ignoring his parents' protests, he snapped at me impatiently, "We can discuss the wedding anytime. It doesn't have to be right now.

Chloe is sick, I need to take her to the ER." "Just wait.

I will marry you eventually." As soon as he stepped out, Chase's parents shook their heads, sighing in disappointment. "Aria, he doesn't deserve you.

We really wanted you to be our daughterinlaw." I smiled gently to comfort them. "It's okay, Alisa. There will be other opportunities."

That night, I received a text from Chase asking me to meet him at a club. I went, but not to make up. I went to break up.

As I reached the door of the VIP room, I heard his friends joking inside. "Chase, you made such a huge scene today. Do you really think Aria will show up?" "What do you know?

Even if Chase tore the sky open, Aria would use her own body to patch it up." "Chase already called her. She'll definitely show up." ...

Chase sat in the center, but his eyes were glued to Chloe. I walked in calmly. Instantly, all eyes turned to me with mocking amusement.

Chase halfopened his eyes and gestured for me to sit next to him. I didn't move. The tension in the room thickened. Chloe said pointedly, "Aria is a girl, Chase.

You need to pamper her a bit." Chase tossed his cigarette aside, walked over to me, and handed me a lastseason designer bag.

He spoke with zero patience, "I was too impulsive this morning. I didn't think about you and your parents. I bought you this bag.

Stop being mad." Chloe's words were like a holy decree to him. Even when it came to comforting his own girlfriend, he only did it because Chloe told him to.

I had no desire to be stuck between these two anymore. I let the bag slip from my hand and drop onto the floor.

I said coldly, "Let's break up." "Chase, do you really think I'm too stupid to see that this bag has already been used by Chloe?" Chase's face darkened instantly.

He frowned. "Have you had enough?" "First you pretend you don't want to marry me, and now you're bringing up a breakup.

Aria, are you ever going to stop?" I simply replied, "I'm done. We are completely done." Chase exploded in rage, kicking a table aside. He grabbed my wrist tightly. "Aria!

I apologized! I tried to make it up to you! What the hell else do you want?" Seeing this, Chloe pretended to plead, "I get it.

Aria is mad about the bag." "Aria, I only used that bag three times. Chase was in a rush to set up this gathering tonight, so he didn't have time to buy a new gift.

That's why he used the bag I brought to apologize to you." Is that so?

If I hadn't seen Chase order luxury boutiques to deliver thousands of birthday gifts to Chloe's house within ten minutes in the past, I might have actually believed her pathetic excuse.

But none of it mattered anymore. I stood my ground. "I want a breakup." The sheer seriousness in my eyes finally rattled Chase.

In our three years together, this was the very first time I had ever brought up breaking up. The cherry of his cigarette glowed in the dark as we stared each other down.

After a silent standoff, he sneered, "Fine. Great. Don't come crawling back to me crying!" Crawling back? Tomorrow, my real love would be home.

The next day, to celebrate Cole's return, I rented an exhibition hall.

I was personally arranging the flowers when Chase called. "Aria, what are you doing?" I clipped the stem of the last flower and replied, "Preparing a surprise." His tone immediately lightened.

He assumed the surprise was for him. "I'll come over and check it out later then." Before he hung up, I heard his friends laughing and teasing him in the background. "It's only been one night, and Aria is already preparing an apology surprise.

She really loves you to death, Chase." It was indeed a surprise, but not for him. Once the hall was decorated, I sent him the address.

By evening, Chase and his group of friends swarmed into the venue. Seeing me standing there in a white gown, the guys whistled and laughed. "Whoa, Chase!

She's already wearing a wedding gown, and the hall is fully decorated. She's just waiting for her groom!" Chase looked at the flowers with disgust. "I told you I hate white roses.

Why did you use them?" "But... since you went to all this trouble... and even wore a white dress... I guess I can propose.

But you have to promise not to bully Chloe anymore." He casually plucked a blade of grass, twisted it into a makeshift ring, and walked toward me.

Just as he was about to drop to one knee, I didn't even spare him a glance.

I walked right past him, straight toward the man who had just entered the hall behind him. "You're finally back."