INCONSISTENTLY YOURS

The diamond horseshoe necklace glinted under the soft vanity light, casting a tiny rainbow across the room. Marc sat in silence, watching his reflection as Marie Licuano, his soon-to-be mother-in-law, gently fastened the clasp behind his neck. “Jiesel,” Marie said with a sweet smile, her voice as soft and warm as always. “This necklace has been in the Licuano family for generations. When I married Zander, my mother-in-law entrusted it to me. Now, it’s yours.” Marc stiffened at the sound of the name. He had been bracing himself for this moment, but hearing it spoken aloud made it all the more real. Jiesel. The name he was pretending to be. I shouldn’t let her know, Marc thought quickly, his stomach twisting. If Marie discovered the truth—that he was not Jiesel—everything would fall apart. He forced a smile, trying to mask the unease rising inside him. The necklace, a symbol of the Licuano family’s wealth and power, felt like a weight around his neck, a constant reminder of the consequences he’ll face. “I… I don’t think I can accept this,” Marc said, his voice a little shaky, though he kept his gaze steady. Marie’s brow furrowed with concern, but her gentle smile never wavered. “Oh, Jiesel, you must accept it. This is a gift, a family heirloom,” she said sweetly, taking his hand and placing it over the pendant. “You’re part of the family now. With this necklace, no one will dare harm you. I promise, you’ll always be safe here.” Her words, meant to comfort, only intensified the pressure building in Marc’s chest. He had to keep up the act. He couldn’t let her suspect the truth. Marc took a deep breath, nodding carefully as he forced a smile. “I understand. I’ll wear it,” he said, the words tasting bitter in his mouth. Marie’s smile grew brighter, as if relieved. “Privilege comes with duty,” she whispered, leaning in slightly as though sharing a secret. “This is your duty now, Jiesel. But don’t worry, everything will be just fine.” Marc’s heart hammered in his chest. Don’t worry, everything will be just fine—she had no idea how much was at stake, how fragile this entire situation was. Marie straightened up, smoothing her dress with a soft sigh of satisfaction. “I’ll see you at the ceremony,” she said, her tone cheerful and light. She gave his arm a gentle pat before turning to leave, the faint scent of her perfume lingering in the air as she disappeared out the door. The door clicked shut, and Marc exhaled slowly, his hand instinctively brushing the cold pendant again. He stared at his reflection. A man dressed in a wedding gown, playing the role of his twin sister, Jiesel. Never in my life did I think it would come to this, Marc thought, his stomach twisting with guilt. But there was no turning back now.