SECRET TWINS: Trapped By My Kickass Ex-girlfriend

Alice had only been back in New York City for less than a month when she heard a rumor-Ronan had declared that if he ever saw that woman Alice again, he would make sure to kill her!

It was clear that his hatred for her ran deep; even after all these years, he still couldn't forget.

Alice wondered, was it too late to change her name now?

It was definitely too late...

Thinking about it carefully, it made sense that Ronan would say such things. After all, she had gone through so much effort to win him over back then, only to discard him like an old shoe. If she were in Ronan's shoes, she would probably want to tear that heartless person to pieces too.

New York City wasn't too big, but it wasn't too small either. Her world and Ronan's didn't overlap, so she probably wouldn't be unlucky enough to run into him, right?

Alice admitted she was being a little too optimistic.

Today was an important day, and she couldn't afford any distractions. Standing in front of the hotel's floor-to-ceiling windows, she patted her cheeks to clear her mind.

But the next second, she couldn't help but think of that man again.

Perhaps it was because the Imperial Grand Hotel held special significance-it was the place where she and Ronan had first shared a bed. Closing her eyes, the memories flooded back, the white bed, the walnut-colored floor, the clothes scattered messily across it-his and hers-entwined just like their bodies.

Back then, she had schemed relentlessly to win over that unattainable man, wanting to make him hers and hers alone, to hide him away from the world. She had been wild, obsessive, and relentless, seizing every opportunity to be with him.

Like a seductive temptress, she had pursued him-this noble, virtuous scholar-luring him into the indulgence of desire.

But Ronan was no mere scholar. He was the dream of every girl in school. No-beyond the school, he was a prodigy, the sun itself-brilliant and out of reach.

That night, it had rained heavily. She had pretended to be afraid of thunder, refusing to sleep in the adjacent room. Knocking on his door, she had thrown herself into his arms, clinging to his neck, unwilling to let go.

He had been a gentleman, insisting on taking the sofa while letting her have the bed.

But she hadn't been that innocent. Seizing an opportunity, she had squeezed onto the sofa, burrowing into his arms and kissing him. Her boldness was shocking-even thinking back now, she was astonished by her own audacity.

At the time, Ronan had liked her too. Naturally, he hadn't been able to resist her relentless teasing, and once his defenses fell, there had been no turning back.

Alice's gaze dimmed, a mixture of nostalgia and helplessness clouding her eyes.

A knock at the door snapped her out of her reverie.

A hotel staff member gently reminded her, "Miss Hughes, the wedding ceremony is about to begin."

"Alright, I'll be right there."

Alice exhaled slowly, pushing her emotions aside. She turned to the mirror, adjusted her expression slightly, and walked out in her high heels.

Michael's cousin was hosting a baby's full moon banquet today at the Imperial Grand Hotel, and Michael had called Ronan to invite him. As expected, Ronan declined and simply sent a monetary gift.

Michael wasn't surprised.

If it weren't for the fact that this was his cousin's event, he wouldn't have wanted to come either. Family gatherings meant being nagged by elders, and he dreaded the inevitable lectures about marriage.

The thought of relatives pressuring him to settle down made Michael's head hurt. He tried again to persuade Ronan, "Are you really that busy today? If not, just drop by for a meal. My cousin was just asking about you the other day. Oh, by the way, Elizabeth will be there too."

Ronan hung up immediately.

Hearing the dial tone, Michael smirked and shook his head.

That was just like Ronan-once he said no, no amount of persuasion would change his mind.

Michael slipped his phone back into his pocket and stepped into the elevator, humming a tune as he pressed the button for the 28th floor. The blue digital numbers flashed as the elevator ascended. When it reached the 26th floor, the doors opened.

A woman stepped in.

She was wearing a delicate pink slip dress, her hair elegantly pinned up. She was looking down at her phone, so Michael couldn't see her face clearly. But based on his years of experience flirting with women, he was certain-this woman was an absolute beauty.

Her dress was adorned with delicate pearl flower embellishments that shimmered under the lights. Around her slender neck, she wore layered pearl necklaces-one a string of tiny seed pearls, the other a row of round, luminous pearls.

Her taste was impeccable, which only made Michael more curious about her appearance.

He stared at her for a long while. The woman seemed to sense it and turned slightly to glance in his direction.

Their eyes met.

Both of them froze.

Michael's eyes widened in shock-this... this was Ronan's ex-girlfriend?!

He would recognize her even if she turned to ashes.

Alice's heart thudded violently, as if struck by a drum. She had never expected the world to be so small! She had just been thinking she wouldn't run into Ronan, and yet, she had bumped into his close friend instead.

With a soft "ding," the elevator reached its destination.

Alice quickly checked the floor number-yes, this was where she needed to be. Without a second glance, she stepped out of the elevator in a hurry.

Her retreat was practically an escape.

Six years had passed, and she had changed a lot. She hoped Michael hadn't recognized her... No, she couldn't fool herself. Michael's expression-the look of someone who had just seen a ghost-made it clear he had recognized her instantly.

Alice's heart pounded wildly, panic creeping into her veins. Even her fingertips felt numb.

How could this be happening?

As the elevator doors were about to close, Michael finally snapped out of his daze. He quickly pressed the door open button and rushed out, following Alice's direction.

She had disappeared into the banquet hall.

Standing outside, Michael's gaze fell on a large display stand by the entrance-a wedding poster.

It was a massive, framed photo of Alice. She was wearing a white wedding dress, standing next to a man he didn't recognize, dressed in a black tuxedo.

They were smiling blissfully.

Michael had attended enough weddings to know what this meant. This was the wedding reception hall.

His eyes dropped to the text below the photo. As expected, in elegant script, it read,

"Joined in Matrimony, A Lifetime of Happiness."

And the names below?

Alice.

Ronan's ex-girlfriend was getting married?!

For a moment, Michael was overwhelmed with emotions-was it pity for his best friend? Anger? Or both?

Without hesitation, he pulled out his phone and dialed Ronan's number.

No answer.

Damn it! Ronan wouldn't seriously think he was still trying to persuade him to attend the baby banquet, right?

Michael refused to give up. As soon as the call ended, he redialed.

This time, after a long pause, Ronan finally picked up. His voice was indifferent,

"I already said I'm not going. I'm drinking with John at Night Elegance Club."

Michael rolled his eyes. "Drinking in broad daylight instead of attending the banquet? My cousin treats you like a brother, and this is how you repay her? Are you even human?"

Then he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Forget that-I called to tell you something. Guess who I just saw? Your ex-girlfriend! That woman who played you! She's getting married today-at Imperial Grand Hotel! Don't you want to crash the wedding?"

Silence.

As if he had just imagined what he'd heard.

Michael frowned. "Ronan? Are you still there? Did you hear me?"

Another long pause. Then-Ronan's voice, hoarse and dry,

"Which hotel?"

"Imperial Grand Hotel." Michael answered, then quickly realized that Imperial Grand Hotel was a chain with multiple locations across New York City. He promptly added, "The one on Huaqing Road."

Pausing for a moment, he tentatively asked, "Are you... coming over?"

Just last month, this guy was drunk at Night Elegance Club, muttering about how he would kill that woman-Alice.

Now, the opportunity had presented itself.

Hanging up the phone, Michael felt a surge of excitement.

He was certain Ronan would come to settle the score with Alice, and hopefully, ruin her wedding. Michael had never liked that woman. She had clung to Ronan relentlessly, chased him until he was hers, and then shamelessly betrayed him-leaving him utterly humiliated before disappearing from everyone's sight.

Why should she get to marry and live happily now?

Why?

Michael felt indignant on behalf of his best friend, itching to go teach that woman a lesson himself. But reason reminded him-he had no right.

In the banquet hall, Alice moved in a panic and collided with a waiter carrying a tray of drinks. The tray wobbled, and red wine spilled onto her pale pink dress, quickly blooming into an unsightly stain.

The waiter stepped back, his face turning pale. He bowed repeatedly, panicked. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to-your dress..." His voice trailed off as he glanced at her gown-it looked expensive, far beyond what he could afford to compensate.

Alice knew the waiter was innocent. She had been too flustered and hadn't watched where she was going.

"It's not your fault. Go on with your work."

Relieved, the waiter bowed again before quickly leaving with the tray.

Ann noticed the commotion and made her way through the crowd. She took Alice's arm, checking her dress. Seeing her sister's unsettled expression, Ann asked with concern, "Sis, are you okay?"

Alice shook her head. Her heartbeat was still erratic, pounding rapidly.

Ann said, "That wine stain won't come off quickly, and you definitely can't wear this dress anymore. I brought a backup dress for the toasts. Come with me and change into it."

Alice hesitated. "I can't just wear your dress-"

Before she could finish, Ann pulled her towards the exit. "We're sisters. Don't be so formal."

The two entered a room temporarily used as a dressing area. Ann took out the spare dress and handed it to Alice.

It was a strapless white gown, with a slit on one side and a sheer fabric bow tied elegantly at the back, resembling delicate wings fluttering as one moved.

Ann's eyes lit up with admiration. She hugged Alice and pressed their cheeks together affectionately. "My sister is stunning!"

Alice pinched her round cheek playfully.

Suddenly, Ann's smile faded slightly, her voice tinged with sadness. "If only our eldest sister were here..."

Alice fell silent.

Ann sighed. "I originally wanted to wait until she was released before having the wedding, but Joyce's mother consulted a fortune teller. He said our birth charts align best today, or else we'd have to wait another two years."

Alice patted her back and smiled gently. "She wouldn't mind something like that. Your happiness is what matters most. Enough of that-let's head back to the banquet hall before we keep the guests waiting."

Night Elegance Club-one of New York City's most exclusive and high-end entertainment clubs. Membership-only. Not just anyone could get in.

In a dimly lit VIP lounge with an air of decadence, the scent of alcohol lingered. A vintage record player spun slowly, emitting a soft and sultry English tune, like the whispered murmurs between lovers.

The luxury here was intoxicating.

In the shadowy corner, a man dressed in black blended almost completely into the darkness. His features were obscured, but his long, pale fingers gripped a square glass, ice swirling in the amber liquid.

Everyone in the room had overheard most of Michael's phone call.

John, sitting across from Ronan, was the first to speak. "Ronan, are you really going?"

Ronan twirled his glass, silent.

Another man chimed in, "If you ask me, so many years have passed. Even the biggest grudges should have faded by now. Isn't the best kind of ex the kind that's dead to you?" He snorted. "Don't let Michael egg you on-he just loves stirring up trouble."

"That's not entirely wrong," someone else muttered. "But what she did back then? Any man would find that unforgivable. Could you swallow that humiliation?"

"Fair point..."

That woman was truly despicable.

"I bet Ronan will go," Adam, usually quiet, suddenly spoke up.

Before the others could argue, Ronan placed his glass down. The crisp clink of glass against marble echoed through the room, silencing everyone.

The man in the shadows stood up.

Light and shadow intertwined, gradually revealing his face-so breathtakingly handsome that even Hollywood's top actors would pale in comparison. Every feature-his eyes, nose, lips-seemed sculpted by the gods themselves.

No wonder the wealthy heiresses of New York City were obsessed with him.

At Night Elegance Club, a place filled with the rich and powerful, women frequently faked dizziness just to fall into his arms.

But at this moment, his expression was unreadably indifferent. Some thought he was angered by Adam's words, ready to refute them. Instead, he lifted his gaze lazily, a faint smirk playing at his lips.

"I bet you're right."

Everyone, "...?"

What did that mean? Was he really going to find Alice?

John suddenly coughed, drawing their attention. They all turned to look at him as he casually pulled out a few books and tossed them onto the table. He nudged his chin towards Ronan. "Here. Take these for reference."

Ronan glanced down at the gaudy book covers.

CEO's Cold Love, The Fiery Wife Who Can't Escape

The Billionaire's Contract Marriage, 100 Days of Forced Love

Obsessive Tycoon's Long-Planned Capture, The Innocent Girl's Inevitable Fate

...What the hell?

John smirked. "Confiscated these from my niece. Bored one day, so I skimmed through a few pages. Surprisingly dramatic. You could study them-learn how those cold CEOs torment their women."

Ronan shot him an icy glance and walked out of the lounge.

John pressed the service bell, summoning a waiter.

A well-dressed server in a white shirt and black vest quickly arrived, bowing respectfully. "President John, how may I assist you?"

John, barely suppressing his laughter, pointed at the books. "I'll send you an address later. Get someone to deliver these."

The waiter, unbothered by the strange request, nodded and left.

Adam took a sip of his whiskey, his voice calm. "John, there's a limit to joking around."

John shrugged, unfazed. He leaned in closer, dropping his voice. "You, of all people, know Ronan's personality best. Do you really think, after reuniting with Alice, he could be ruthless enough to destroy her?"

They had all witnessed firsthand how much Ronan had once adored Alice. He had been willing to hand over shares of The Brown Family's business for her. Fortunately, she had the sense not to accept them, or Ronan's father would've died of fury.

Adam exhaled. "So, you think the same as I do."

Same? John understood-Adam had reached the same conclusion.

Only Michael, that fool, couldn't see it. Running around stirring up trouble, more anxious than even Ronan himself. Sooner or later, he was going to push Ronan too far.

At Imperial Grand Hotel, the wedding was about to begin. The banquet hall buzzed with lively chatter.

Ann's health wasn't great, so Alice helped greet the groom's distant relatives and friends.

More guests had arrived than expected. Alice was making last-minute arrangements with the hotel manager to add extra tables, completely unaware that Ronan had already arrived.

Michael, having learned of Ronan's arrival through a group chat, waited in the lobby.

A black Bentley Mulsanne pulled up at the entrance. Recognizing it as Ronan's car, Michael stood up. A valet, quick on his feet, rushed to open the back door.

Polished dress shoes stepped onto the red carpet. Ronan emerged, adjusting his suit.

Michael bolted over like a gust of wind, dragging Ronan straight to the wedding floor. Outside the banquet hall, he pointed at the entrance display and spat, "The groom isn't even the guy she cheated with! Look at him-what a loser! And his name? Stinky Dumbass! How can you tolerate this? Want me to call more people and wreck this whole wedding?"

Ronan's first thought, Who the hell names their kid Stinky Dumbass?

Then he looked at the name initials.

Ronan, "..."

Without sparing Michael a glance, Ronan strode into the banquet hall.

His composed demeanor was so natural that, to an outsider, he might as well have been just another wedding guest.

Alice had been busy all morning, ensuring that all of the groom's relatives were properly arranged. She leaned against her waist and let out a long sigh of relief.

Jane, her mother, noticed her exhaustion and was about to suggest that Alice sit down and rest for a while when a small, soft hand suddenly tugged at hers. She looked down to see her little grandson, Aaron, who had slipped off his chair.

"Aaron, what's wrong?" Jane bent down and spoke to the child in a gentle tone, a smile on her face.

Aaron held his little bottom, "Grandma, I need to poop."

"Oh, we can't wait for that! Come on, Grandma will take you to the bathroom." Jane took his hand and, before leaving, reminded another child sitting nearby, "Hanna, stay here and don't run around. Grandma will take your brother to the bathroom."

The little girl blinked her big, grape-like eyes, holding a half-eaten chicken leg, her mouth oily, "Okay, Grandma."

Jane patted her little granddaughter's head, saying "Good girl," before leading Aaron out of the banquet hall through the side door.

Alice, noticing the pair, was about to follow when her hand was suddenly pulled by someone. She turned in surprise, only to see Sarah, the groom's mother, with a broad smile on her face. "Alice, I have to thank you today! I just mentioned to my family yesterday that Joyce would be having the wedding today, and who knew so many people would come? If you hadn't arranged everything so quickly, I wouldn't have known what to do."

Alice forced a tired smile. "It was the least I could do."

"I could tell when we had dinner last time that you were someone who could handle big matters. Otherwise, I wouldn't have agreed so quickly to Joyce and Ann getting married. You know, with your little sister being sick, it's hard for families to accept," Sarah continued, her words casual but loaded with meaning.

Alice's brow twitched, struggling to keep her expression neutral. This made her feel uncomfortable.

As far as Alice knew, Joyce had been the one who pursued Ann and promised to marry her, so why did Sarah now suggest that it was Ann who couldn't marry anyone else and was clinging to Joyce?

"Aunt, what exactly are you trying to say?"

Alice didn't want to cause a scene, so she kept her temper in check and spoke calmly.

Sarah chuckled awkwardly, her face shifting through different expressions as she hesitated. Finally, she spoke with a determined look. "You see, with all these guests, we've exceeded our budget for the banquet. I suggested holding it at another hotel where I know people and could get a discount. But Ann really wanted this hotel, and Joyce even argued with me to give her the grand event she wanted..."

Alice understood what she meant, but didn't want to argue. "I'll pay for the extra costs."

Sarah's face brightened with relief, and she didn't say anything more. "I won't bother you then. I'll go talk to the relatives. You go ahead and take care of things."

Alice forced a smile and watched her leave.

She genuinely disliked Joyce's mother. She was calculating and shrewd, and if it weren't for Ann, Alice wouldn't have said a word to her.

After this encounter, Alice couldn't help but worry about Ann's future life after marriage.

Dating was about two people, but marriage involved much more.

"Alice, you've been busy all morning. Come sit and rest for a while," a kind voice said. Alice looked over to see her grandmother, patting the empty space beside her.

Alice smiled and replied, "Okay."

Ronan immediately spotted the woman in the crowd, laughing and talking with others, wearing a gown resembling a wedding dress. Her dark hair was pinned up, and her features had become even more stunning and elegant compared to the past.

His dark eyes narrowed, and he strode towards her. In front of all the guests, he grabbed her wrist.

Many people around looked up in surprise, some curious, others confused, followed by whispers.

When Alice was grabbed, she thought it was Sarah returning with more requests. She turned around, only to freeze in place, her shock far greater than anyone else's.

She had imagined that if Michael saw her, he might tell Ronan, given how close they were. But she hadn't expected Ronan to show up so quickly.

Seeing him, her senses disappeared, as if a magic force had pulled her into another world. She felt dizzy and disoriented.

Ronan didn't care about anyone watching; he pulled her out of the hall. Only when they reached the hallway did Alice snap back to her senses. Her lost senses returned, and she tried to twist her wrist to break free, but the difference in strength was too great. No matter how she struggled, it was futile.

"Sir, please let go of me," Alice said, her voice strained.

Sir?

A sarcastic smile tugged at Ronan's lips, and his already cold face turned even more terrifying.

Alice was very familiar with this side of Ronan. Before she had won his heart, he often wore this frosty expression, pushing her away, warning her to stop.

At that time, she had been fearless, determined to melt his icy exterior, and she had succeeded.

But now... she no longer had the courage to face him.

Ronan dragged her to the end of the corridor, where it was quiet and empty. He released her wrist and slammed her against the wall.

Her exposed back hit the hard wall, and a sharp pain spread through her. Alice gasped, and before she could recover, a large hand gripped her throat, fingers digging into her skin.

The force wasn't great, but it made it hard for her to breathe, her chest rising and falling with increasing intensity.

Ronan leaned in close, his cold face filling her vision. Every word he uttered was like ice, "Alice, how dare you..."

How dare you marry someone else!

Alice avoided looking into his eyes, turning her head away. She clenched her fists, forcing herself to stay calm. "Sir, you have the wrong person."

Ronan's cold laugh echoed. He had thought she would have some clever excuse to calm his anger, but instead, she pretended not to know him. His hand tightened on her shoulder, flipping her over to face the wall. His thumb brushed over her shoulder blade, the smooth feeling doing nothing to stir any romantic thoughts in him. Instead, all he felt was frustration, his anger seeking release.

Soon, a layer of concealer was rubbed away, revealing a clear bite mark.

Ronan's breath brushed against Alice's ear, hot like fire, making her flinch. His voice was cold and threatening, "Alice, how do you plan to argue now?"

That bite mark was from when they had been intimately tangled together on the bed. It was his mark, proving she belonged to him, that she couldn't heal it.

He wanted her to remember him forever.

Alice's throat tightened, unable to offer any defense.

Her back was against him, so she couldn't see the bloodshot corners of his eyes. All she heard was his increasingly cold questioning, "Alice, didn't I tell you, never appear in front of me again?"

Alice closed her eyes, wanting to explain, It's you who came looking for me. I never wanted to appear in front of you.

But she didn't say a word.

Just then, a small child suddenly appeared, bumping into Ronan's leg. The little fists softly hit him, and the childish voice was full of anger, "Don't bully my mom! Let her go!"

Mom...

Ronan froze, looking down at the child.

The little girl in the pink tutu furrowed her brow, looking displeased.

The girl's features resembled Alice's.

The child seemed to be around four or five years old, and Ronan's mind suddenly clicked. He released Alice, his voice trembling as he asked the child, "How old are you?"

Alice's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly answered, "Four!"

The child, unaware of the adults' situation, tugged at her mother's skirt, innocently saying, "Mom, I'm five! You must have remembered wrong."

Ronan's pupils contracted. It had been six years since he and Alice had parted. This child was five...