The Second Marriage Chance

Philip

"What do you mean, 'Who am I?"" the woman asked incredulously, shooting a questioning glance at Trey, feigning confusion.

A smirk tugged at the corner of my lips. "Sarah's expressions, the way she speaks, her subtle gestures, even her scent-they're all unique to her. Yours, on the other hand... it's pungent." I took a deep breath, noticing her overpowering perfume. Curious to uncover her identity, I chose my words carefully, masking my intent with floral phrases, hoping she would continue the charade.

"Why are you doing this to me, Philip?" She sank into the soft leather couch, her movements awkward and exaggerated. With narrowed eyes, she scrutinized me, her voice thick with feigned emotion.

"Is this about Josh? I promise, there's nothing between us. I did have feelings for him once, but they mean nothing-nothing compared to what I feel for you..." Her voice trembled, tears welling in her eyes but not spilling over. Even Trey wasn't buying her Oscar-worthy performance, coughing awkwardly.

"I was only gone for a few months, and you've already forgotten me?" she added.

I shrugged nonchalantly, then locked eyes with her, my gaze unwavering.

"I know it's you-Megan."

Her eyes narrowed, and then she chuckled. "Tss! You're no fun at all, Philip."

"And you're pathetic for trying to imitate Sarah," I responded firmly, my voice sharp.

My remark struck a nerve. She gritted her teeth, the muscles in her jaw tightening visibly. Settling into a chair opposite her, I studied Megan closely, noting every minute detail that distinguished her from my Sarah. "Everyone else believed I was Sarah Mitchell," Megan said, finally dropping the act. "That's why I'm here in your private office. Did she mean so much to you that you can tell us apart at a glance?"

"That's right! Perhaps acting isn't your forte," I replied coolly, leaning back in my chair. "As president of Luminary Productions, I've worked closely with actors. Your performance wouldn't even pass muster in a high school drama class!" "You-" Megan seethed, clearly stung by my words.

Her composure was crumbling rapidly, much to my satisfaction.

"Yes, I must admit, your little performance was momentarily entertaining. But you couldn't capture Sarah's gray eyes. That's how I knew you were a fake right from the beginning... Megan, we've been friends. Did you believe I wouldn't recognize you immediately?"

I fixed her with a scornful look.

"Sarah doesn't use perfume," I stated matter-of-factly. It was a detail Megan had overlooked, unaware of how scents could trigger Sarah's panic attacks.

"You're also taller than Sarah by an inch, so the heels you wore this afternoon were lower. Thanks for the effort, though. In imitation, it's the little things that reveal the fake. Cheap and easy to break."

My words were intentionally hurtful. Megan and I were friends before, but what she did destroyed any fondness I had for her. Disgust churned inside me, wiping out any remaining affection.

I continued, "I don't know why you're doing this, Megan. Did you think that everything would fall into place just because you resemble Sarah? That you could simply step into her life and claim what's hers?"

"Maybe I was stupid, Philip!" she exploded, her carefully constructed façade crumbling. "Since I returned here after your divorce from Sarah, I've felt hopeless. Your mother made me believe we could be together if I just played along. I hoped you'd finally see me how I wanted-that you'd love me! And what do I get, huh?"

I didn't realize how much truth was in her words. All I knew was that I treated Megan as a friend.

Her teeth clenched in frustration. "All you see is Sarah, Sarah, Sarah! Now, you're seeing me as Sarah; aren't you going to love me too, Philip?" Her voice carried a deep emotional weight.

I scoffed, unmoved by her outburst. "Wow, Megan. Is that what this is about? Did you think you could use Josh, drain his accounts, and use that money to crawl back to Highland Hills? Don't make me laugh. You don't love me." Sarah had confided in me about Josh's true character and his past relationship with Megan.

"You just liked the idea of living in Serenity Pines and being my wife because you couldn't find anyone better! But let's be honest here-you're facing financial charges from multiple investors in Highland Hills, and the police are after you for the murder of that maid, among other serious offenses."

Megan's face paled, her glare intensifying as she swallowed hard.

"Let me lay out my theory," I began, "You fled Highland Hills after securing evidence that framed you as the prime suspect in your house's arson. On top of that, you amassed funds from various investors, but now you're strapped for cash!" I paused, gauging her reaction before continuing.

"You discovered Sarah's true identity at Ethan's family salon-with Rebecca present-that my wife is the real Sarah Benner. Since Sarah doesn't use her true identity, you boldly decided to adopt it as your own. But you didn't stop there, did you? You went further and conspired with Madam Olsen."

Megan's lips curled into a smirk. "Your deductive skills are impressive, Philip, but not entirely on the mark. You've got it backward. Madam Olsen approached me, not the other way around. She's the one who suggested I undergo facial surgery even before your trip to Romania for the car race...

"She opened my eyes to the potential benefits and painted a picture of a future I couldn't resist. It's irritating, to say the least, that you saw through me right from the start. I thought I had you fooled."

"There's more," I narrowed my eyes at her and voiced my concern. "You were at the cemetery during my mother's burial. I saw you lurking by an oak tree. You've been meticulously tracking my family's movements. Were you also working with Josh? Is that why he suddenly decided to return to his medical career? And where is he now?"

Megan frowned deeply, a look of surprise crossing her face. She appeared genuinely taken aback by our knowledge of Josh's survival, her usual composure faltering briefly.

"I have no idea what you're talking about. Didn't you kill him?" She splayed her fingers as she spoke, examining her perfectly manicured nails with exaggerated nonchalance-an apparent attempt to mask her discomfort.

My smile widened, sensing weakness; Megan clearly knew more than she let on.

"If so, then you're aware Josh is dead?"

She didn't know I was catching her, so I've been in the mood to talk since earlier. Megan knows a lot! Maybe it's because of her relationship with Madam Olsen. Megan's lips curved into an unsettling smile. It felt disturbingly out of place, sending a chill down my spine and reminding me she wasn't my wife.

"Tell me the truth," I pressed, leaning even closer. "How did you manage to save Josh from the battle and the treacherous sea currents in the Viper Turf War?"