Richard: “Everyone, please raise your glasses.”
The ballroom was filled with soft music, expensive flowers, and guests dressed in black suits and elegant gowns. Richard sat beside his wife Elena at the center table, smiling as if nothing in the world could disturb him.
Richard: “Tonight is about family, loyalty, and new beginnings.”
Elena forced a smile.
Elena: “To new beginnings.”
The guests lifted their glasses.
Richard noticed that Elena's hand was shaking.
Richard: “Are you all right?”
Elena: “I'm fine.”
Before Richard could answer, the ballroom doors suddenly opened.
Every conversation stopped.
A man walked inside.
It was Richard.
The man sitting at the table was not Richard at all.
The real Richard had blood on his face, a bruised eye, and a torn jacket.
Elena: “Richard?”
The man at the table immediately stood up.
Stranger: “Don't listen to him.”
Richard stared at him.
Richard: “Who are you?”
The guests began whispering.
Elena looked from one man to the other.
They were almost identical.
Then the stranger reached into his pocket.
Stranger: “Ask your wife why she hired me.”
Elena's face turned white.
Richard: “Elena?”
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