Simulating fluid flow in a fractured reservoir includes generating a grid for a fractured reservoir model that includes a fracture and a matrix to obtain a generated grid. Cross-flow equilibrium elements are generated based on the generated grid. A volume expansion parameter is selected for the cross flow equilibrium elements, and used, along with physical properties, pore volume and transmissibility multipliers. The physical properties are included in the cross flow equilibrium elements. A fluid flow in the fractured reservoir model is simulated using the pore volume and transmissibility multipliers and a fracture relative permeability curve to obtain a result, which is presented. The fluid flow is calculated for the cross flow equilibrium elements.