---- Chapter 9 Lucas's howl echoed through the night, filled with pain and desperation. Charlie and I stood there until the sound faded completely. "Thank you," I said, turning to Charlie. "What you said just now..." "Just the truth." Charlie shrugged. "Sophia, someone who truly loves you wouldn't try to control you." He took out a handkerchief and gently dabbed at the blood on my cheek. His movements were gentle and careful, completely devoid of any possessiveness. "Do you need to go to the hospital?" "No, it's just a surface wound." I shook my head. " Charlie, your words made him completely break down. "That's a truth he needed to face," Charlie said, putting the handkerchief away. "Sophia, you deserve ---- better." Back in my apartment, I took a shower and changed into my pajamas. The cut on my face had stopped bleeding, but it still throbbed. I had just lain down when my phone buzzed. Atext. From Lucas: 'Sophie, give me one chance to rebuild our scent bond. I know I was wrong. I stared at the screen, my finger hovering over the reply button. Then I just deleted the message. I thought he would give up. I was wrong. The next morning, when I left my apartment building, I found a beautifully wrapped package at my door. ---- Inside was a top-of-the-line set of design tools, the kind I'd seen in a display window but could never afford. There was no card, but I knew who it was from. I left the package where it was and went to work. When I came home, the package was still there, now with a bouquet of flowers next to it. White lilies- of-the-valley, my favorite. The third day, it was a limited-edition design book. The fourth day, a handmade Omega protection charm. I checked the components; it contained no controlling substances, just purely protective ones. The gifts piled up at my door like a small mountain. The neighbors started to whisper. "Someone's courting Sophia." "It looks so romantic." "Those gifts must be expensive." In "CEO, Those Twins Look Just Like You" by CrushReel, a single mother's life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with a charming playboy who unknowingly holds a billionaire secret. As their worlds collide, secrets unravel and hearts intertwine in this captivating romance novel set in a modern office backdrop. Amidst the challenges of raising twins solo, our protagonist finds herself drawn to the enigmatic playboy, unaware of the wealth and complexity hidden beneath his charismatic facade. The juxtaposition of their contrasting lives sets the stage for a tale of unexpected love, where opposites truly attract in ways neither could have imagined. This sweet romance novel delves into themes of family, identity, and the power of love to transcend social boundaries. With its blend of heartwarming moments and intriguing twists, "CEO, Those Twins Look Just Like You" stands out as a refreshing take on the billionaire CEO trope, offering readers a glimpse into a world where love knows no bounds. Experience the magic of this ongoing story at CrushReel and dive into a narrative that promises to captivate your heart and leave you eagerly awaiting what unfolds next. Read online at CrushReel for a journey that will keep you hooked till the very end.