---- Chapter 2 Once inside, I rushed to the bathroom, stripped off my wet jacket, and blew my hair dry. When I came back out to the living room, Lucas was sitting on the sofa, holding a cup of coffee. He was in clean clothes, his hair neatly combed. There wasn't a trace of drunkenness left on him. He looked up at me, his expression calm. "I thought you were drunk." "Thad a few drinks, but I wasn't drunk." Lucas set down his coffee cup, looking tired. "Sophie, about tonight..." Isat down across from him, waiting for his explanation. "Willow just got back from Europe. She's... emotionally unstable," Lucas said, rubbing his temples. "Her family ran into some trouble over there. She's very fragile right now." ---- "and?" "And so I had to comfort her." Lucas's tone was matter-of-fact. "Sophie, you have to understand, pack politics are complicated. Willow's family is important to us. I can't have her feeling neglected." "And the things you said? About the temporary mark, about purebloods..." Lucas sighed. "That was just talk, Sophie. To put her at ease. It's a pureblood matter. You wouldn't understand." His explanation sounded perfectly reasonable, just like it had countless times over the past three years. "T understand," I said with a nod. Lucas let out a breath of relief. ''I knew you would. How are the preparations for the marking ceremony next week coming along?" "Everything's ready." "Good." He stood up. "I'm going to take a shower. I have a meeting tomorrow." ---- After Lucas left, I was alone in the living room. Isat on the sofa, staring at his coffee cup on the table. The cup was still warm, but my heart felt like ice. I pulled out my phone and found the contact for Robert, the head of my design firm. I remembered him mentioning last month that their Seattle branch needed people and asked if I was interested. I'd turned him down then, because I thought Lucas and I were going to be permanently bonded. Now, it seemed like it was time to reconsider. 'Hi Robert. About that position in the Seattle office, I was hoping to learn more about it.) I typed slowly, weighing each word. Sent. A few minutes later, Robert replied: 'Sophia? You changed your mind? That's great! Seattle is desperate ---- for experienced designers. The pay is even better than here. When can you start? Istared at the screen, my finger hovering over the keyboard. Upstairs, I could hear the shower running. Everything seemed so normal, so peaceful. But I knew everything had changed. I got up, went to the bedroom, and started to think back on the last three years. The exquisite choker he gave me for my birthday. He'd told me it was just a decoration, but I later found out its true purpose: to muffle my Omega scent. The clothes he picked out for me-conservative suits and long, concealing dresses. He said he liked me in professional attire, but now 1 saw the truth-it was all to hide the curve of my hips, the swell of my chest, every sign of the Omega he was ashamed of. 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.