" What about Driftwood Isle , down south ? It's beautiful , the weather is perfect , and most importantly , it's remote and no one will bother us . " My hand paused . I listened to her and changed my destination to Driftwood Isle . All that was left was to pick up my mother before left , so we could start our new life together . A moment later , I came across a few old photos of Damian and me , and my mind was pulled back to our time in the village . Back then , he was Liam . He'd been brought to Seacliff Harbor by a distant relative of his adoptive family when he was about three . It wasn't uncommon for people in the village to bring back children they'd had while working elsewhere , so no one suspected a thing At seven , we were classmates . At fourteen , he wrote me my first love letter 71,56 11:56 Chapter 1 At eighteen , to buy me a coming - of - age gift , he went out to sea with the fishermen for ten days and nearly drowned in the surf . The day he personally fastened the delicate hairpin in my hair , I finally broke down and threw myself into his arms . He just stood there , smiling like a fool , his hands hovering awkwardly , unsure where to put them . The image of him just now , his voice cool and distant as he urged me to accept my new reality , flashed in my mind . It was impossi- ble to reconcile that man with the simple , earnest boy I once knew . It was only now that I truly understood . In just a few months , the intoxicating world of wealth and power had completely changed him . The person named Liam had died back in that little fishing village . I ran my fingers over the hairpin I had cherished for so long , and finally , I left it in the drawer of the nightstand . At midnight , Damian still wasn't home , but he sent me a text . He no longer fussed over my health like he used to . Instead , he forw- arded me a link : A Crash Course in High Society : Mastering the Rules of Etiquette and Survival ... I scoffed . Lately , he'd been desperately trying to push me into his world , as if mastering these skills would somehow bring me closer to him . But I wasn't him . I didn't have the blood of the elite running through my veins . I would never learn to analyze stocks or appreciate fine art , let alone bake , taste wine , or coordinate designer outfits . My only passion was the vast , endless ocean and the freedom of diving . This time , I deleted the message . I would no longer force myself to learn things I hated . My baby , who had been quietly watching , clapped her tiny hands and gave me a thumbs - up . " Mommy's finally woken up ! Two thumbs up ! " 3 A few days later , I went out to eat by myself . My appetite during pregnancy was insatiable . The vision of my daughter appeared again , wiping drool from her mouth as she pointed at the food on the table . " Mommy , I want that one ! And that one ... I'm not done with that , can we order another plate ? " Just as I was enjoying my meal , a group of people walked in . Leading them was the very woman Damian was set to marry : Seraph- ina Vance . I had never met her , but one of her friends whispered in her ear , and her gaze immediately locked onto me . Before I could react, they had invited themselves to my table , seating themselves across from me . The girl who had been whispering spoke first . " Well , well , if it isn't the little pet Mr. Nordling keeps at home . " Another girl chimed in . " I hear you've been causing quite a scene . Don't you know how to be a proper mistress ? " I laughed instead of getting angry . " Miss , do you have experience being a mistress ? You seem awfully eager to give lessons . " " You- ! " She was speechless , her face turning crimson . Seraphina , however , just smiled . Her arrogant eyes scanned me from head to toe as she toyed with the massive diamond ring on her finger . " You're not a complete pushover , I'll give you that . " She then casually gestured towards my stomach . " I can tolerate Damian having women on the side , " she said elegantly , " but I'm not fond of him having children . Why don't you give the baby to me to raise ? I promise I'll treat it as my own . " " You've been with Damian for a while , you deserve some compensation . Name your price , and I'll do my best to meet it . " Her condescending attitude was infuriating . I was about to get up and leave , but she blocked my way . " Miss Reed , I suggest you think this through . The child you bear may have the Nordling name , but it will be born to a woman with no official standing . At the end of the day , it will be nothing more than an illegitimate child . And I'm sure you know how difficult life is for someone like that . A loving mother plans for her child's future . Surely you understand that ? " 7156 11.56 Chapter T Before I could reply , the little vision of my daughter shook her tiny fist . " Mommy , don't listen to her ! She only wants to raise me so she can get rid of you completely ! Once she has me , she'll abuse me until I'm dead ! " I looked at Seraphina's deceptively beautiful face and said firmly , " Thank you for your concern , Miss Vance , but I'll raise my own child . " " Why are you being so difficult ? " Seraphina dropped the facade , her face filled with contempt . " How could a backwater girl like you possibly raise a child properly ? I hear your mother is just some lowly fisherwoman . Something born from trash will always be trash . " I had wanted to walk away , but the word " mother " rooted me to the spot . My baby's voice piped up again , full of indignation . " This evil woman has such a nasty mouth ! It's okay , Mommy , Daddy's almost here ! " But I wasn't waiting for Damian . I wasn't waiting for anyone to save me . My blood boiling , I looked at Seraphina's smug face, grabb ed ed my water glass , and threw its contents squarely at her . " Ah ! " she shrieked , just as Damian rushed in and pulled her behind him . He glared at me , a chilling frost radiating from him . The next thing I knew , he picked up a glass of soda from the table and poured every last drop over my head . 4 " Waaah , bad Daddy ! That mean lady started it ! " My baby was sobbing in my mind , but the people around us had already scattered , leaving only the curious eyes of the other diners , discreetly watching my humiliation . Damian's words echoed in my head . " Lena , I've been too lenient with you . You need to reflect on your actions . " He hadn't even asked what happened . He just punished me on behalf of someone else . No , not someone else . His fiancée . The Liam I once knew would never have let me suffer the slightest injustice . The Damian of today had become the very person to crush my dignity . I laughed at myself , grabbing a napkin to wipe the sticky liquid from my face . My phone rang . It was my mother . When I answered , there was only silence . My baby's voice was frantic . " Mommy , go home , quick ! Grandma's collapsed ! You have to see her one last time ! " I rushed back to the village to find my mother breathing her last . She gripped my hand , her voice a thread . " Where's ... Liam ? Why isn't he with you ? He promised ... he'd take care of you for me . " I just sobbed and shook my head . There was no Liam anymore . 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.