Chapter 1 My coworker and I were browsing the mall on our lunch break . I glanced at a Sephora , and she immediately grabbed my arm , pulling me inside . " Ooh , see something you like , sweetie ? Spend a hundred and get forty dollars off . Help me hit the minimum ! " She pressured me into piling a bunch of sale items I didn't want into my basket so we could check out together . The final bill came to $ 118 . My share was $ 58 ; hers was $ 60 . " Sweetie , with the $ 40 discount , my part is basically covered , so we're even , okay ? " she chirped . " Plus , look ! There's a gift with purchase . I'll chip in a dollar so you can get this $ 15 shampoo . It's all yours . See how thoughtful I am ? " She nudged me forward . " Go on , scan your rewards card so we can check out . " I gave her an innocent look . " Oh , I'm not a member . " She pouted theatrically . " Then sign up ! It's only five bucks ! " She snatched my phone , ready to do it herself . But the payment screen flashed a notification : Insufficient Funds . My coworker, Lillian, froze . She'd already torn open the packaging on her items , confident I wouldn't back out . 1 Lillian stood there , locked in a tense standoff with the cashier , before finally shooting me a venomous glare and reluctantly signing for the rewards program herself . up She stepped up to the register under the cashier's impatient gaze . " So , that's forty dollars off , right ? " , " Ma'am , " the cashier said in a monotone , " too many of your items are already on clearance . The best we can do is twenty percent off . " " What ?! Then I don't want any of it ! " " Ma'am , you've already opened the packaging . You have to pay . " Lillian's face flushed crimson . She whirled around to face me . " Zoe , just use Afterpay . I'll pay you back later . " I pulled out my phone and tapped at the screen for an eternity , feigning confusion . " After ... what ? I don't think I have that . " Lillian's patience snapped . She grabbed the phone to set it up for me , only to let out a strangled cry when she saw the credit limit it offered " How is your limit only a hundred dollars ?! " " Ive , uh , never used it before , " I mumbled . " Then request an increase ! " " But ... it says here any increase won't take effect until next month . " " You ... ! " The cashier had seen enough . " Ma'am , are you going to pay or not ? I'm about to call security . " " Fine ! Can we use her hundred dollars from Afterpay , and I'll pay the rest ? " " No , ma'am . The transaction has to be processed as one payment . " I silently cheered for the cashier . Usually , they could split payments , but she was clearly done with Lillian's drama . 11:13 Chapter 1 Finally , cornered and out of options , Lillian had to put the entire purchase on her own credit card . All the way back to the office , her eyes were fixed on me , dark and resentful . " Zoe , I remember you used to save money every mon- th . How can you not even have five dollars to spare now ? " Her probing gaze scanned me from head to toe , as if searching for a hidden wallet . I showed her the screen of my investment app . " I locked it all up in a high - yield CD . I don't even have enough for living expenses right now . I have to ask my mom for lunch money . " " You didn't do that just to avoid splitting things with me , did you ? " " Of course not ... " Her face instantly darkened , her voice turning sharp and accusatory . " Zoe , if I hadn't begged our manager , Ms. Evans , to keep you , you wouldn't have even made it past your probation . And this is how you treat me ? You're going to nickel - and - dime me now ? " She raised her voice . " If you think I'm taking advantage of you , then just stop having lunch with me ! I only ask you because you look so pathetic with no one else to eat with : And in return , you make a huge scene at Sephora over a stupid discount ? " " That was over a hundred dollars ! That's half a week's rent for me ! All because you wanted to go shopping , I helped you get a disc- ount , and then you tried to stick me with the bill ! " Her voice was so loud that the entire office had gone silent , all eyes on us . 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.