TANGLED HEARTS

Through Aidan Carter's office window, the city lights looked like stars. On a Friday night, most people were out having fun, but Aidan was still at his work. As he typed quickly, numbers and charts filled the screen of his computer.

"Just a few more calculations," Aidan said to himself as he pushed his dark hair out of his eyes. His brand-new business plan had to be great. This time, his dad would have to see how hard he worked.

At Club Pulse across town, the music was so loud that it shook the walls. A lot of colored lights flashed over the dance floor, where Asher, Aidan's twin brother, was the center of attention. These twins are very different, even though they had the same dark hair and bright blue eyes.

"Another round for everyone!" Asher yelled, raising his glass. The crowd cheered as Asher showed his famous smile—the smile that made their father beam with pride, the smile that got Asher everything he wanted.

Back in his quiet office, Aidan sighed as his phone buzzed with notifications. Asher began posting pictures of himself laughing, having a great time with his friends. Aidan turned his phone face-down on the desk. He didn't have time for parties. His green energy idea could save Carter Enterprises millions of dollars and help the environment too.

"This is it," Aidan whispered, looking at his finished plan. "This is the one that will make Dad finally see me."

Growing up as the 'other' twin had never been easy. Victor Carter, their father and owner of Carter Enterprises, always favored Asher. At family dinners, school events, and work parties, it was always "Asher this" and "Asher that." Aidan might as well have been unnoticeable.

But numbers never lied. Numbers didn't care which twin was more charming or better looking. And Aidan was amazing with numbers.

The office phone rang, startling him. Who would call this late?

"Hello?" Aidan answered.

"Still working, little brother?" Asher's voice came through the speaker, loud music playing in the background. Though they were twins, Asher was born ten minutes earlier and never let Aidan forget it.

"Some of us actually care about the company's future," Aidan answered, saving his work files.

"You should join me! The night is young, and there are some people here who'd love to meet you."

Aidan shook his head, even though Asher couldn't see him. "I'm almost done with my new job. It's going to change everything, Ash. A full green energy overhaul for all our buildings."

There was a moment of quiet before Asher spoke again, his voice suddenly serious. "Be careful, Aid. You know how Dad gets about your 'big ideas.'"

A chill ran down Aidan's spine. Last year, he'd offered a new marketing plan, only to have his father tear it apart in front of the entire board. The memory still made his stomach hurt.

"This one's different," Aidan maintained. "The numbers don't lie. We could cut prices by thirty percent while helping the environment. Even Dad can't fight with that."

"If you say so," Asher said, not sounding convinced. "Listen, I've got to run. Don't stay too late, okay? You work too hard."

After hanging up, Aidan stared at his image in the darkened window. Same face as Asher, but somehow their father always knew which twin was which. It was like Victor Carter could smell ambition on Aidan and found it unpleasant.

Aidan packed up his things and headed to the elevator. The office building was strangely quiet at this hour, with only the cleaning staff still around. As the elevator doors closed, Aidan caught a glimpse of a tall figure watching him from the darkness. When he looked again, no one was there.

"Just tired," he mumbled, rubbing his eyes.

Outside, the night air was cool on his face. Aidan's flat was only a few blocks away, but tonight he felt like someone was following him. He kept looking over his shoulder, only to see empty path behind him.

When he finally reached his building, the doorman nodded. "Working late again, Mr. Carter?"

"You know me, Joe. Always the responsible one."

"Your brother stopped by earlier," Joe said. "He left something with me for you."

Aidan frowned. "Asher was here? That's impossible. He's been at Club Pulse all night."

Joe looked confused. "Are you sure? He was wearing that fancy blue suit you boys have. Seemed in a hurry."

Aidan's heart raced. He had a blue suit exactly like that. But Asher had just called him from the club, hadn't he?

"Did he say what he left?" Aidan asked.

Joe gave him a small envelope. "Said it was important. That you'd understand."

In his apartment, Aidan tore open the package with shaking hands. Inside was a key and a small note with just three words: "They're watching you."

The handwriting was similar to his own—which meant it was Asher's too. Twins, mirror copies in everything except the life they lived.

Aidan turned the key over in his hands. It wasn't labeled, but something about it seemed familiar. Was it for a storage unit? A safe deposit box?

His phone buzzed with a text. It was from Asher: "Don't trust anyone. Not even Dad. Especially not Dad."

Before Aidan could reply, another message came through. This one wasn't text but a photo—of Aidan's office, shot from outside his window. In the picture, Aidan was working at his desk, totally unaware he was being watched. The picture had been taken tonight, just hours ago.

Aidan's hands trembled as he zoomed in on the picture. In the reflection of his office window, barely visible but certainly there, was another figure. Someone had been in his office while he worked, standing quietly behind him.

And the most frightening part? The dark figure looked exactly like him.

Or exactly like Asher.

The phone slipped from Aidan's fingers, clattering to the floor as a soft knock came at his door.