Twin Temptation: The CEO's Mistake

Elizabeth

"Oh, Lizzie, do you believe how absolutely horrendous I look today?"

Jessica groaned as she planted herself in front of my mirror, flipping her golden hair with the kind of drama that could make a soap actress look subtle.

I didn’t even look up from my laptop. I was too busy reviewing the company profile for Sterling Corp, where I’d be starting my first day tomorrow. But I knew better than to ignore her for long. Jessica never stopped until she had an audience.

"I’m so gross. Just look at me." She spun around, tossing her hips like she was on a catwalk instead of in my bedroom. "Everything is totally wrong. To begin with, I’m disgustingly fat."

Fat?

I glanced up. Her so-called "disgustingly fat" figure had less fat than a marble statue. She turned again and held out one perfectly tanned, toned leg with a theatrical sigh.

"Isn’t that the grossest? I swear I must have the skinniest legs in America. And the bumpiest knees. If I step out like this, they’ll revoke my hot girl status on the spot."

I could already tell it was going to be one of those mornings. When Jessica was in a mood, nothing could stop her. Not even the reality that she looked like she belonged on the cover of a teen fashion magazine.

She stared at her reflection like she was watching a tragic movie about herself. Her hands went to her hair, tossing it up and letting it fall back over her shoulders in some dramatic display of hopelessness.

"Why couldn’t I at least have had an oval face? It looks like someone stuck a pumpkin on top of my neck. And this hair? A dull yellow mess of split ends. I hate it."

"You do realize you just described my face and my hair too, right?" I asked, finally closing my laptop and raising an eyebrow.

Jessica didn’t even blink. She poked her flawless face an inch from mine and batted her long lashes. "Only thing duller are my eyes. Look at that color, Liz."

I looked. Caribbean-blue eyes. Almond-shaped. Sparkling like always. She looked like a Malibu Barbie having an existential crisis.

Without waiting for me to respond, she continued. "There could be a telethon just for all the things wrong with me. I can’t even look at myself another minute."

And with that, she collapsed face down on my freshly made bed like her life had ended.

I stared at her in silence, then muttered, "Thanks a million."

Her voice came muffled through the pillow. "I wasn’t talking about you."

"Oh no," I said, dragging myself to the mirror out of pure curiosity. "All you said was that you’re the grossest-looking person. Your figure’s terrible. Your legs are chopsticks. Your knees are bony. Your face is all wrong."

"Right."

"And I just happen to be your identical twin sister. So what does that make me? Miss America?"

She didn’t answer. Probably because she knew I had a point.

I studied my reflection. Same sun-kissed blonde hair. Same blue-green eyes. Same cheek dimple. The only visible difference between us was the tiny beauty mark on my right shoulder.

But beneath the surface, Jessica and I were nothing alike. Not even close.

She was still rummaging through her bag like a raccoon digging through trash, tossing out a lipstick, a compact mirror, a glittery clutch, and her phone. Just as I turned back to my laptop, something small and shiny dropped onto the bed with a soft clink.

I glanced over. A sleek, black leather-strapped watch glinted under the light. The face was minimalist but clearly expensive.

Jessica scooped it up like it was a diamond. She stared at it, smiling dreamily as her fingers gently traced the silver casing.

"Okay," I said, closing my laptop again. "What’s that?"

Her eyes sparkled. "I met him last night. The hottest man I’ve ever laid eyes on. Dark hair, steel eyes, a voice that could melt glaciers. And don't even get me started on the suit. Italian. Tailored. Probably worth more than my entire wardrobe."

I tilted my head. "Let me guess. You think he’s the one?"

"I know he is." She held the watch to her chest like it was a locket. "He didn’t tell me his name. Said he preferred mystery. Ugh, Lizzie. He looked like a CEO. You should’ve seen the hotel suite. It screamed rich, powerful... and dangerous."

I gave her a look. "You said the last one was the one too. And you dumped him two days later because he used too many hashtags."

Jessica flopped back onto the bed with a dreamy sigh. "No. This one is different. This one felt... real."

"Because he’s rich?" I muttered, heading to the closet.

She raised her voice playfully. "That’s just a bonus."

I shook my head and reached for my blazer. "Anyway, I’m going to finish preparing for my interview. I’d rather not show up to Sterling Corp looking like a walking breakdown."

Just as I was halfway out the door, Jessica called after me. "Aren’t you going to that blind date Mom set up for you?"

"No thanks," I said without turning. "I’m enjoying my single life..from the safety of my bed."

Jessica giggled behind me. "Suit yourself, Miss Assistant."

---

The Next Morning

Our mother had outdone herself again. Warm croissants, fluffy eggs, fresh juice. It was a small miracle anyone in this house had time to eat like this.

"Elizabeth," Mom said sweetly, sliding a glass of orange juice toward me. "Please be careful on your way to Sterling. First impressions matter."

"I will, Mom." I smiled, sipping quietly while checking my portfolio for the hundredth time.

Dad, mid-chew, turned to Jessica with a frown. "Look at your sister. Already got herself a respectable job, and you're still running around the city with your friends. Don’t you think it’s time you started behaving like her?"

Jessica gave him a slow blink, took a sip of her drink, and said, "No offense, Dad, but Elizabeth’s kind of boring. I mean, what if someone mistakes her for me? How could she agree to be an assistant at Sterling of all places? Isn’t that, like, career suicide?"

I felt my jaw tighten, but I kept my tone neutral. "Not everyone gets things handed to them with a wink and a smile, Jess."

She smirked. "You sound jealous."

I slammed my glass onto the table, startling everyone. "Jealous? Of someone who can’t imagine doing a single day of real work?"

Jessica’s lips quivered in mock sadness. "You don’t mean that."

"I do."

She leaned back, clutching her heart like I’d wounded her. "I just... can’t picture myself taking orders from anyone. I’d rather die."

"Enough," Dad snapped, glaring at her. "That attitude is exactly why no one takes you seriously."

Jessica pouted like a scolded child, but Mom cut in quickly with her usual peacekeeping tone.

"Elizabeth, darling, are you ready to go?"

I kissed both my parents on the cheek. "Yes. I’m heading out now."

Jessica stood up as I turned away, blocking my path. "What, no kiss for me?"

I rolled my eyes but leaned in and kissed her cheek.

She smiled like she’d won something. That’s the thing with Jessica. She always had a way of making me forgive her, even when I didn’t want to.

--

Later at Sterling Corp

I sat quietly in the waiting lounge, clutching my folder while trying not to sweat through my blouse. Around me, a handful of other applicants checked their phones or flipped nervously through papers.

"Elizabeth Wakefield?"

I looked up. The receptionist, poised and sharp in a burgundy blazer, gave me a tight smile. "You’re up."

I nodded, forcing myself to breathe as I stood and adjusted my skirt. You’ve got this. You’ve worked for this.

As the door opened, I stepped into a room that felt more like a luxury suite than a corporate office. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathed the room in gold. The desk was solid mahogany, massive, and intimidating.

Then I saw him.

He was standing near the window, broad-shouldered in a dark suit that molded to his frame like it was made for him. His gaze met mine, and didn’t waver.