CHAPTER THREE: ARE THEY REALLY TWINS?

Jason’s POV

When she entered the restaurant, I froze. Her hair—silky and perfect. Her eyes—captivating. Her lashes framed them like art, her lips were plump and tempting, her curves... flawless. Her smile was charming, and for a second, I forgot how to breathe.

I tried to push her out of my head at the office, but it didn’t work.

Jace strolled in, lightly tapping my shoulder.

“Hey, baby bro,” he teased.

“And how exactly am I your baby brother?” I asked dryly.

“Because I’m five minutes older than you.”

I chuckled. “You’re ridiculous.”

“So... how was your date?”

“Cool,” I said flatly.

“What do you mean cool? Tell me more! Was she beautiful? Did you like her?”

“Stop asking so many questions, Jace. Just leave me alone.”

“I’m not leaving until you talk.”

I sighed, exasperated. “Fine. She’s beautiful, alright? Beyond beautiful. Happy now?”

He grinned. “Nope. Tell me more.”

“You’ve met her before.”

“Wait—what? Where?”

“Well... once you meet her again, you’ll know.”

He raised a brow. “Now I’m curious. She must be something else.”

“Whatever,” I muttered, rolling my eyes.

“You haven’t said enough.”

“Jace, you know I don’t pry into your affairs, so don’t pry into mine.”

“Fine!” he snapped. “But don’t come running when you need me.” He walked off angrily.

I smirked. “Silly,” I muttered, turning back to my laptop.

Sydney’s POV

“Why isn’t he picking my calls anymore?” I muttered, rolling on my bed in frustration.

I dialed his brother’s number.

“Hey,” I said softly.

“Hi,” came his calm reply.

“So... I need your help, please.”

He chuckled. “Sydney, stop stressing yourself. Just move on.”

“You’ve got to help me! I still love him.”

“But he doesn’t love you anymore. You have anger issues, Sydney. Dangerous ones.”

“I’m helpless. I just want to see him. Can’t you tell him to pick up my calls?”

“He’s moved on.”

“With who?” I asked quickly.

“It’s not certain yet... but it might work out.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You wouldn’t. Just forget it.” He ended the call.

“Hello? Hello?!” I yelled, but the line was dead. “Damn it!”

Tears filled my eyes. I was tired—tired of being ignored. But I wasn’t giving up. I’d do anything to win him back. I might’ve acted badly in the past, but he had to forgive me.

I wiped my tears. “I’ll get him back,” I whispered to myself.

“Sydney! Sydney!” my elder sister, Olivia, called from the living room.

I ignored her completely.

Alexa’s POV

Barbara, Anna, and I sat in a bar, chatting about my date.

“Hmmm... I think I’m in love with that guy,” Anna said dramatically.

“What do you mean love?” Barbara asked, frowning.

“Just joking,” Anna said with a playful smile.

“Better. That’s Alexa’s prince charming,” Barbara teased.

“Prince charming, my foot,” I scoffed.

“If you don’t like him, hand him over. How can you waste a golden opportunity to date the most handsome and charming celebrity? He owns a theatre organization, for crying out loud—he’s loaded!” Anna said dramatically.

I rolled my eyes. She was obviously fantasizing again.

“Anna... what are you?” Barbara asked, exasperated.

“I’m an international model, obviously. What do you think I am?”

“A whore,” I muttered under my breath.

“Hey! How dare you?” Anna flared up.

“That’s what you are. You asked for honesty, and I gave it.”

“You slut!” she shouted.

“You just described yourself,” I said, rolling my eyes.

“Hey, calm down, both of you!” Barbara cut in quickly. “Behave like adults. People are watching. Do you want to ruin your reputation?”

“She started it,” Anna snapped.

“It doesn’t matter who started it! Anna, just because you’re a model doesn’t mean you should flirt with other people’s fiancé.”

“She doesn’t even like him! I thought I could just help out,” Anna shot back.

Barbara sighed in frustration. “Let’s end this conversation.”

I sat back, silent. I’d never really liked Anna. I remembered when she begged me to convince one of my friends to sign her into modeling. Back then, she was humble—now fame had gone to her head. She’d flirted with men before, even one I used to love—Edward. I should’ve seen through her fake charm then.

“So, Alexa,” Barbara said, turning to me. “I haven’t heard the full gist. Why did you hang up when I told you I was on my way to Nadine’s Recipe? And why didn’t you tell me he was a twin?”

“I didn’t hang up,” she said defensively. “My director did! I was in the middle of a scene. I’d have told you if I’d had the chance. Didn’t you check him out beforehand?”

“My mom arranged everything. I only knew a little about him,” I replied.

“Oh, I see. Well, he and his twin brother are both incredibly charming.”

“I’ve met his brother before,” I said flatly.

“Really?” Barbara’s eyes widened.

“Jace and...” Anna tried to recall.

“Jason,” I completed.

“So, who did you go on a date with—Jace or Jason?” Barbara asked.

“Jason,” I said.

“So... Jace was the jerk who spilled alcohol on your dress at the bar?”

“Exactly.”

“Wow, what a coincidence. So... what are you going to do?” Barbara asked.

“I don’t know yet. I’ll decide when I see him again.”

“Hmmm. So tell me more about the date.”

“Well—”

“B*tches, I gotta go,” Anna interrupted. “Chris just texted me. Bye!” she said, rushing out.

“Thank God she’s gone,” I muttered.

“Oh, don’t be like that,” Barbara said. “She’s nice sometimes.”

“Barbara, I know Anna too well. She means what she says. I just hope she changes.”

Barbara shrugged. “She’s still my friend, but yeah... she can be a lot.”

“Sorry if I sounded harsh,” I said softly. “Didn’t mean to upset you.”

“It’s fine. You’re my best friend, Alexa. Don’t be jealous.”

I laughed lightly. “Okay, okay, I’m sorry. So... about the date. We talked freely. He didn’t say much about himself, but he mentioned he’s not interested in any relationship. He’s only doing it because of his mom.”

“Wow, such a coincidence.”

“Right?”

“So... what happens after the pretend relationship?”

“I don’t know,” I said, sipping my drink.

Barbara smirked. “You see, I’m an actress. I know how these stories go.”

“Oh really?” I folded my arms. “Then tell me how ours ends, Miss Fortune Teller.”

“You’ll fall in love,” she said confidently. “You’ll get married. And there’ll be drama, jealousy, challenges... but you’ll love each other deeply.”

I stared at her, amused. Could she be serious?

“That will never happen,” I said, laughing. “You’re too dramatic, Barbara. Maybe it’s your actress imagination talking.”

“Oh, it’ll happen,” she teased. “And when it does, I’ll give you the I told you so look.”

“Let’s wait and see, then.”

“So... are you going on another date with him?”

“It depends. My ego won’t let me text him first.”

“Then wait till he texts you.”

“Exactly.”

We both laughed, drank a little too much, and by the time the night ended, Barbara called her driver to take us home.

To be continued...........