In Love With A Twin FACED CEO

Claire's POV

The living room felt smaller when Dad held my hands like this. His grip was warm but firm, and I could see that look in his eyes again. The one that meant he had plans for my life.

"Claire Smith my daughter, I want nothing but the best for you," Dad whispered.

I knew where this was going. All my life I had been living to please him, and now he was about to ask for something else. Why couldn't he just let me breathe for once?

"Do you remember Desmond Baggins, your senior and childhood friend? The son of Doctor Charles, my best friend who owns the second biggest lab in the city."

Of course I remembered Desmond. How could I forget him? But I wasn't about to make this easy for Dad.

"Claire! Can't you hear me?" Dad snapped when I didn't respond right away.

"Yes dad, sorry about that. I got lost in thoughts. Yes I remember him. What about him? I hope all is well?"

Dad's face relaxed. "All is well Claire. You know their family is well recognized for their impact in the city. Did you know that he kept the family business going? He's now a doctor. It would make me happy if you go visit him today."

"Congratulations to him, that's good news," I said, trying to sound casual even though my stomach was twisting.

"Yeah he's really handsome. I think you both should catch up since it's been a while. You don't really know where this boat of reunion might land. It wouldn't be bad if you both become something more. Oh apologies for saying too much. You both should just catch up for old times sake. You can't tell what will happen, you know?"

My skin crawled. "That's gross dad. We are just friends with no strings attached."

"I know but it wouldn't be so bad if you guys were more than friends. I would love it if you guys would be more than just friends because he's the best guy I want for you. He's a doctor and a scientist too, and he's the son of my best friend. If you guys get to know each other and perhaps you fall in love with him, it'll pave more ways for our family. Don't you think so?"

I nodded just to end this conversation, even though everything inside me was screaming no. I swore to myself right then that I would never make the mistake of falling in love with anyone just to please my dad.

"I'll go see him shortly dad, since it's what will make you happy."

Dad smiled and left me alone. I sat there thinking about what he had said, and finally decided I might as well get this visit over with.

When I arrived at Desmond's house, his maid opened the door. The moment I saw her face, my breath caught in my throat. Her face was bruised and swollen, purple marks spreading across her cheek like spilled ink.

I wanted to ask what happened but this wasn't my house and it wasn't my business. At least that's what I told myself as I stepped inside.

"Please sit down ma'am while I call him. Would you like to have anything?" she whispered. Her voice was croaky and I could hear tears threatening to break through.

Poor girl. She looked so troubled. I wished I could help her, but then again, maybe I could help her.

"Ma'am are you ok? I asked if I could offer you anything," she said again, this time louder.

"Oh sorry dear, I was lost in thoughts. Yes I'd love pancakes thank you."

I kept watching her as she moved around the room. The injuries weren't just on her face. Her arms had marks too, and the way she walked told me there were probably more bruises hidden under her clothes. Someone was hurting this girl, and I had a terrible feeling I knew who.

Suddenly I felt someone grab the back of my neck with enough force to make me gasp.

"Who the hell is that?" I yelled, spinning around.

The face that stared back at me was older now but still unmistakable. Desmond Baggins, my childhood friend.

The same Desmond who had almost beaten a boy to death when we were nine years old. I had told my dad about it that day, but he hadn't believed me. Now he wanted me to marry this monster.

Looking at the maid's bruises, everything made perfect sense.

"It's me Desmond! My beautiful long time friend. To what do I owe this visit?" he said, his smile too wide

.

"Is that why you gripped me like that? Please don't try that again," I snapped.

"I'm sorry for startling you. I've missed you so much, it's been a while."