Falling Into a Happy-go-lucky CEO

Royce's POV

"I beg to disagree, dad! Why does it have to be me? You already know that business has never been a part of my vocabulary!" I blurted out, thumping my forehead with my hand.

I had just arrived home from hanging out with my friends. I was a bit tipsy, and my best friend Vince had driven me home, leaving my car at the bar. However, upon hearing my dad's words, all my senses seemed to snap back into focus.

There was a moment of silence. Then, after a while, I heard my mom's calm voice. She was sitting beside my father on the sofa bed.

"Royce, my son, it's only for the meantime. Your brother is still in the hospital," mom said, her voice becoming emotional.

"But mom, I can't do it!" I scoffed.

How could someone like me handle such a huge responsibility? I pondered the question silently. It felt incredibly challenging for me. I didn't even finish my college degree due to negligence in my studies. I was caught cheating during examinations, not just once but multiple times. As a consequence, I was transferred to my Aunt's place in Canada. So why in the world do my parents expect me to take over my brother's position as the CEO of META? How am I supposed to do that? They must be out of their minds!

META, short for Miller Entertainment and Talent Agency, was originally owned by my late grandfather, Thomas Miller, and later passed down to my father, Henry, as he was the only son among the three siblings. My grandfather served as the former chairman of the board while my dad held the position of CEO. Following my grandfather's death, my father assumed the role of chairman. When my brother, Reid, turned 23, my father appointed him as the CEO and entrusted him with the management of META, as my father focused on running our real estate company.

META, the biggest talent agency in Los Angeles, has experienced remarkable growth. Under Reid's leadership, the company achieved unprecedented success, quickly becoming the leading talent agency in the city. His achievements have earned him widespread recognition and admiration within the business industry.

Reid and I were identical twins. If I were to dress like him, it would undoubtedly cause confusion as our height, complexion, and physique were indistinguishable. However, there was one aspect of our appearance that set us apart: our hair color and style. I sported a blonde undercut, while Reid opted for a dark brown slicked-back style. In terms of traits and personality, we were complete opposites.

Reid has a very refined personality. He is intelligent and graduated with flying colors. He is responsible, trustworthy, and a serious type of person. In fact, he did not experience having a girlfriend or even flings during his college days because he was too serious about his studies. But one month ago, I heard he was dating a woman named 'Andrea', but I did not know anything about her. He was supposed to introduce her to my parents, but it did not happen because of the accident.

On the contrary, I am his total opposite. While I could not claim to have a very low IQ, my negligence towards my studies resulted to consistent failing grades. Even when I was transferred to my Aunt's place, my behaviour remained unchanged. I frequently skipped classes and spent my time socializing with friends, often venturing to bars and nightclubs for drinks and relaxation. I engaged in casual flings, often escalated to sexual encounters, but beyond that, I avoided any serious commitments. I am a womanizer who sought no strings attached, simply moving on once my interest in a woman had waned.

After spending a year in Canada, I made the decision to return to LA, not wanting my Aunt to worry about me. However, instead of going back to school, I chose to enjoy my time with friends, here and there.

Occasionally, I overheard my parents expressing their desire for me to be more like Reid, believing that I could be of great assistance to the family business. It stung a little to hear those words, but I pretended not to be affected. Now, with Reid in the hospital, I feel an overwhelming sense of guilt, knowing that I can't do anything to please my parents.

I heard my dad clear his throat, signaling that a more serious conversation was about to take place.

"Royce, please listen. This is the only favor I am asking from you. Please take your brother's position in the meantime. I cannot entrust META to anyone else. Reid has put so much effort into it, and I don't want his hard work to go in vain," my father spoke calmly and emphatically.

"But dad! I am not Reid. I can't be like him!" I protested, sinking back into the couch, and resting my hands under my head.

"Royce, son, you need to understand that you will be doing this temporarily. Your brother is still lying in the hospital, and we don't know when he will regain consciousness," my mom's voice quivered, her attempt to hold back tears was evident. I met my mom's gaze and suddenly felt a wave of compassion for her. It must be incredibly difficult for her to witness her beloved son in a comatose state.

It was a natural and understandable reaction for parents to feel devastated upon seeing their son in such a critical condition. It also hurt me, although Reid and I were not that close but I could not ignore the fact that he is my older twin brother, As my only sibling, I may have a different personality, but I genuinely care for him. If any harm befalls him, I swear to seek justice and hold accountable the person responsible for his current situation, even if it means taking matters into my own hands.

Two weeks ago, Reid was involved in an accident, and the report indicated that the main cause was a brake failure in his car. Despite being promptly taken to the hospital, he suffered a head injury that resulted in a blood clot in his brain, leaving him in a coma.

However, I harbored a lingering doubt about the circumstances surrounding the accident. Something felt off, and I was determined to uncover the truth at any cost. As I locked eyes with my parents, their emotions overwhelmed me.

Nevertheless, I couldn't fathom stepping into my brother's shoes. I lacked the knowledge and experience to run a business, having not completed any degree and struggling to handle pressure.

"Dad, mom, I'm truly sorry, but I simply can't do it. You know me. I am not-" I paused, crossing my arms.

"Why not consider letting Charles assume the position, dad? He is more capable than I am," I suggested, attempting to explain my side.

Uncle Sam, my step uncle and the father of Charles, had been adopted by my grandparents when he was just ten years old, following the tragic plane crash that orphaned him. Uncle Sam married Aunt Josephine, a restaurant waitress, and together they had Charles and Margaret. However, when Charles turned 18 and Margaret was 15, Aunt Josephine passed away from heart failure.

Uncle Sam became the Vice Chairman of META, and Charles worked as the Chief Operating Officer. Given his capabilities, I believed Charles was the most suitable candidate to assume the CEO position.

After a moment, my father let out a heavy sigh, his gaze fixed upon me.

"I'll give you some time to think about it, Royce. Perhaps we can discuss this further next time. You're drunk right now, so you need to take a rest," my father spoke, rising from his seat and gently tapping my shoulder. Mom followed him, casting me a pleading look as they retreated to their bedroom. Confusion clouded my mind, leaving me unsure of what to do. With a deep sigh, I made my way to my own room.

As I reached for the doorknob, an overwhelming urge compelled me to enter my brother's room first, which was adjacent to mine. A sense of melancholy washed over me, realizing that it had remained untouched since the accident. Taking a few steps down the corridor, I turned the doorknob and stepped inside. Immediately, my gaze was drawn to a large picture frame positioned above the drawer. It contained a photo of my brother and me, both clad in matching shirts and pants, captured during our joint 27th birthday celebration a year ago. I approached it, looking at the image intently.

We were truly identical. Two young men with vibrant blue eyes, prominent noses, and well-defined jawlines. Our faces mirrored each other, yet our personalities were distinct. As I tenderly touched the frame, memories flooded my mind of our youthful days. Reid had always been a supportive brother, understanding my flaws and defending me against our father's harshness whenever I faced challenges in school. Despite our contrasting perspectives, he consistently showed me kindness. And now, my dear brother lay in the hospital, his fate uncertain. I gritted my teeth and clenched my fist, tears welling up in my eyes. Next to the frame, I noticed his shattered mobile phone. The screen bore severe cracks from the accident. I attempted to power it on, but it remained unresponsive.

An idea formed in my mind. I contemplated taking the phone to a repair shop, hoping it could be fixed. Perhaps it held some information relevant to my brother's accident. After carefully placing the cellphone in my pocket, I exited the room and made my way back to my own.

Royce's POV

When I finally woke up, it was already 10:00 in the morning. I had a severe headache, so I retrieved a pain reliever from my medicine cabinet and returned to bed. However, despite my attempt to rest, sleep eluded me. My mind kept returning to the conversation with my parents from the previous night.

They had asked me to take Reid's position, indicating that they had faith in me and believed I could handle the responsibility. The thought brought a smile to my face, as it was the first time my parents had shown such confidence in my abilities.

Shaking my head, I closed my eyes briefly. Suddenly, my brother's phone came to my mind. I realized that I needed to take it to a repair shop to have it fixed. As soon as my headache subsided, I got out of bed and swiftly grabbed a towel before heading to the bathroom for a shower.

Afterwards, I chose a checkered polo shirt, paired it with blue jeans and sneakers, and placed my brother's cellphone in my pants pocket. I went out of my room and headed to the kitchen to pour myself a cup of coffee. Although food was already laid out on the table, my morning appetite was lacking. I was certain my parents had already left for work. My mother held the position of Chief Financial Officer at a lending institution, while my father served as the Founder and Chairman of a real estate company in Washington DC.

It was evident that we belonged to the upper class. Both my parents hailed from affluent business families, so a knack for business seemed to be ingrained in their blood. This was a trait Reid inherited, but not me.

Being born into a privileged family had fostered a carefree attitude within me, as I questioned the necessity of work when we already possessed material wealth. I held the belief that our parents would eventually pass on their vast riches to Reid and me when the time came.

After finishing my cup of coffee, I retrieved my black leather jacket and draped it over my shoulder. However, a sudden realization struck me-I had left my car at the bar the previous night so I had to use another vehicle from the garage. Fortunately, I had the keys to a Porsche Cayenne, since I used it before purchasing a new car.

I pulled out of the driveway and headed towards a Cellphone Care Center. Upon arrival, I parked the car and quickly exited. Taking long strides, I hurried towards the entrance door. The building housed numerous cellphone shops, causing me to feel a sense of confusion as to which one I should visit.

As my eyes scanned for the best shop, I unintentionally bumped into someone in the hallway.

"Oh, I'm sorry Miss." I bent down and helped her pick up pieces of documents scattered on the floor. Those were her biodata, TOR, and application letters.

As I read the information-

VERA ANDERSON

The woman glanced at me while organizing her documents into a folder. I couldn't help but notice her beauty, with her long eyelashes and enticing, kissable lips. Her dark brown wavy hair cascaded down, perfectly complementing her innocent and angelic face. She exuded an aura of a goddess, captivating the admiration of those around her. I found myself getting lost in her eyes as we locked gazes.

"I apologize once again, Miss," I managed to say, feeling a sense of familiarity with her, though unsure if we had met before.

"It's alright. Thank you," she responded with a gentle smile before standing up.

"Um, my name is R-" I began, but she departed before I could finish. It seemed she held no interest in me, and it bruised my male ego. I watched as she made her way out, my eyes following her until she disappeared from my sight.

Vera Anderson.

The name sounded familiar. I whispered it to myself, intrigued by the connection it sparked within me.

As I continued towards the cellphone shop, thoughts of the woman I unexpectedly encountered in the hallway consumed my mind. Her name echoed repeatedly, leaving me curious and captivated.

Vera Anderson...

"Good morning sir, how may I help you?" the mobile attendant asked me, showing her cutest smile.

Temporarily setting aside my thoughts, I retrieved my brother's damaged cellphone from my pocket. Handing it to the mobile attendant, I inquired about the possibility of repairing it. The attendant passed it on to the technician for assessment. After a brief moment, the technician informed me that there was no guarantee of a full repair due to the damaged circuit board. Nevertheless, they would do their utmost to fix it. Leaving the phone in their care, I provided my contact information and made my way back to where I had parked my car.

Once again, thoughts of the woman I unexpectedly encountered resurfaced in my mind. I rubbed my forehead, attempting to recall if we had crossed paths before. Suddenly, it hit me like a revelation-I remembered her!

Vera Anderson.

She was the woman I had kissed three years ago. A smile formed on my face as I reminisced about the moment her cheeks turned from pink to red when the lights came back on. It seemed she was blushing, perhaps indicating that it was her first kiss. I couldn't believe there was still someone who hadn't experienced such a thing. I playfully thumped my head with my hand, amazed by this realization.

I was undeniably attracted to her at the time, particularly when I saw her wearing that blue halter swimsuit. It was evident she felt self-conscious, yet she looked incredibly alluring. During the kissing game initiated by Alexa, I had meticulously familiarized myself with the area where Vera stood, even estimating the number of steps required to reach her. Despite the lights being turned off, my night vision watch came to the rescue, guiding me towards her as she attempted to evade my pursuit.

The moment I kissed her, my heart fluttered inexplicably, especially when I sensed her response. However, it was merely a game, nothing more. So why did I feel a twinge of guilt when I saw her blushing cheeks? I contemplated following her to the dressing room, but hesitated, uncertain if it was appropriate. Consequently, I remained in my place.

I only managed to learn her name, but never had the opportunity to get to know her further. After that party, I never saw her again. Yet, just a few minutes ago, our paths unexpectedly crossed once more.

Vera Anderson.

The woman who made my heart flutter for the first time.

I tried to push those thoughts aside, as I was certain she didn't remember me, especially that kiss, considering how swiftly she had left. It seemed she had no interest in knowing my name. But that was alright; it had been three years, after all.

Leaning over, I securely fastened my seatbelt and drove down the driveway, heading towards the hospital where Reid was undergoing treatment. I felt a strong urge to make it up to him, as I had only visited him once since his admission, carrying a lingering sense of guilt. I had been prioritizing my time with friends rather than my family. Although we had housemaids and some of my father's trusted employees taking care of him, it felt different when it was his own family looking after him. While my father's staff would watch over him during the day, in the evenings, it was typically our housemaids. Occasionally, our parents would take over when they weren't occupied with work. However, this time, I was determined to dedicate a few hours solely to my brother.

Pressing down on the accelerator, I increased the car's speed. An unexplainable anxiety washed over me, as if something terrible might befall Reid. I couldn't quite pinpoint the reason for this feeling, but it was likely a result of my overwhelming guilt towards him, causing me to overthink the situation.

After a speedy fifteen-minute drive, I arrived at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Making haste, I headed towards the elevator that would take me to the exclusive 10th floor, reserved for VIP patients and those who could afford premium amenities. Stepping out of the elevator, I noticed a few nurses and medical attendants bustling in and out of private rooms during their daily rounds. Continuing down the corridor to the right, I suddenly caught snippets of hushed conversation. Intrigued, I cautiously approached the source of the voices, taking care to remain unnoticed. However, there were no security guards in sight. Where could they be? With caution, I inched closer to the closed area, straining to make out the conversation.

Suddenly, I heard the sound of a doorknob being turned. Acting swiftly, I sought a hiding spot, ensuring my movements were silent. Peering out discreetly, I observed Uncle Sam, along with my brother's attending physician, exchanging a sneering smile as they made their way towards my brother's room.

An unsettling feeling washed over me, compelling me to uncover the truth at any cost. For now, I needed to be cautious with my words and feign ignorance of their encounter in the closed area. After all, I had no knowledge of the nature of their discussion. However, if it pertained to Reid's condition, why did they hide away somewhere else?

Vera's POV

On Monday morning, I made up my mind to purchase a new cellphone to replace my old one. I felt a strong need for it for my job application.

Previously, I had worked at a lending institution in Washington. After completing my master's degree, I was promoted to the position of Financial Officer with a significantly higher salary. However, after two years, I was bored so I decided to return to LA to be with my brother. Additionally, I wanted to fulfill my dream of working at the top talent agency in the city.

Originally, I had plans to apply at META, but the accident involving Reid caught me off guard. Recalling Reid's situation, I shook my head in disbelief. It was hard to fathom that he had been in a coma for two weeks already. I hoped for his swift recovery, as he played a crucial role at META.

After a twenty-minute drive, I arrived at the Cellphone Care Center. Deciding to bring my documents inside for photocopying, I organized them in a folder before stepping out of the car. It took me around 30 minutes to finally settle on purchasing the latest model of the iPhone.

After my documents were all photocopied, I went out of the shop, but I suddenly bumped into someone in the hallway. My heart was racing as I took a quick glance at him. I hurriedly picked up all my papers scattered on the floor because I could no longer resist the tension I was feeling deep inside.

The person standing before me, assisting in gathering my documents, turned out to be none other than Royce Miller. It was evident that he couldn't be Reid, considering Reid's current condition in the hospital.

As I overheard him beginning to utter the initial letter of his name, I swiftly made my exit, fearing that he might recognize me.

My palms were clamming with sweat as I settled into my car. Oh, my goodness. I never anticipated crossing paths with him again after three long years. And to my surprise, he appeared even more attractive. How could I forget him? How could I forget the man who happened to be my first kiss? Despite the flaws and quirks I had heard about him, I remained unfazed. Many times, I questioned why it had to be him and not his twin brother Reid, especially considering my familiarity with Reid as my schoolmate and friend at Claremont McKenna College.

Memories of our college days flooded my mind. I was in my second year while Reid was in his fourth when he mustered the courage to confess his feelings for me. I never expected him to make such a bold move, as he had always struck me as the serious type. Nevertheless, he was undeniably kind-hearted and incredibly handsome. Numerous women had vied for his attention, doing all the possible means to win his heart, but all their efforts proved futile.

Reid possessed a refined personality. Despite his privileged background, he remained down-to-earth and never boast about his family's wealth and influence. However, I could not force myself to feel romantic love for him. I could only regard him as a friend and nothing more.

It was not Reid whom I have feelings for, but rather, it was Royce. It has always been him. Memories from the past flooded my mind, causing me to close my eyes momentarily.

On the night following our college graduation, my best friend Alexa invited me to her thanksgiving party at Skybar. I knew how much she enjoyed hosting parties at venues with swimming pools. To fulfill her request, I sought permission from my brother, who granted it on the condition that I would not take alcoholic beverages.

The party commenced promptly at 7:00 in the evening. Females were dressed in elegant gowns, while males sported rolled-up long-sleeved shirts paired with jeans and sneakers. As for me, I opted for a knee-length, fitted, off-shoulder pink dress and wedge sandals.

Our classmates and friends were enjoying themselves as they danced to the beat of the music, and perhaps it was only me who did not join them on the dance floor, simply because I was not used to it. I was not used to going outside for socialization. Though I belong to the middle class, but I just preferred to stay at home rather than have that kind of party. If it were not for Alexa's request, I wouldn't be there for sure. I looked around to recognize those who had attended the party. Suddenly, I spotted Reid who was with a group of men, gulping a bottle of beer. The area was a little dim and only the dancing lights were turned on.

"Hey girl, why are you not joining? Come on. Let's just have one drink." Alexa whispered in my ear, causing me to startle.

"Who are you looking at?" she asked loudly since the music was getting louder too.

"Isn't that Reid girl?" I exclaimed and gestured my hand towards a certain direction.

"Nope, it's not Reid, but his twin brother Royce."

I was taken aback by the revelation that Reid had a twin brother. I had never encountered his brother on campus, and Reid had never mentioned him before.

Alexa informed me about Royce, which left me feeling slightly unsettled.

"Actually, I invited Reid, but you know, he's too focused on his business career and doesn't enjoy going to parties anymore," Alexa smirked.

Suddenly, she grabbed my hand and insisted that I put on my swimsuit, as the swimming session was about to begin.

"A swimsuit? Oh no! I can't wear that here. Besides, I didn't bring one," I protested.

However, Alexa was persistent and led me to the dressing room. She tossed me a dark blue halter swimsuit.

"Put this on! I brought it for you. It doesn't reveal too much skin, so don't worry, okay?" Alexa said as she changed into her own sexy black halter suit, which accentuated her cleavage. Reluctantly, I put on the swimsuit, feeling a bit hesitant.

Alexa embodied a carefree spirit. She had attended countless parties and fully embraced the vibrant nightlife scene, a lifestyle she had been accustomed to since middle school. Hailing from a wealthy family in Westwood and being the only daughter, she enjoyed all the luxuries life had to offer. While Alexa embraced a liberated mindset, I leaned towards a more conservative outlook. Despite our contrasting personalities, she remained my closest friend, and I knew she genuinely cared for me and respected our individual differences. "Wow, you look so sexy, girl!" she exclaimed, even whistling at me. I felt a bit shy as I looked at myself in the mirror.

"Girl, it perfectly fits you! You have a nice and sexy body, so you have to flaunt it off sometimes. Hmm. I'm sure men out there would go crazy over you," Alexa continued jesting me around.

"So, are you ready? Let's get out of here!" she uttered and held my hand.

I took a few hesitant steps towards the door, then I paused only to let out a deep sigh. Alexa noticed my hesitation and turned around. "Hey, what's wrong, girl? Come on, walk with confidence! This is part of socializing. Let go of your old-fashioned ways."

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and continued walking. When we reached the pool area, the lights were already on, as nobody was dancing on the dance floor. Everyone stood around the pool, already dressed in their swimwear, awaiting Alexa's signal. I could feel the gaze of some male classmates on me, making me feel self-conscious.

"Wow! You look so sexy, Vera!" some of my classmates complimented, causing me to blush. I simply smiled and thanked them. My heart raced and my hands became sweaty when I noticed Reid's twin brother intently looking at me.

Alexa quickly grabbed the microphone and began to speak.

"Thank you all for being here. It means a lot to me. And special thanks to my best friend, Vera!" Alexa smiled and gave me a slight hug.

"But guys, I know you're all excited to swim, right? Well, well..." Alexa paused, building up the excitement.

"Before we start swimming, we're going to play a kissing game," she announced.

I furrowed my brows, because I did not get what she meant to say. Some people cheered, expressing their enthusiasm for the game.

Alexa instructed the females to stand on the right side of the pool, while the males gathered on the left.

"Now, try to remember where the person you like is standing. Familiarize the surroundings as well, or else you might fall into the water," Alexa chuckled and then continued speaking. "As soon as I give the signal, the lights will be turned off, and you'll have 60 seconds to approach and kiss the person you like. Remember, there are no strings attached. This is just a game, so let's all be professional. The best pair caught intimately kissing when the lights come back on will be declared the winners and receive a grand prize!"

Oh no! I thought to myself. I contemplated not participating in the game, as I couldn't imagine myself being kissed by someone. I had yet to experience such a thing in my entire 23 years of existence.