Tangled heart

Chapter 2

After a long and exhausting day, Chloe pushed the door open and trudged inside. She dropped her bag carelessly on the floor, kicked off her shoes, and fell face first onto her bed.

“What a helluva day,” she muttered into her pillow.

“Spill it,” Ashley’s voice rang out sharply from the kitchen.

Chloe groaned and lifted her head. “Ashley? You’re home?”

Her twin appeared in the doorway, wiping her hands with a kitchen towel. “Of course I am. Now, tell me, how was your first day? Don’t tell me it was a disaster.”

Still surprised to see Ashley at home this early, Chloe pushed herself upright and leaned against the pillow propped against the wall. She let her head fall gently onto Ashley’s shoulder.

“Ash… the interview was ridiculous. It wasn’t even an interview, more like being paraded around and tossed from one office to another by the boss’s daughter, no less. But I met with one of the most sought-after men in Brooklyn, he is the CEO of the Logistics company, very handsome and good looking ....”

“You don't mean it” Ashley said with a mischievous smile. “Guess what? I got a job today too. Part time painting, not too far from where you went.”

Chloe blinked, then smiled despite her fatigue. “Really? You actually followed through? Good girl. Mum would be so proud of you.”

Ashley’s expression softened. “Yeah, I know. When she was alive, she always wished I had something solid going on in my life.” She moved closer, eyes gleaming as though she had a secret. “And speaking of today… I think my first day at work brought me a little luck.”

Chloe gave her a side glance. “Oh? And what kind of luck are we talking about?”

Ashley’s grin widened. “I met the most handsome guy. Polite, confident… his charisma was top notch.” She quickly pulled out her phone and waved it in front of Chloe.

Chloe frowned. “Wait, you already got his number?”

Ashley rolled her eyes dramatically. “I wish! No, this” she tapped her phone screen, “is his plate number. I saw him in his car. He didn't even step down a bit. I had to save it before he drove off.”

Chloe sat up straighter, utterly baffled. “Ashley, what on earth does a plate number have to do with you?”

Ashley shrugged with a dreamy smile. “Oh, come on. Who’s to say fate won’t let us cross paths again? Jealous fate better not ruin this one.”

Chloe looked suspiciously. “You? Falling over a guy you did not even see? Since when are you the romantic type?”

Ashley threw her hands up. “C’mon! He was driving a Tesla, Chloe. Pure class. He’s obviously rich. Who wouldn’t want to be with a man like that?” She hugged Chloe’s arm, giggling as though already lost in daydreams.

Chloe shook her head, amused. “You’re ridiculous.” She gently pulled her arm free. Her tone softened into something motherly. “Just be careful, Ash. These days, not every guy who flashes money is genuine. Some are just players, and they don’t exactly wear warning labels on their foreheads. Have fun, but be wise.”

Ashley sighed. “You’re always so pessimistic. Can’t you just imagine it? Me, dating a man like that? We’d be way out of this average class life.” She lifted her chin dramatically, strutting across the room like a boss-lady.

Chloe snickered, shaking her head. “Dream all you want. Just promise me one thing, don’t lose yourself chasing an illusion.”

____________________________

Donald’s Tesla glided into the driveway of a vast apartment complex, its sleek black paint glimmering under the city lights. Inside, the lobby’s rich tones and modern art echoed luxury. As he stepped out, Marcus, the doorman, hurried forward, taking the briefcase from Donald’s hand and following him toward the main entrance.

“What a hectic day,” Donald muttered, collapsing onto the leather sofa as soon as he entered the living room. He tugged at his suit sleeve, revealing the expensive watch on his wrist, and checked the time with a sigh.

“Well, well, well… what has my dear brother decided about my little proposal?” Sandra’s voice rang out. She strolled in, holding a steaming cup of coffee, and perched next to him on the sofa with a sly grin.

Donald shot her a weary look. “Sandra, what stunt were you trying to pull at my office today? Must you always make a fool of yourself?” His tone was sharp, laced with disappointment.

Feigning innocence, Sandra leaned back, set her cup on the glass table, and reached for the remote. “What exactly are you talking about?” she replied coolly, her eyes fixed on the TV as though she hadn’t a clue.

Donald exhaled heavily and rose to his feet. “You know what, forget it. I’m done for the night. It’s late. We’ll talk tomorrow.” He pulled on the curtain beside the sofa, using it for balance as he stood.

“You’re not going to hire her, are you?” Sandra’s voice cut sharply across the room.

Donald froze mid-step. “You mean the girl you paraded into Dad’s office without telling anyone?” He turned, his eyes narrowing. “The poor thing probably felt humiliated the way you tossed her around.” He resumed walking, his irritation evident.

But Sandra dashed forward, blocking his path. Raising a finger dangerously close to his face, she snapped, “Don’t walk out on me.” Her tone was more petulant than commanding as she tugged him back toward the sofa.

“Donald, please don't be so Ill bent,” she coaxed, her voice softening into a mock plea. “That girl… she’s absolutely stunning. A breath of fresh air. An epitome of beauty, don't you think?” Sandra’s eyes drifted mischievously, her grin widening.

“And besides, she graduated with a first class degree in marketing when I checked through her files and she also seemed intelligent, trust me, she seems fit to be your secretary,” Sandra said with a serious look on her face.

Donald pinched the bridge of his nose, exasperated. “Fine. I will trust your judgement this time.” He reached for his phone on the side table as he started toward his room.

“Wait,” Sandra’s voice rose in giddy excitement. “As your secretary?” Her face lit up as though she had just clinched a million-dollar deal.

“Yes, yes. My secretary,” Donald muttered.

“Yay! You’re the best brother ever!” Sandra squealed, dashing to her room to grab her phone.

Donald lingered for a moment, his expression clouded with suspicion. He could already sense his sister was playing another of her games. Shaking his head, he retreated to the kitchen, poured himself a cup of coffee, and finally disappeared into his room.

---

Across town, Chloe was stretched out on her bed, half-dozing, when Ashley’s shrill voice pierced the air.

“Chloe!” Ashley practically screamed, her hands covering her mouth in exaggerated excitement as she sank to her knees beside the bed.

Chloe groaned and rolled over, expecting yet another one of Ashley’s antics. “What is it this time?” she asked in a flat voice.

“You’ve been hired!” Ashley shouted, bouncing to her feet and rushing toward the room where Chloe had laid.

Chloe spun around, eyes wide. “Wait, what? You can’t be serious!” She hurried back toward the hallway, her heart racing.

“I’m dead serious,” Ashley said, thrusting Chloe’s phone toward her face. On the screen, an email glowed with the subject line: Congratulations, You’ve Been Selected. Ashley’s eyes brimmed with tears of pride as she wrapped her arms tightly around her twin’s shoulders. “I am so proud of you, Chloe.”

For a moment, Chloe just stared, speechless, trying to absorb the reality. Then it hit her. She squealed, unable to contain her joy. “Finally! I can’t believe it, I got the job!”

The twins clung to each other, laughing and shouting, their arms draped over each other’s shoulders as they danced down the hallway toward their room. For the first time in a long while, hope felt real.