The CEO's Twins

CHAPTER 3

Diana's POV

I'm not getting married.

"I'm not going to get married, Father! You can't allow this! You promised that I would marry the man of my choice, so you need to keep your word!"

I can't believe I just got back from my trip and they already have an engagement arranged for me! I need to have it canceled immediately. Getting married was never in my plans, let alone to the man they are proposing. I'd rather die than accept this!

"No, it's not simple, Diana. Rejecting the Warren patriarch's proposal would be like plunging us into misery. He could take most of our shares, and you know what that would mean for us—no way."

"But Father!" I began to cry, performing my “lamentable fate” with all the drama I could muster. "Mother, do something! They can’t force me to marry an unknown, cruel womanizer, and certainly not give him a child."

"It’s true, dear," Mother replied, her voice tinged with sorrow. "They may be very powerful and have significant influence over us, but that doesn’t mean I’m willing to give up our only daughter."

"Amalia, my dear, you know it’s an order from the patriarch of the Warrens. Think of it as a benefit to us and to Diana. Sacrifice yourself for the Sunnak family."

I sank to my knees, crying as dramatically as I could. They had always spoiled me and given me whatever I wanted, so it should have been easy for them to ensure I didn't marry a "perfect stranger."

"But Father, I am your beloved daughter. You can’t give me to that family that controls us. Father, please help me!"

I pleaded once more. Is it possible that the Warrens have so much power that my father can't even contradict them? I must do something, but what?

"But my dear, Diana is not our only daughter."

"Are you talking about...?"

What are my parents discussing? I’m confused and anxious about what’s happening.

"This is our only chance, dear. Mr. Warren will not suspect anything. He simply asked for our daughter, but he never specified which one."

"Yes, but that’s because no one knows about my other daughter. Bringing her to the U.S. suddenly might raise suspicion. She might not even want to come."

"Then force her. She’s still a minor and has no choice in the matter. We have control over her. Do it, or we will lose Diana."

Another daughter? Of course, the little girl who ran around barefoot and in ragged clothes. I remember she was sent to Mexico years ago, and I thought she had been given away. But no, she’s still around. I suppose she would make a good replacement. She can take my place in this disastrous arrangement. I’m sorry, Franquito.

"What are you suggesting?"

"And what if he objects?"

"Don’t worry, I have the perfect excuse in case Katherine doesn’t agree to marry the Warrens’ grandson."

As always, my mother has thought of everything. This plan would allow me to avoid a marriage I don’t want, while my little sister will be forced into a marriage and tasked with producing an heir for Franco Warren, who ironically despises commitments. I can’t see him as a father at all.

I leave the mansion and head straight to find Franco Warren. He’s a boy my age—19—just like me. We’re both free spirits who enjoy partying, traveling, and having fun.

"Franco," I say as I approach him.

"And how did it go? I assume they’ve already told you about the absurd idea my grandfather has."

"Your grandfather is an i***t. The thought of marrying you is ridiculous. We’re still so young. A child? Just thinking about it makes me laugh."

"Calm down, Diana. Don’t you see me as the father of your baby?"

"Stop saying nonsense, Franco. You know I hate children, and I’m certainly not going to ruin my body for a baby just to please your grandfather."

He comes closer and begins to lick my neck, which excites me. "So, what are we going to do to get out of this situation?" None of us wants to get married, let alone have children, although the idea of you being my spouse and the mother of my child doesn’t seem too bad to me.

"No, Franco. The way we are is perfect. Besides, I’ve already found you a spouse."

"Oh? What do you mean you’ve found me a spouse?"

"I’ll tell you, but first, why don’t we go to the jacuzzi and enjoy a cold bath together?" I approach him, biting his lip gently. He smiles and presses his body against mine. "Now do you understand why this is better? No commitments to tie us down, nothing in between."

"I understand your beautiful point of view," he replies, with a grin.

After a relaxing and invigorating s*x session—something we both enjoyed and that kept our relationship vibrant—we left. Marriage and children were not part of our plan.

"And now what will you do?" I ask. "Your grandfather has been calling you non-stop."

Franco glances at his cell phone, then sets it aside with a shrug. I laugh. His persistent calls are probably because he’s anxious about meeting my sister.

"And now you’re going to explain how you’ve found me a spouse?"

"Well," I say, "the one who will take my place is my little sister." Franco laughs, as if I’ve just told a joke.

"Sister? You don’t have a sister, Diana. Stop lying. Who is it?"

"Even if you don’t believe it, she’s my little half-sister. She’s been living in Mexico for most of her life, so that’s why you don’t know her."

"Wow, I didn’t know that."

"Nobody does, but at least we’re not deceiving your grandfather. He asked for a daughter-in-law, and my father is giving him one."

Franco’s eyes sparkle with curiosity. "And what’s she like? Is she pretty?"

"Not at all," I reply. "She’s 17, plain, boarding-school material, and frankly, quite the opposite of me." I watch his face fall in disappointment.

"And that’s your replacement?" Franco asks, clearly unimpressed. "No way. I don’t plan to marry someone like that. If she had at least your body and charms, I might consider it."

"Well, tough luck. You’ll have to. You’ll be my brother-in-law, and if you want, we can continue to be ‘very good friends.’"

"I’d love that, but marrying a woman who lacks what I like, and on top of that, having a child with her, doesn’t excite me at all."

"Oh, baby, well, I wonder how you’ll get out of this, because I’ve already found my replacement."

He looks thoughtful, probably searching for a solution. He picks up his cell phone and makes a call.

"Grandfather, I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to make it home today. My flight was delayed due to bad weather, you know how it is. But don’t worry, I’ll be arriving tomorrow."

He pauses, and I can already imagine the old man giving him a stern lecture.

"Yes, Grandfather, but there’s nothing I can do. Instead, send my regards to the Sunnak’s daughter, and describe her to me in great detail later. Goodbye."

"Don’t you want to meet my little sister?"

"No, I’d rather keep making love to you than waste time on a commitment that may never even happen."

"What’s your plan?"

"It’s a secret. I’ll tell you later."

"i***t!"

We head back to bed, and from there, no one is getting us out, at least not until we’ve satisfied our most basic instincts.

Franco Warren's POV

Being the youngest of the Warrens didn’t always have its advantages, and now that was proving to be true. My grandfather wanted me to marry a complete stranger, and when I found out it was the Sunnaks' daughter, I was initially indifferent. Diana was a dear friend—fiery and stunning, someone any man would be thrilled to have in his bed. But to my surprise, she refused the commitment. I guess my grandfather’s demand for a great-grandchild frightened her.

"I can't believe it. Did your grandfather actually do that?" Mirko, vice president and best friend of my older brother Mauro Warren, laughs loudly. He and Mauro have just returned after nearly five years abroad.

"What’s the matter? Do you have something funny to share?"

"Come here, Mauro, you need to hear this. Your grandfather is trying to marry off your brother just because he wants a great-grandchild," Mirko says, laughing again.

I’m annoyed by Mirko’s mockery but set it aside to greet my older brother after so many years apart. Seeing the results of his hard work, I admire him. We share a big hug.

"Well, something like this was to be expected from Grandfather. You know how he is, Franco."

Do I know him? My grandfather did the same thing to my brother Mauro. His fiancée died in a tragic accident, and he blamed Grandfather for it. After that, Grandfather didn’t arrange another marriage for him. Mauro became the majority heir of Warren Construction Company, one of the most important firms in the world, only surpassed by the Favres.

"Yes, but I never imagined he would go so far as to make a deal with the Sunnaks just to satisfy their desire for an heir." I walk away to pour myself a drink.

"But I don’t understand why you’re so upset, Franco. Once the contract is over, you give your grandfather what he wants, divorce, and return to your single life—the one you enjoy so much."

"Sure, Mirko, if the girl were pretty or had a good body, it wouldn’t be so bad. But she's a classless, boring, and maybe even ugly 17-year-old girl, and the contract lasts for 10 years."

"10 years?!" Both Mirko and Mauro are taken aback.

"Yes, 10 years. Once those 10 years are up and she has a child of mine, the contract will be annulled, and we can all go our separate ways."

"10 years is a long time. This time, Grandpa really went too far. But you’re going to have to go through with it, or he might disinherit you if you don’t marry." Mauro’s serious tone finally breaks through.

"I agree," Mauro says. "He could disinherit you."

I don't want to go through with it, but I can’t reveal my plans to Mauro. Knowing him, he would never allow the good name of the Warrens to be tarnished or insulted. After our father’s abandonment, he took on all the responsibility for our family.

"Well, it’s your decision, Franco, although you don’t have many other options. Now I’m leaving."

"What? Where are you going?"

"I have a meeting with the shareholders about the next project in Los Angeles, so I returned. And, incidentally, to attend your wedding. I hope that after this, you can finish your studies and help me with the construction company. Mirko, let’s go."

And with that, they head off to their work as usual. Mauro, my older brother, is determined, responsible, serious, and hardworking. What surprises me is that he’s not with any woman. Or, as Mirko puts it, the woman who would steal his breath away hasn’t appeared yet. What a loss.

The days pass quickly, and I’m just one day away from my long-anticipated wedding. My grandfather has made all the arrangements and ensured that the city’s elite will be present. He hasn’t cared at all about my opinion. I’ve never contradicted him before, and now isn’t the time to start. I liked Diana, and if she had agreed to marry me, I would have been happy to take that step. But no—she managed to make her younger sister the bride, leaving me to fend for myself.

I hear the doorbell ring, open the door, and find the cause of my distress standing there.

"Diana, what are you doing here?"

"What? Don’t you like seeing me? I thought you’d be happy." She’s wearing a mini skirt and a short, tight polo shirt that accentuate her sensuality.

"Diana, I have a lot on my mind. You know that tomorrow I’ll be..."

"Shhh." She places a finger over my lips. "I came to give you the best bachelor party of your life. I want to enjoy you before you try my little sister, and perhaps disappoint yourself."

Then, she removes her small polo shirt, revealing her breasts. She sits on top of me and kisses me with such passion that I start to believe she genuinely doesn’t want to lose me, that she might feel something for me—or at least, that’s what I want to believe.

As night falls and I gaze into the distance, I make a decision. I will not marry Diana’s sister. I like her, but I want to remain single, free from any ties and without having to explain myself to anyone. I’m sorry, Grandpa. You’ll have to solve this problem on your own. I’m not going to marry Diana’s little sister, ever.