The Billionaire's twins trap

Chapter One

Avery’s POV

The hot afternoon sun greeted me as I stepped outside my childhood home, my suitcase by my side. The old wooden porch creaked beneath my feet as I turned to face my mother, whose tear-streaked face made it even harder to leave.

“Sweetheart, are you sure about this?” Mom asked, gripping the edge of her blouse as if it were the only thing keeping her from breaking down completely. “You know, there are jobs here. Maybe not many, but if you keep trying, something will come up.”

I sighed, adjusting my backpack. “Mom, you know how much I’ve tried. I’ve applied everywhere in Hollow Valley–the bakery, the bookstore, even the factory on the outskirts of town. Either they’re not hiring, or they don’t pay enough to cover the bills.”

I glanced toward the small garden, where my father, Lewis Brooks, stood with his crutches, avoiding eye contact. “I need to do this, for all of us.”

Mom crossed her arms, shaking her head. “I just don’t understand why you have to go so far. California is another world from here.”

“Exactly why I’m going there, Mom. That’s where the big opportunities are.” My voice softened. “I can’t keep working odd jobs, barely making ends meet. How do I take care of you and Dad if I keep up with it? This personal assistant position at WB Motors…it’s a real job. A real salary. A chance for me to build something.”

Mom’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “I understand, Avery. But this is just a probation offer. What if after one month they don’t want you there anymore, or you don’t like it? What are you going to do? How will you cope without a job?”

“Mom, please, don’t say that. Are you wishing me bad?”

She shook her head profusely. “No, sweetheart. Why would I do that to my child? I just want you to see the other realities you’re not considering. I don’t want to lose you.”

Stepping forward, I wrapped my arms around her, inhaling the familiar scent of her sunflower-scented perfume. “Don’t worry about that, Mom. I can take care of myself. And you’re not losing me. I’m just leaving my comfort zone to give you and Dad a better life. You two aren’t getting any younger. Especially Dad. His health is getting worse, and he can’t work at the moment.”

A distant train whistle echoed through the valley, signaling it was time. I took a deep breath, stepping back as Mom cupped my face.

“Be safe, okay?” she whispered, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded. “I will, Mom.”

Then I turned to my father. He stood by the garden, leaning on his crutches, his weathered face unreadable. Unlike Mom, he hadn’t pleaded with me to stay. He had simply observed, silent as ever.

Taking a deep breath, I walked toward him. “Dad…”

He exhaled, adjusting his stance. “I knew this day would come,” he said, his voice gentle but gruff. “You were never meant to stay in Hollow Valley forever, my child. You’ve always had bigger dreams. Go for it, Avery.”

I bit my lip. “But what if I fail?” I admitted in a rare moment of vulnerability. “What if I don’t belong in a place like that?”

Dad studied me for a moment before reaching out, placing a hand on my shoulder. “Then you find another way. Don’t you dare give up, Avery. You’ve been taking care of this family for a long time. If you could do that as a teenager, you can do anything in this world. As long as you set your mind to it.”

My chest tightened. Dad wasn’t a man of many words, but when he did speak, his words carried weight.

“And if you should remember one thing, daughter–I’m proud of you,” he added. “But remember, you don’t have to prove anything to anyone. Go out there, do your best, but don’t let the world change who you are.”

I blinked back tears. “Thank you, Dad.”

He gave me a small nod. “Now, go before your mother changes her mind and locks you in your room.”

A chuckle escaped me. I hugged him briefly before stepping back. With one last look at my parents and the house that had been my entire world for twenty-six years, I grabbed my suitcase and walked toward the waiting cab that would take me to the station.

The train station was nearly empty when I arrived. I pulled my coat tighter around myself as I boarded the train. The ride from Hollow Valley to California was long, but I didn’t mind. It gave me time to think, to plan.

As the train lurched forward, Hollow Valley slowly faded into the distance, replaced by rolling hills and scattered farmhouses. I rested my head against the window, staring out at the passing scenery.

I had never traveled this far alone before. A knot of unease settled in my stomach as the realization hit me… I was truly leaving everything behind. My parents, my home, the quiet familiarity of my small town. In Hollow Valley, I knew almost everyone. I could walk down the street and be greeted by my name.

But in California? I was nobody.

I sighed, rubbing my hands together. How was I going to cope in a place so different from the life I’d always known?

The city would be loud, fast, full of people who wouldn’t even glance my way. I wasn’t the outgoing type who could strike up a conversation with a stranger in seconds. I preferred the quiet, the predictable. I liked knowing what to expect.

And now, I was diving headfirst into the unknown.

Pulling out my phone, I scrolled through the email from WB Motors’ HR department.

“Dear Ms. Avery, Congratulations! We are pleased to offer you the position of Personal Assistant to the CEO, Mr. Blake Spencer. Please be informed you’ll be on probation for…”

I exhaled sharply. I had read the letter at least a dozen times, yet it still didn’t feel real. I had researched Blake Spencer before applying–his name was everywhere. Billionaire. CEO. The face of WB Motors, one of the most influential automobile companies in the country. His reputation was impressive, but also intimidating. Stories about his ruthless business tactics and icy demeanor flooded the internet. Some called him a visionary, others called him a tyrant.

Could I really work for a man like that? What if I messed up on my first day? What if I wasn’t good enough?

I shook my head. Stop it, Avery. You’re overthinking. A man like that probably wouldn’t even notice his assistants.

That worked in my favor. I wasn’t here to make an impression, just to do my job, earn my paycheck, and send money home. I just needed to pass the probation stage and avoid job hunting again.

Sliding my phone back into my bag, I stared out the window as the train sped past fields and highways, leaving my small-town life behind.

**

By the time the train arrived at Los Angeles’ Union Station, the sky had darkened. The station was nothing like I had ever seen before–bustling, loud, and full of life. I tightened my grip on my suitcase, pushing through the crowd toward the cab stand.

The drive to my new apartment took nearly an hour. When I arrived, I stepped out onto the sidewalk, gazing up at the modest building I’d be calling home. It wasn’t much…a small, one-bedroom unit on the second floor, but to me, it was freedom. At least I’d be staying here temporarily until I officially became a staff member at WB Motors and got a better apartment.

Unlocking the door, I stepped inside. Exhaustion settled over me as I took in the bare walls, the tiny kitchen, the worn-out couch, and the small bed against the wall. It wasn’t much, but it was mine.

Setting my bags down, I walked to the window, staring at the glowing city skyline.

Tomorrow, I would start my new job. Everything would change.

Would I be able to cope? I had no idea.