Royce Miller's POV
"I beg to disagree, dad! Why it's gonna be me? You know already that business is not in my vocabulary ever since!", I blurted out and thumped my forehead with my hand.
I just arrived from a hang-out with my friends. I was a little bit drunk and my best friend Vince drove me home, leaving my car at the bar. But after hearing my dad's words, it seems all my senses were awakened.
There was a silence. But after a while, I heard mom speak in a calm voice. She was also sitting there on the sofa bed beside my father.
"Royce son, it's only for the meantime. Your brother is still in the hospital"My mom started to get emotional."But mom, I can't do that", I gruffed."How could someone like me take a big responsibility?" I'm asking it mentally. It's very hard on my part.
I did not even finish my college degree due to negligence in my studies. I was even caught by my professors cheating during examinations, not only once but many times, the reason why I was transferred to my Aunt's place in Canada.
So why the hell, do my parents want me to take my brother's position as the CEO of META? How would I do that? Oh no! they must be out of their minds!
META stands for Miller Entertainment and Talent Agency. It was owned by my late grandfather Thomas Miller and passed on to my father Henry since he is the only son among the three siblings.
My grandfather was the former chairman of the board while dad was the CEO. But when my grandfather died, my father took the position as the chairman. When Reid turned 23, he appointed him as the CEO and entrusted META to him while he is also busy running our real estate company.
META is the biggest talent agency in Los Angeles and its continuing growth is truly amazing. Within five years of Reid's leading the company, it gained remarkable prestige and became the leading talent agency in the city. Thus, this great success and achievement made him renowned to everybody in the business industry.
Reid and I are identical twins. If I'm going to dress like him, everybody will surely get confused identifying our names because we are exactly the same in height, complexion, and bodybuilding. But there's one thing that differs in our appearance and that's the color and style of our hair. I have this undercut style of blonde hair while Reid has a slicked back style of dark brown hair. As to traits and personality, we are totally different.
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's been 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.
I, on the other hand, was his total opposite. Although I cannot say I have a very low IQ but because I was always neglecting my studies, that's why I always received failing grades. And even if I was transferred to my Aunt's place, still my behavior did not change. I always escaped from classes and hang out with my friends. I even went to bars and nightclubs with them for some drinks and relaxation. I had a few casual flings and usually end up having sex with them. But apart from that, no more. I am just a womanizer who doesn't want serious commitments. After I'm done with a woman, that's all, and no string attached.
After one year of staying in Canada, I decided to go back to LA because I don't want my Aunt to be worried about me. But I did not go to school anymore instead, enjoying my time with my friends here and there.
Sometimes I heard my parents saying, how they wished I would be like Reid so that I could at least be of great help to the family's business. I was a little hurt when I heard it but I pretended that I was not affected at all. But now that Reid is in the hospital, I feel so guilty thinking that I can't do anything to please my parents.I heard my dad clearing his throat. And this time he is more serious.
"Royce, please listen. This is only the favor I am asking from you. Please take your brother's position in the meantime. I really can't entrust META to anybody else. Reid had done so much for it and I don't want his efforts would turn in vain", my father said in a calm and emphatic voice."But dad! I am not Reid. I cannot be like him!", I insisted and put my hands under my head as I leaned my back on the couch."Royce son, you need to understand that you will be doing this for the meantime. Your brother is still lying in the hospital and we don't know yet when he will regain his consciousness", my mom's voice quavered. It's obvious she is trying to hold back her tears. I meet my mom's gaze and suddenly, I got pity for her. It must be so tough on her part to know that his loving son is in a state of comatose.I think it's a normal feeling for the parents if they would see their son half dead. It's also hurting for me, because even if Reid and I are not that close but I cannot deny the fact that he is my older twin brother, and seeing his condition makes me sad. He is my only sibling and even though I have a different personality but I care for him. And if something bad happens to him, God must forgive me, because I swear to hunt down the person who is responsible for his situation.
Reid met an accident two weeks ago and according to the report, the main reason was losing his car's brake. Although he was immediately rushed to the hospital, but there was a blood clot in his brain due to head injury that caused him to be in coma.
But I had a little doubt about the cause of the accident. I feel like there's something wrong. And I need to find the truth no matter what. I met my parents' gaze and I am carried away by the emotion that is reflected on it.
However, I really can't take my brother's position, I don't have knowledge of running a business. I did not finish any degree and besides I cannot work under pressure.
"Dad, mom I'm really sorry, but I really can't do it. You know me. I am not--- ", I paused for a while and crossed my arms."Why don't you let Charles take the position dad? He is more capable than I am", I said trying to explain my side.
Charles was my step-cousin and the son of Uncle Sam. My grandparents adopted Uncle Sam when he was still ten years old because he was already an orphan at that time when both his parents died in a plane crash. He married Aunt Josephine, a restaurant waitress, and had with them, Charles and Margaret. But when Charles turned 18 and Margaret was 15 years old, Aunt Josephine died of heart failure.
Uncle Sam became the Vice Chairman of META, while Charles worked as the Chief Operating Officer.
So I was thinking that if there was someone more capable of taking the CEO position, it was no other than Charles.
Suddenly, a loud sigh escaped from my father's mouth, as he was looking at me intently.
"I'll give you time to think about it Royce. Maybe we can talk next time. You are drunk, so you need to take a rest", dad uttered seriously.My father stood up and tapped my shoulder. Mom followed him all the way to their bedroom, leaving me a pitiful look as if she was begging me to consider my father's request. I shook my head because I am really confused on what to do. I heaved a deep sigh as I headed my way to my room.
I was about to turn the doorknob when suddenly I had this feeling of wanting to get inside first to my brother's room which was just right next to mine. Sadness was creeping inside thinking that it had been empty since the accident happened. I made a few steps in the corridor going to his room and turned the doorknob. As soon as I got inside, a big picture frame caught my sight that was placed above the drawer. It was a picture of me and him, wearing the same shirts and pants, taken a year ago when we celebrated our 27th birthday. I went closer to take a look at it.
We were really identical. Two young men with blue sparkling eyes, aquiline noses, and chiseled jawlines. Same faces but with different personalities. I softly rubbed the frame with my hand while trying to reminisce the times when we were still young. Reid, had been a good brother to me. He tried to understand my flaws and even defended me from my father, whenever I had trouble in school. Even though we have different points of view but he's always been considerate to me. And now, this brother of mine was lying in the hospital and I don't know when will he wake up.
I gritted my teeth and clenched my fist as a few droplets of tears came out of my eyes. Then, I spotted his broken cellphone placed beside the frame. The screen was completely damaged because of the accident. I tried to turn it on but to no avail.
I was thinking of bringing it to the repair shop, hoping that it could be fixed. I just wanted to find out something from it that could be of any relevance to my brother's accident. After putting the cellphone inside my pocket, I went out and headed to my room.
Royce Miller's POV It was already 10:00 0' clock in the morning when I woke up. My head was aching badly so, I took a pain reliever inside my medicine cabinet, then went back to bed. But I could not anymore get back to sleep. I am thinking again about what my parents asked me last night. They wanted me to take Reid's position, so that means they trust me and believe as well that I can do the responsibility. I smiled upon thinking about it because for the first time in my life, my parents have this confidence that I can do something in the company. I shook my head and closed my eyes for a while. Suddenly, I remembered my brother's phone. I need to bring it to the cell shop and have it repaired. I stood up because I feel like my headache has already subsided. I quickly grabbed my towel and went to the bathroom to take my shower. Afterwards, I got dressed in a checkered polo shirt paired with blue jeans and sneaker shoes. I put my brother's cellphone in my pants pocket. Then I went o
Vera Anderson's POV It was Monday in the morning when I decided to buy a new cellphone to replace the old one. I think I badly need it since I am now busy applying for a new job. Actually, I worked before in one of the Lending Institutions in Washington. After I took my master's degree, I was hired as Financial Officer with a much higher salary. But after two years of work, I got bored and decided to go back to LA since I wanted to stay with my brother. Besides, I wanted to fulfill my dream to work at the best talent agency in the entire city. I'm supposed to be applying at META, but because of the accident happened to Reid, I was taken aback. I shook my head when I remembered Reid. Still, I couldn't believe he is in coma for two weeks already. I hope he will get well very soon because he is very much needed in META. After 15 minutes of driving, I arrived at the Cellphone Care Center. I decided to bring with me my documents inside to have them photocopied. I placed them in a folde
Vera Anderson's POVI stopped for a while in recalling what happened in the past. As much as I could, I don't want to remember it anymore. But when I saw Royce earlier, I feel like my heart seems to be racing again. It's been three years already since it happened, yet, I can't forget how those sultry lips of him touched mine. I closed my eyes as remnants of the past continuously muddled the tranquility of my mind.Alexa began counting."The kissing game begins in 3,2,1 go!"As soon as the lights turned off, I slowly made a few steps back to the dressing room to hide there for the meantime. But someone grabbed my waist and kissed me. I felt like millions of volts were running through my veins as the unknown lips touched mine, The kiss was warm and passionate which made me respond to it. Until the lights were back on and girls were screaming out loud when they realized whom I was kissing with. Oh my God! it was Royce! I felt so embarrassed when he looked at me intently. I hurriedly ra
Royce Miller's POVI decided to get inside my brother's private room in the hospital when I heard steps hastily walking closer to my direction. I turned around and noticed they are dad's men. But I noticed Arthur wasn't around.Arthur is a 38-year-old man with well-built muscles, an expert in martial arts and all types of guns. He is my father's most trusted bodyguard who had been working with us for quite a long time and his loyalty to the family is already proven and tested. But this time, he is not around maybe, he was called by dad, I thought.Dad's men approached me and showed me some respect."Where have you been? I'm sure dad instructed you not to get out of your post. You are supposed to be watching my brother for 24 hours! ", I said roughly. The men lowered their gaze."We apologize, sir Royce. We are--", one of dad's men spoke but he was not able to finish what he wanted to say because Uncle Sam and the doctor went out of the room. Uncle Sam approached me and gave me a sligh
Royce Miller's POV My heart was filled with fidgets and apprehension as I boarded our private jet back to LA. With me, are my parents, Walter, and a few of my dad's men including Arthur. I feel uncomfortable wearing this charcoal gray suit jacket, with a pressed clean white collared shirt under it and a classic necktie, paired with dark trousers and well-polished leather shoes. This is my first time wearing business formal attire and I feel a little awkward. Walter who is sitting beside me tapped my shoulder as if to say I need not to worry because everything will go well. Then, he grabbed a piece of newspaper and started reading it. I can say that Walter is like Reid when it comes to business matters. No wonder, he is my brother's best friend because they have the same priorities.Walter was my brother's classmate in college and his executive assistant in META. So rare to have a male EA, but it's my brother's preference. He has been working with Reid for five years already, so amon
Royce Miller's POVI was a little tense as I get inside the conference hall. It was like I'm having a special entrance where everyone was seated, at a rectangular table. And then I stepped inside, heading my way to the CEO's seat at the center. I noticed it was still vacant, but a few hours from now a new CEO would be sitting there after the board has elected Reid's replacement. But now that I came in, things would surely turn the other way around. I could clearly see their eyes widen in great shock because they don't really have an idea that Reid will be coming back today."Good morning everyone. I think I just arrived in time", I responded and gave them my soft smile as I seated on my couch.My eyes landed on Uncle Sam's and Charles' furrowing brows as they were intently looking at me in confusion. I'm sure they are not doubting me because I know, I played my role very well. Suddenly, their gazes were changed in a natural way, showing happiness and excitement of my unexpected return
Vera Anderson's POVI was sitting alone in the sala, watching a noontime show when it was interrupted by a breaking news.The CEO of META is back!After one month in a coma, gladly he was able to survive. As his picture was flashed on the screen, I couldn't help but admire him. Reid is undeniably handsome. He has everything a woman is looking for. A successful career and a wealthy family. A man with a sense of honor and value. But still, I'm asking why I dumped him before.Then, I thought about pursuing my plan of applying for a job at META. Although, I am not so sure if I will get hired but there's no harm in trying.I already had applied to different companies and offices. In fact, I was already called for an interview and still waiting for the result. But now that Reid is back, why not try my luck in META? Suddenly, I got a call from my best friend Alexa. It's been two weeks already since we haven't talked to each other over the phone. She only texted me about her decision to wor
Vera Anderson's POVI thought it's only me and Alexa here in Skybar, but I wasn't expecting that she invited her boyfriend, and now we are expecting another one to come and that's Vince's best friend."Oh, there he is!", Vince spoke and waved his hands.I did not manage to turn around, who cares? But when I heard Alexa saying a familiar name, my heart started pounding like a drum. Deep inside, I'm hoping it's not him. Alexa kept on smiling especially when that Vince's best friend reached our table.It's really him!Royce Miller!I think he did not yet recognize me because his eyes were focused on Alexa and Vince. So I grabbed my cellphone and pretended that I am busy texting. "Hi bro, am I too late?", Royce asked giving Vince a high five."It's okay dude. Just on time", Vince chuckled."Uhm. bro, meet my girlfriend Alexa. Babe, this is my best friend Royce. I think you know each other", Vince spoke certainly."Hi, Royce! It's good to see you again!", Alexa exclaimed."Uhm. I also hav