cass-bp

[cass-bp]

River & Georgia

Disclaimer: This was heavily inspired by PLUTO (Thai Series) I'm just adding my own twist to it. I highly recommend you watch the show.

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I sharply turned down the busy streets with two men hot on my trail.

"Georgia, stop!" one of them barked, his voice cutting through the noise as he picked up speed.

I groaned as a cart blocked my path. With no time to hesitate, I jumped over it, stumbling as I landed but quickly regaining my pace. Glancing back, I saw the men shoving the poor vendor aside, relentless in their pursuit. I cursed under my breath, rushing into the crowded market, hoping the sea of people would slow them down.

"Move move!" I yelled as I slipped through the crowd and vendors. The men simply pushed their way through getting loud curses in exchange. For a moment, I was ahead—far enough to let hope creep in. I beamed as I spotted the market's exit. But that flicker of relief died when I saw a group of teenagers blocking the path, headphones on and oblivious.

"Move!" I yelled desperately.

It was too late. I collided with them, sending us sprawling to the ground. "Shoot!" I cursed, scrambling to my feet. Before I could get away, a hand yanked my hoodie, pulling me back. I begged and pleaded for help as I was dragged into a shadowy corner. But everyone averted their attention not wanting to get mixed up in the situation.

"You little b-tch," one of them growled, "How dare you make me run after you? You need to be taught a lesson." He shoved me hard against the wall, and I winced at the impact. "Hugo, back off," came a sharper voice. Hugo spat on the ground, throwing me a hateful glare before stepping aside to block the alley's entrance.

Blondie stood before me, "Where's my money?" "Your money?" I tried to laugh, but it came out shaky, "Blondie, you know I have your money." "Then give it to me." "Oh, uh, right now?" I patted my jacket, pretending to search for it, "Well… I don't have it on me at the moment." Blondie's face hardened. "Eight o'clock. You've got until eight to bring my money to this alley. I gave you three weeks, Georgia. Not a dime's been paid." "Blondie, c'mon," I pleaded, "It's me. You know I'll pay you back—I just need more time." "Eight o'clock," he repeated coldly. He turned and walked away, Hugo following close behind shooting me a middle finger. As their footsteps faded, I slid to the grimy alley floor, my hands trembling. "F-ck me," I muttered, staring at the cracked pavement.

I was done for….

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Before I could fully process where I was going, I found myself standing in front of a towering 10-story building. My jaw clenched as my gaze landed on a massive poster plastered across the entrance—my twin's face, smiling smugly down at me. Noticing a few passersby glancing my way, I quickly ducked inside. Immediately I was greeted by the doorman, tipping his hat. "Good afternoon, Ms. Erica."

"No, I'm not—" I started, but I was cut off by a sharp voice calling out Erica's name.

A red-haired woman stormed over, grabbing my arm, "Didn't you just go up? Geez, Erica, you've been completely out of it this week. Get your head in the game! You've got a huge meeting with the investors." That voice. It was one I knew all too well—it was the voice of the woman who always dragged my sister away from family dinners for work; my sister's assistant.

"No, I'm not—" I tried again, but she spoke over me, giving me no chance to explain. "Why'd you change your outfit? You know what—never mind, we don't have time for this." She yanked me toward the elevators. I tried to explain myself in the elevator but I was constantly interrupted. By the time we reached the 10th floor, I knew more about Erica's week than I cared to.

"I wish we had time to do something about your clothes," she sighed, glancing at me in disapproval as she power-walked down the corridor. "What's wrong with it?" I muttered to myself as I looked down at my clothes. They seem fine to me. At the end of the corridor stood a large door. The assistant breezed ahead, throwing it open as she called out, "Sorry, everyone, that we're la—" She stopped mid-sentence, her voice trailing off as her gaze landed on the front of the room. My sister was already there, in the middle of her presentation. "What?" The assistant's eyes widened in confusion, darting between the two of us. "I tried to tell you," I sighed as I casually leaned against the doorway.

Erica sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose as the meeting room fell silent. All eyes were now fixed on us—the assistant flustered; me, out of place; and my twin, clearly annoyed. "Nichole," Erica said, at last, her tone patient but firm, "please take my sister to my office to wait."

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(An hour later)

"Why are you here?" Erica didn't waste any time as she walked into the office. "Can't I just stop by to say hey?" I replied, leaning back in the chair as she tossed her suit jacket over her chair and settled at her desk. She gave me a pointed look. "You never do. What do you need?" I sighed, cutting to the point. "I need money." Her expression didn't change as she opened a drawer and pulled out her chequebook. "How much?" "Half a million," I said quietly. Her pen didn't falter. She immediately began writing the check. "That's quite the sum," she remarked. "I'll pay you back." She let out a laugh, sharp and condescending in that infuriatingly rich way. "How? Did you magically find a job?" "I'm working on it," I muttered.

She leaned back in her chair, arms crossing. "Well, I need a favour, too." That caught my attention. Erica never needed help from anyone—least of all me. I narrowed my eyes, curiosity growing. "What is it?" Her confidence wavered for a second, and she ran a hand through her perfectly styled hair. "I need you to break up with someone for me." "What?" I blinked. "Sammy? Aren't you two about to get married?" She looked away not answering my question.

An evil grin spread across my face as realisation dawned. My perfect little sister, the untouchable businesswoman and soon-to-be even wealthier wife of an oil tycoon, wasn't so perfect after all? "Wait—you're about to get married, and you haven't broken up with someone?" I teased, barely suppressing a laugh. "I couldn't find the time to do so," she muttered, looking genuinely uncomfortable. "That poor guy." Her face winced, confirming my suspicions. "Do you want the money or not?" she snapped, narrowing her eyes. It was such a simple request: break up with someone. It was an easy job. I couldn't resist. "Fine," I said with a smirk.

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(Downstairs)

After my sister texted me the address, I flagged down a taxi and headed over. As we turned into the neighbourhood, I couldn't help but gape. This was a rich neighbourhood—immaculate lawns, sprawling mansions, sleek cars gleaming in the driveways, and gardens so perfectly maintained they could've been in magazines or reality shows. My jaw practically hit the floor when the driver stopped in front of massive iron gates.

"Name?" crackled a voice over the intercom. "Erica," I replied, my voice steady despite my nerves. The gates swung open immediately. "Welcome back," the voice said warmly.

The driveway was a two-minute journey on its own, winding through manicured greenery. When we finally stopped in front of the house—a modern palace of glass and stone—I paid the driver and stepped out, still in awe. I was greeted by a sweet older woman at the door, her face lighting up with warmth,"Ms. Erica, it's been so long. You've been missed—by River especially." I forced a smile, "Thank you." "Please, follow me. River is waiting for you," she said, gesturing me inside. I trailed her through a long, elegant hallway, my footsteps clicking against the marble floor. At last, she stopped in front of a black door. "Right through here," she said before leaving me.

I took a deep breath and pushed the door open, stepping into a stunning library. My heart skipped a beat. Towering shelves lined the walls, filled with books of every size and colour. A ladder on wheels leaned against one of the shelves, and the faint scent of leather and aged paper filled the air. It was breathtaking—my dream room. But my awe was quickly interrupted when I noticed a figure sit by the window.

"Hello," I said quietly, stepping further inside. The figure turned slightly, and a soft voice called, "Erica?" "Yes," I replied hesitantly.

In an instant, the woman spun around and hurried toward me, a bright smile on her face. Before I could react, she kissed me. I pulled back, startled. "…River?" I asked, my voice shaky. She tilted her head, confused. I did the same once my eyes landed on her clouded eyes. "You're acting strange," she murmured. "Where's the bathroom?" I asked

Still looking puzzled, she pointed to a door tucked into the corner of the room. Without another word, I rushed inside and locked the door behind me, my heart pounding.

"She's a woman" I panicked as I locked myself in the bathroom of the study, my back pressed against the door. "Erica are you alright?" came a soft knock. "Sorry, I, uh… really needed the bathroom," I called out, sinking to the floor.

My hands trembled as I pulled out my phone and called my sister. The moment she picked up, I hissed, "You b-tch!" "Georgia?" she replied, her tone calm. "You didn't tell me your ex was a woman! Why the f-ck didn't you warn me?" I whispered furiously, trying not to be overheard. "Because you wouldn't have agreed to it if you knew," she sighed. "You coward!" I shot back, "Break up with her yourself! I must've been out of my mind to agree to this shit." "I can't," she replied with maddening calmness, "Sammy and I are already on a flight to Mexico to look at the venue." Her voice softened. "…And I just… I can't face her." "I CAN'T EITHER!" I whisper-yelled before calling just a minute to another soft knock that came from the other side of the door. "COME CLEAN UP YOUR OWN MESS!" "Georgia," she said, her tone turning serious, "I thought you really needed that money." I gritted my teeth. This blackmailing b-tch. "This is cruel, Erica. You know it," I said, my voice dropping to a desperate plea. "Isn't there some other way I can earn the money?" She sighed. "Georgia, please. I tried, believe me. I walked in determined to do it, but… one look at her, and I couldn't." I buried my face in my hands, groaning. "Fine. I'll try."