
After an exciting evening of speed dating, I eagerly shared a photo of the intriguing gentleman I’d met with my mom. Her immediate panic and call to the police left me bewildered. I couldn’t anticipate the wild turn events would take the next day.
I could feel the clamminess of my hands as I pat down my dress once more. Even in the restaurant’s dim glow, the anxiety from the nearby speed daters was palpable. At thirty, participating in speed dating seemed improbable, but thanks to my friend Lily’s relentless encouragement, here I was.

“You’ve got this, Selena,” I reassured myself softly, drawing a deep breath. The tang of wine and the gentle chime of glasses provided no solace to my nerves.
A sudden bell chime startled me, signaling the start of our first session.
I flashed my brightest smile as a tall man with dark hair slid onto the seat opposite me. Our eyes locking sent a jolt through me.

“Hi, I’m Robin,” he introduced himself.
Instantly, there was a spark, an undeniable energy permeating the air. “Selena. A pleasure to meet you,” I responded.
The connection was palpable as we engaged in lively conversation. He recounted his career as a software engineer, his passion for rock climbing, and his dream of global adventures.
With every word he uttered, I found myself increasingly drawn to his charm and insights.

As the bell rang again, Robin hesitated before speaking, gripping the chair’s back with resolve.
“I know this is unconventional, but would you care to continue our chat over coffee?” His eyes held a genuine warmth.
Flustered, I nodded enthusiastically. “I’d really like that. How about tomorrow at the café downtown?” His gentle, gallant hand-kiss warmed my cheeks.
“Perfect!” he grinned. “I’ll be waiting for you there.”
Leaving the restaurant, I couldn’t escape the feeling that my journey was on the verge of a monumental shift.

That afternoon, replaying my exciting evening to my mom, Daisy, put a radiant smile on my face.
“He seems delightful, darling,” she remarked, happiness reflected in her eyes. “It’s been a while since you were this enthralled by someone.”
“Indeed, Mom. There’s something unique about Robin. It’s as if… I’ve known him forever,” I mused.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself. But I’m happy for you. Do you have a photo?” she inquired.
“Oh, yes, a selfie.” I eagerly retrieved my phone, eyes twinkling with anticipation. “Here he is!”
The instant I showed her, color drained from her face.

“Mom? Followed by utter shock, “What are you seeing?”
Her eyes locked in horror on the phone. “Selena, dear God… it’s HIM. The man who conned my friend Janet! CALL THE POLICE RIGHT NOW!”

“What? That can’t be!” I stammered in disbelief, caught in a whirlpool of doubt.
“Janet was swindled out of her savings by this man. He wooed her, took every penny, then disappeared! We need to alert the authorities!”
My heart trembled, filling with dread. “Are you certain?” I pleaded, yearning for her to be mistaken.
“Positive. I’ve seen his face a hundred times on Janet’s search efforts. I’ll never forget those features.”

Staring at Robin’s smiling photo left a lump in my throat. The warmth in his eyes now seemed deceitful. His once enchanting smile, sinister.
Mom’s hand shook as she reached for the phone, dialing 911. I impulsively stopped her. “Wait, Mom!”

“We need to act now, Selena!”
“If we act now, he’ll escape unscathed. But what if we ensnare him? Catch him unaware?”
“What are you planning?” she probed, her face etched with concern.
“Tomorrow, at our date. It’ll be in public. I can keep him engaged while you call the police!”
She hesitated, fear wrapping around her thoughts. “I don’t want to risk your safety with him. He’s treacherous.”

“It’ll be public, Mom,” I reassured softly, even as adrenaline coursed through me. “We have this one shot to seek justice for Janet and possibly others.”

The following evening, seated across from Robin in a quaint café, my nerves were taut like a wire. He wore a blue shirt enhancing his looks.

His smile now seemed disingenuous. Every smooth compliment and lingering touch of his hand on mine felt now like deceit.
“You look beautiful, Selena,” he complimented, reaching across the table.
Struggling to maintain composure, I nodded. “You look nice too,” my voice faltered slightly.
As he relayed tales from his day, I stealthily typed, “Now!” to Mom under the table.

Aloud, I directed him, “Tell me more about your family,” seeking a distraction.
A flicker of emotion crossed his features. “It’s rather intricate,” he replied briefly.
Before exploring further, I spotted two police officers enter the café.

They approached, Robin’s grin fading. “Officers? Is there an issue?”
One stood poised, “You’re requested for questioning, sir.”
“Selena, what’s happening?”
“I’m sorry, Robin. We know about Janet and perhaps many others you’ve deceived.”

Following a tense discussion with the officers, during which Robin denied everything, they surprisingly released him. He returned, confusion written across his features.
“Selena, I am puzzled… who is Janet? What is all this about?”

With shock, I realized this scenario was unfolding differently. He was meant to be apprehended, not perplexed beside me.
“The woman whose trust you betrayed. My mom’s friend. You took everything from her.”
Gently, he denied, “I’ve never met Janet in my life. However, let me shed light—”
He revealed his phone, showcasing photos of two identical men — Robin, and a counterpart. Both their looks eerily similar.

“This is Adrian, my twin,” Robin disclosed. “We’ve been estranged for over six months. He has a shady past. I tried assisting him, but he vanished. It must be he you’re searching for.”

The color drained from my face, shame enveloping me like a heavy cloud. “Robin, I am terribly sorry. I assumed—”
Gently, Robin interrupted. “I understand. Anyone in your situation might have assumed likewise.”
Meanwhile, his eyes, tinged with hurt, questioned whether he’d ever forgive me for wrongly branding him a criminal.

As if cued, Mom barged into the café, distress evident on her face as she scanned the room. Upon spotting us, she hurried over, stopping abruptly seeing Robin.
“What happened? Why isn’t he arrested?” she questioned.
Steeling myself, I held her arm. “Mom, we misunderstood. It turns out… we were wrong.”

Robin rose, extending his hand. “Mrs…?”
“Daisy,” she replied cautiously.
“Mrs. Daisy, I believe there has been confusion. While I’m not the one who caused your friend’s harm, I might know who did.”
Robin showcased the identical photo to her, leaving Mom startled just like me before.

“Incredible,” she whispered, eyes darting between Robin and his brother’s image. “They are exact replicas.”
“Adrian and I were once inseparable. But lately, he’s chosen a darker path. Despite my efforts, he vanished months back, leaving me worried.”

I couldn’t help but touch his arm, apologetically. “I’m sincerely sorry, Robin. It was careless.”
“There’s no need. I admire your spirit, protecting others from harm,” he responded, though sadness lingered in his eyes.

Mom sighed heavily, her eyes softening. “As a sibling, it must be tremendously difficult dealing with Adrian’s actions.”
Robin’s warmth faded. “It’s challenging, but I remain hopeful for his turnaround.”
The weight of silence settled over us. As I fiddled with my napkin, thoughts scattered, searching for words to mend the ordeal I’d instigated. Apologizing for mistakenly accusing an innocent man needs more than mere words.

Taking a steadying breath, I proposed, “Robin, this wasn’t how either envisaged this encounter proceeding. I’d fully understand if you wish to sever ties. Yet, if you’re open to it, I’d like to begin afresh — another date, devoid of police escapes or mistaken identities?”
He considered me thoughtfully, my pulse quickening in anticipation. A genuine smile spread across his face and warmth reentered his gaze. “I’d love that, Selena. Truly.”