Olivia’s POV:It’s our fourth day here in Santorini. The last two nights, I spent mostly with Emma and Theo and the mornings to myself. Ethan have me the entire day and I liked it. I’m in my bedroom, after showering and pulling on jeans and a T-shirt. I want to take a walk at the little plaza I spotted last night. My hair is on top of my head in a messy bun, and I am corresponding emails in New York.Harvey says my absence has been noted, and now that I am clear-headed and have some distance, I can see how shallow these people really are.I flop back on the bed, pulling Ethan’s stuffed bear, over my face and sighing loudly. I squeeze the stuffed toy tightly and quell the urge to scream into its soft little belly.“You could replace the bear with me. I hug back.” The familiar male voice catches me off guard as I yank the bear away and snap my eyes to the open door with a heart-hammering jolt.Brandon stands leaning against the door jamb a little sheepishly, and I have to stop myself fr
Olivia’s POV:“What are you talking about? We talked about that last time, Liv. Right?” He’s still trying to angle me in for a hug, completely oblivious that I’m trying like mad to keep parts of his anatomy well away from malfunctioning parts of mine, and he seems to think I am probably struggling because I am still pissed at him. I duck out under his arm and hightail it to my bedside table, breathing hard as tears fall down my face in utter frustration.“What the hell?” He turns with a smile, but seeing my tears, he stops in his tracks. a concerned frown overtaking those “What is it? Are you really this upset with me? I’m sorry, you know I can be mean sometimes, but it doesn’t mean anything. I didn’t mean anything I said.” He moves towards me, but I hold up shaky palms in complete soul-destroying desperation. Panic is sweeping me fully.“I don’t just like you. I love you.” I almost spell it out to him because I have to, slowly and firmly, voice trembling painfully, raising my eyebrow
Olivia’s POV:I was stunned. No, shocked to the core when an expensive looking man waited for me in the private visitor’s lounge in Bedford Women’s Correctional.“Hello, Olivia.” His teeth were pearly white I swear they could’ve blinded me.“Hi…I think you have the wrong Olivia…”He chuckled. “No, I have the right Olivia. You’re Olivia Charleston, right?”Damn, even his laughter sounded costly. Who is this man? I felt like a lump was blocking my throat so I nodded like a sea lion. With my orange outfit, I might pass as one. He motioned me to take the seat adjacent to his and sat down.“My name is Harvey Brown. I’m Meredith’s lawyer and executioner.” He extended his hand and I took it but very gingerly. “I heard you’re a free woman tomorrow.”“Meredith? She’s alive?” I realize that it was an inappropriate question and ignored everything he just said. “I am so sorry…it’s just that…the last time I saw her…she was being wheeled to an ambulance. They said it’s heart attack. I…I haven’t hea
Olivia’s POV:“Okay…where am I supposed to stay?” I asked.My mother pulled out two hundred dollars and tossed it on the table carelessly as if she were giving money to a beggar. “Here, take this. Find a motel or rent a place. It's up to you.”I forced a bitter smile. “And what about Paul? What does he say about this?”Just then, Paul emerged from the bathroom. Without hesitation, he said, “Of course not. You're my sister. Of course, I'm on your side. If you want to stay here, I'll clear the room for you.”It seemed he still cared about me. I nodded with relief. “I’d like to stay for a while. I missed you guys.”But as soon as I said that, Paul’s expression froze. He stood there, looking at me, but made no move to clean the room. I stared back, puzzled. Did I say something offensive?At this time, Miles walked up to me, her voice sharp. “Olivia, have you lost your mind in prison? How can you be so inconsiderate? Can't you see how cramped the house is? Even if we clear out the room, it
Brandon’s POV:I am Aunt Meredith’s only family and I have high hopes for myself. My Aunt is a complicated person. She married three times and her wealth came from all the marriages that did not give her any children. To this day, she’s Meredith Walton. Her last marriage was lucrative.She was a Pembroke and wealthy in her own right before she married all the ridiculously wealthy men. Until this day, I had no idea how a woman who doesn't have an active social life managed to ensnare three of America's wealthiest. Aunt Meredith's conviction wasn't even disclosed to the public eye. Because she's freakishly wealthy and had connections everywhere---people assumed she was just chilling in one of her many properties in the tropics when, in fact, she was serving time in Bedford Women's Correctional.Her life was pretty scandalous too. But that’s beside the point. My main concern here is who takes over all her assets. Harvey Brown’s secretary smiled at me when I walked into his elegant office
Olivia’s POV:That night, I still couldn’t get that scene yesterday from my head. I have a feeling that it was going to live rent-free in my head from now on.Miles rubbing her belly and speaking to me mercilessly.My father talking as he put out his cigarette and said coldly, “Liv, you're grown up now. It's time you understood the importance of contributing to the family instead of causing trouble.”Each of their words felt like a sharp knife piercing my heart. Despite my overwhelming disappointment, my eyes welled up. I looked at them and said hoarsely, “No wonder you never visited me once during my five years in prison. I thought you were just too busy to see me. But now I see you only saw me as a moneymaker. You kicked me to the curb without hesitation the moment I couldn't make money anymore.”I tilted my head back, fighting to hold back my tears. Then, I asked, “So you're all determined to kick me out today?”“Yes!” They all replied without hesitation.Clearly, there was no room
Olivia’s POV:How I’ve waited for this moment!If not for their cold-heartedness, I might have been drained dry by them and eventually discarded. Their cruelty pushed me to become self-reliant.“Liv,” Miles’ energy shifted. She was now approaching me with her fake smile. “I-if this hotel is yours, why didn't you tell us earlier? Look at the misunderstanding we had just now. If you had told us you were the CEO, we could have happily celebrated your nephew’s celebration together.”Paul nodded repeatedly, as usual. “That’s true, Liv. You kept this a secret too well. Come on, let’s just have a nice family gathering today. You don't know how much we've missed you these past six months. Right, mom and dad?”I raised a brow. “Really? I remember you calling me names, you called me poor, and insisted on kicking me out. Before I forget, who slapped me and called security to throw me out? Oh. It was you. Dearest brother, your way of expressing your longing is certainly unique, isn't it? Damn, yo
Brandon’s POV:Working with Olivia all these months qualifies as a roller coaster ride. I can’t say I like her because she took what I think is rightfully mine but at the same time, I see myself in her. Always in a constant state where we have to prove our worth.Alice thinks otherwise.“Tell me, where are you with that b*tch?” She paced her bedroom with the smallest lingerie she owns, giving me a glimpse of what I was about to get tonight.“I’m working on it.”“You’re not working hard enough, Brandon.” She spat. “How many months more do we have to wait before we could get our hands on Meredith’s money?”A nervous chuckle escaped my throat. “We? I do all the work, Alice. While you waste your time socializing.”I heard her sharp intake of breath. I hit a nerve and I really did not care. What I said was true and I have no plans of retracting it. Alice had been a pain in the neck recently, as if she had to do all the dirty work. She commanded me like it was the most natural thing in the
Olivia’s POV:“What are you talking about? We talked about that last time, Liv. Right?” He’s still trying to angle me in for a hug, completely oblivious that I’m trying like mad to keep parts of his anatomy well away from malfunctioning parts of mine, and he seems to think I am probably struggling because I am still pissed at him. I duck out under his arm and hightail it to my bedside table, breathing hard as tears fall down my face in utter frustration.“What the hell?” He turns with a smile, but seeing my tears, he stops in his tracks. a concerned frown overtaking those “What is it? Are you really this upset with me? I’m sorry, you know I can be mean sometimes, but it doesn’t mean anything. I didn’t mean anything I said.” He moves towards me, but I hold up shaky palms in complete soul-destroying desperation. Panic is sweeping me fully.“I don’t just like you. I love you.” I almost spell it out to him because I have to, slowly and firmly, voice trembling painfully, raising my eyebrow
Olivia’s POV:It’s our fourth day here in Santorini. The last two nights, I spent mostly with Emma and Theo and the mornings to myself. Ethan have me the entire day and I liked it. I’m in my bedroom, after showering and pulling on jeans and a T-shirt. I want to take a walk at the little plaza I spotted last night. My hair is on top of my head in a messy bun, and I am corresponding emails in New York.Harvey says my absence has been noted, and now that I am clear-headed and have some distance, I can see how shallow these people really are.I flop back on the bed, pulling Ethan’s stuffed bear, over my face and sighing loudly. I squeeze the stuffed toy tightly and quell the urge to scream into its soft little belly.“You could replace the bear with me. I hug back.” The familiar male voice catches me off guard as I yank the bear away and snap my eyes to the open door with a heart-hammering jolt.Brandon stands leaning against the door jamb a little sheepishly, and I have to stop myself fr
Brandon’s POV:It’s been two days. The last time I saw Olivia was the day she lashed on me. I left because she asked me to. I know I shouldn’t have. But what else was there to do?She may be composed and controlling in the surface but deep inside, she’s a woman who have gone through so much in life. Olivia’s past made my dark past like heaven. I thought I won’t be affected by her sudden desire for space. I know we’ll see each other at work.In fact, I even went to her townhouse and brought fruits and veggies from the farmers market I saw that day to check on her. I pretended to bring supplies for her nephew but the truth was, I hoped to see her or hear from the nanny. She hasn’t responded to any of my professional texts. Instead, she sends her secretary with instructions for me.Today, I came to her office hoping to see her pored on paperwork or roving the floors. Surprising employees. As usual, it’s a busy day at the hotel. Our reputation lives and new clients and patrons come and go
Olivia’s POV:I quietly walk into the small villa we were renting late in the evening, sliding in unseen, and head for the stairs hoping to get to my room before Maurice knows I’m back. I’m mentally and physically exhausted and need to lie down and get my head together. I’m a mess, fragile, completely drained, and generally just spent. I came away with so much in my head that I think my mind has shut down and gone into reboot mode to protect myself from mental breakdowns. I wept in Emma’s arms for an eternity before we moved to the cozy snug by the playroom for more privacy. We talked for hours, just going around and around in circles. Emma really did hit a home run with accuracy. The more we talked it out, and I came to terms with it, the more I could see she was right. This was about him!I’ve been living like a crazy heartbroken maniac for days. I’ve been grasping for love because I was deprived of it. I feel so stupid, so blind and confused.I’m only halfway up the stairs when th
Olivia’s POV:“I can’t be. This isn’t true or….” I wail brokenly, something inside of me snapping into place and realizing that Emma is onto something after all. Emma has hit the nail on the head, and I was too stupid ever to see it.All I can think of is the memories I had with him, the trust and bond between us. The happy times and shared moments, the bad ones, and how he wiped away my tears. The pain I felt when he told me things from his past and the unexplainable hatred when he mentioned Alice for the first time and realized this one was different for him. She wasn’t temporary. The overwhelming pettiness and dislike for a girl I assumed just annoyed me endlessly, while all this time, it’s been bitter jealousy because she has him in a way I never can. The past days of simultaneously pushing him away with my behavior to punish yet clinging to him with need. I have spent the entirety of his relationship with her trying to regain my hold on him in stupid ways, smug when it works, de
Olivia’s POV:I slump back, mirroring Emma’s casual pose as the small happy laughter and squeals echo gently from outside with Theo’s voice intermingled and drifting our way. Emma leans back for a second to peek out, a warmth hitting her face and lighting up her eyes before she returns to focus on me.“Well?” Emma reminds me. I was sitting watching her. My head lost somewhere between her ten thousand questions and just sheer fatigue.“I’ve been better! I’ve felt better, Emma, there’s really nothing to tell.” I shrug and swipe my mug to take a mouthful of the strong coffee roast filled it with. I blanch at how strong it is, even with creamer.“Hmm…you work hard…even with all the money you inherited, you never travelled. I persuaded you many times to come visit us here.” Emma raises eyebrows my way with only a look of calculation on her face, no doubt her psychology degree working overtime in that quick brain to pinpoint the route to my awful personality facelift.“It’s a touchy subject
Olivia’s POV:“So, Emma already knows I’m here and is waiting to lecture me, right?” I cross my arms over my chest huffily as Theo pulls up the long driveway to his gorgeous two-story home that faced the blue sea.“Come on, Emma doesn’t lecture. Emma likes to help, and nope, we don’t know you are here. I just saw you a while ago and that may be attributed to fate, Liv.” Theo lifts knowing eyebrows and a cheeky smile my way.“Let’s get this over with. Then maybe I can go back to discovering Santorini and turn down the next street and maybe fall in love.” I slide myself out when we stop and make my way ahead of him.I plod to the door and go to walk in without hesitation. Theo, close on my heels, tugs me back by my ponytail, so he can jump in front of me with a chuckle and meets another rain of light slaps on his arm as I try to muscle him out of the way. We have carried on this way ever since I met them.“Emma, I’m home and I brough a gift.”Theo yells and muscles me under his arm to s
Olivia’s POV:I’ve been walking for what feels like hours, in a small town of Santorini. Before leaving New York, I was faced with a problem. I had Greece on top of my head. I was always fascinated by the blue seas and marble houses. Maurice and Ethan couldn’t leave the country because they don’t have a passport yet and so my instinct kicked in and I phoned Harvey.[That’s your problem, Liv?] He asked me like it was not a problem.“Hmm, you are right. Maybe I should forget Greece and settle for a nearby state.”[You have a private plane, Olivia. Meredith owns one. She’s s sucker for travel and it’s high time you enjoy that privilege as well. I’ll call the pilot. He is Meredith’s trusted air person and I’ll have all the necessary clearance arranged. As for the passport, I’ll take care of that too.]“T-that’s possible?”[Of course. I will call you with an update. It will take me maybe thirty minutes.]Hmm, perks of the rich and powerful. Harvey was true to his words. He arranged everyth
Olivia’s POV:I’ve mulled around my room for the last few hours, sitting on my bed and absolutely doing nothing. I finished what I could finish at work and brought the other work home. Brandon was nowhere in sight.“Of course, he’s not here. If he were, he wouldn’t want to bump into you.” I muttered under my breath. “You’re crazy, Olivia.” I’m trying hard not to get frustrated with the feelings inside.I went home in haste.Maurice knocked on my door. She smiles my way with a warm, affectionate look, and I catch myself smiling back, despite my current state. I left the door open and I couldn’t care less. My mind was drifting some place else. I’m both angry and upset----a mix of both and it’s never a good sign. Losing control over my emotions is not good in my book.“Hey, can I come in?”“It’s open, isn’t it?” I huff churlishly and then internally chastise myself at the crushed expression fleeting across her face. I am so used to being prickly with people around me nowadays that I for