CHAPTER 3

OLIVIA'S POV

The drive back home was long. I sat in the back of the black SUV, staring out the window, lost in my thoughts. My heart felt like it had been shattered into a thousand pieces, scattered and forgotten. I couldn’t seem to shake off the image of Lucas and that whore from my mind, their laughter ringing in my ears, the betrayal so fresh that it burned like a hot, relentless fire. But the further we drove, the more distant the pain felt, like a shadow being pushed back by the light.

When the familiar, sprawling gates of the Richards mansion finally came into view, I couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. I had spent twenty-three years of my life here, growing up in this grand estate, surrounded by luxury and comfort. And now, it felt like the only place that could offer me some bit of peace, even if I didn’t feel like I deserved it.

The black SUVs slowed as they approached the grand entrance, the sleek marble pillars and towering arches of the mansion standing before me. As the vehicle stopped, I opened the door, stepping out onto the driveway. The cool night air brushed against my skin and immediately I shivered at the thought of seeing my father. I could still remember our last conversation two years ago. He had pleaded with me not to run off with Lucas but I was head over heels in love, and so I didn’t listen to him.

Coming back here today felt like stepping into a different world. I had been away for just two years, but it seemed like forever.

When I walked into the mansion, I was greeted by the unmistakable warmth of my father’s presence. Oscar Richards, a man who had built his fortune from the ground up, stood there with open arms, his face lighting up when he saw me.

“Olivia!” he exclaimed, his voice booming with affection. “I knew you’d come home, sweetheart.”

Tears welled up in my eyes again as I rushed into his embrace, his arms enveloping me protectively. I let the tears fall, quietly at first, but then they became sobs, racking my body as the weight of everything pressed down on me at once.

“I… I loved him, Dad. I really did,” I choked out between sobs, my voice muffled against his chest. “How could he do this to me? I gave him everything, and now…” I couldn’t finish the sentence. I was hurt beyond measures.

Father stroked my hair gently, his large hands offering comfort and stability.

“I know, sweetheart. I know.” He held me tight, like he was afraid I might disappear if he let go. “Lucas was never the right one for you. I always knew he wasn’t the one. He was bad news from the start. But you… you were too blinded by love to see it.”

“I thought he was different,” I whispered, pulling away to look up at him. “I thought he really loved me.”

Father shook his head, a deep frown creasing his forehead. “You’re too good for him, Olivia. Always have been. And you’ll see that, once the pain fades. But for now… come on, let’s get you something to eat. You must be starving.”

I nodded, grateful for his soothing words, but my heart felt heavy. The sting of betrayal was something I wasn’t sure I’d ever get over. I had built my world all around Lucas, and now everything had come crashing down.

As we made our way to the dining room, my father spoke again, his voice softer now. “You know, sweetheart, it’s time for you to start thinking about your future. A woman like you… you deserve someone who will treat you right, someone who’ll appreciate you.”

I froze mid-step, my heart skipping a beat. “What do you mean, Dad?”

He paused, looking at me with a glint of something in his eyes. “Ryan West. He’s still single, and he’s a good catch. You two would make a great match. You know his family is well-connected, and he’s got a good head on his shoulders. I’m sure you’d be very happy with him.”

The thought of marrying Ryan made my stomach churn. Ryan West was a well known womanizer and alcoholic. The idea of being tied to him, of spending the rest of my life with someone who didn’t respect women, who only cared about himself, made my skin crawl.

“No, Dad,” I said firmly, shaking my head. “Please. I’ll never marry someone like him. He’s a joke.”

Father glared hard at me, a glimmer of annoyance flickering in his eyes.

“You don’t know him like I do, Olivia. He’s a good man, and he’ll take care of you. You need someone to settle down with, someone who can give you stability.”

“I’m not going to marry him,” I repeated, my voice steady now, though my insides were churning. “I don’t need a man like Ryan to take care of me. I’m not a child.”

Father crossed his arms, a deep sigh escaping his lips.

“Its not just for you, honey,” Father said and cupped my cheeks with his palms. “We need to take some strategic positions in the business world and a union with the West family would be perfect.”

I sighed deeply at his words. That was my problem with him all along. Everything was business to him.

The last thing I wanted was to be forced into a marriage I didn’t want. But before I could protest further, my brother Ethan entered the room, an easy grin plastered on his face.

“Hey, sis,” Ethan greeted, walking toward me and giving me a quick hug. “How are you holding up?”

I smiled weakly, appreciating his concern. “I’m managing,” I said quietly.

Father didn’t waste any time. “Ethan, tell your sister to stop being so stubborn. Ryan West is a good man. I think she should marry him.”

Ethan raised an eyebrow, looking at me with a slight grin.

“I think Ryan is worse than me, and that’s a statement.”

I eyed him and he chuckled.

“Dad, maybe you should give her some time to breathe. She’s just been through a lot. You know how it is.”

Father looked at Ethan, clearly displeased. “You know she’s not getting any younger right? We need to find her a suitable husband, and Ryan West is a perfect fit.”

“I’m not marrying Ryan,” I said again, my voice firm this time. “And I’m not going to be pushed into it, Dad.”

Father narrowed his eyes, clearly frustrated.

“Someday, you’ll thank me for forcing him on you,” He said.

“I’d rather work as a mere secretary in one of your firms than marry that loser,” I muttered.

I watched as his lips twisted into a knowing smile. I knew father well and I realized that a sick idea was forming in his old brain.

“How about you work for me?” He grinned.

I stared at him wide-eyed. “How?”

“There’s one of my firms, NEXUS,” He continued. “I suspect that Tony Bradley has been stealing from me and so I plan to fire him. So you – “

“- will be the new CEO?” I asked in disbelief.

Father smiled. “If you can raise the standard there and break the record for the highest profit margin in a year, then I’ll allow you do whatever you want with your life."

I thought about it for a moment. I had no idea how NEXUS was run but this was my chance. I needed to prove to myself, to my father, to everyone, that I could stand on my own two feet.

 “Okay,” I said, my voice unwavering. “I’ll do it. I’ll take charge of the company. I’ll prove to you that I don’t need anyone to take care of me.”

Father’s eyes glinted with approval.

 “Good. Monday morning, you start as the new CEO. You’ll report to the office then. Get ready.”

I nodded, my mind already working through the challenges ahead. It wasn’t going to be easy, but I was ready for it. I was going to rebuild my life, and no one—not even my father—was going to dictate how I did it.