OliviaThe moment Robert left the room, silence settled between me and Preston like an unspoken challenge. The weight of the past, the shock of the present, and the uncertainty of the future pressed down on me, making it hard to breathe.I clenched my hands in my lap, willing myself to stay composed. I wouldn’t let him see how much his presence unsettled me. Not here. Not in a professional setting.“So…” His voice was lower than I remembered, steady but cautious. “How have you been?”I lifted my chin, meeting his gaze. “Busy.” My response was clipped, but I had no energy for small talk.His lips pressed into a thin line, as if he expected my reaction but still found it disappointing. He exhaled slowly. “I figured.”Silence again. A heavy, suffocating kind of silence.He shifted, adjusting his cufflinks, and I caught the subtle movement of his throat as he swallowed. The sight of it irritated me. I didn’t want to notice these small things about him. I didn’t want to be here, sit
OliviaI inhaled deeply, trying to steady myself. The encounter with Preston had left me shaken, and my hands still gripped the contract a little too tightly. I had spent months avoiding him, and now, in one afternoon, I had been forced to sit across from him, listen to him speak, and acknowledge that our lives would be entangled again—at least professionally.I exhaled and walked toward my car, my heels clicking against the pavement. I needed to get out of here, away from the weight of his presence, away from the suffocating reality that we would be working together again.I slid into the driver’s seat and inserted the key into the ignition. I turned it. Nothing.Frowning, I tried again. The engine gave a pathetic sputter before falling silent. My heart sank. Not now. Not here.“Great,” I muttered under my breath, slumping against the seat.A soft knock on my window made me stiffen. I turned my head, already knowing who it was.Preston stood outside, hands in his pockets, watc
Olivia’s POVThe hospital smelled like antiseptic and uncertainty. The overhead lights buzzed faintly, their artificial glow casting pale shadows against the white walls. I sat in the waiting area outside the emergency room, my fingers curled tightly around my phone. My heart hadn’t stopped pounding since Vivian’s panicked call.Lucas sat beside me, silent but alert. He hadn’t left since we arrived, even though he had no reason to stay. I had barely spoken to him on the drive here. My mind had been too consumed with worry for Aiden.Vivian had rushed past us the second we arrived, disappearing with the nurses behind the heavy double doors. I had wanted to go with her, but the staff insisted she be alone with Aiden while they assessed his condition. Now, all I could do was wait.I swallowed hard, gripping my phone tighter as if it would somehow tether me to reality. “He’s just a kid,” I whispered. “He shouldn’t have to go through this.”Lucas shifted beside me. “He’ll be okay.” His
OliviaThe hospital air was thick with the scent of antiseptic and something else—something heavier. Fear. Worry. It clung to me, seeped into my skin, and settled in my chest like a weight I couldn't shake.Aiden was inside, and we had no idea what was happening to him. Vivian had been with the doctor for what felt like forever, and I couldn’t sit still. My legs bounced restlessly, my fingers clenching and unclenching around my phone. I had texted her twice. No response.Lucas sat a few seats away, his posture relaxed, but I wasn’t fooled. His fingers tapped against his knee in an uneven rhythm, and he kept glancing at the doors like he expected someone to burst through them at any second.The silence between us stretched, uncomfortable but familiar. We had shared too many moments like this before—waiting rooms, tense breaths, uncertain futures.I didn’t want to think about that.The doors finally opened, and Vivian stepped out. Her face was pale, her eyes red-rimmed. She looked sm
Olivia’s POVThe past two days had drained me. Between sleepless nights, endless worry over Aiden’s condition, and trying to keep my business running smoothly, I felt like I was barely holding myself together.I had buried myself in work, hoping it would be a distraction. But no matter how much I tried to focus, my thoughts kept drifting—back to the hospital, to Vivian’s exhausted face, to Preston’s unreadable expression when he had driven me there without hesitation.And now, sitting in my office, my body ached with exhaustion, my mind fogged from too little sleep.I rubbed my temples, forcing myself to concentrate on the contract in front of me. The Nexus deal was at a crucial stage, and I couldn’t afford to let anything slip. But even as I tried to refocus, I couldn’t ignore the sinking feeling in my stomach.A soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. I barely looked up before Natalya, my secretary, stepped inside."Ms. Smith," she said, her voice professional yet c
Olivia’s POVMorning came too soon. My head ached from the restless night, and the influence of exhaustion pressed against my body as I forced myself out of bed. The past few days had drained me completely—Aiden’s condition, Vivian’s struggles, and Lucas’s unexpected presence in my life again.I sighed, rubbing my temples as I pulled my blazer over my shoulders. I barely had the energy to go to work, but I didn’t have the luxury of taking a break. The deal with Preston Robotics was at a crucial stage, and I needed to stay focused. I headed to the hospital to check up on Aiden before going to the office.I walked down the hallway of the hospital with the heels of my shoes clicking against the tiled floor as I approached Aiden’s room. It had been two days since he was admitted, and though his condition had stabilized, the fear still clung to me like a second skin.Pushing open the door, I found Vivian sitting beside Aiden’s bed, her fingers gently brushing over his forehead as he sle
Olivia’s POVThe tires screeched against the pavement as I sped through the streets, gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. My heart pounded in my chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the chaos in my head. I had one focus—getting to Vivian before she made a decision she’d regret.Beside me, Lucas shifted in his seat. "Olivia, slow down."I ignored him, pressing my foot harder on the gas."Olivia," he said again, firmer this time. "I get that you're in a hurry, but this isn't helping. If we get into an accident, you won’t be able to help anyone."His words hit me like a cold slap, making my fingers twitch on the steering wheel. He was right. I was being reckless. I exhaled shakily and eased my foot off the accelerator. The speedometer needle dropped, but my pulse didn't.Lucas studied me for a moment, his voice softer now. "You know someone who's been in a car accident, don’t you?"I kept my eyes on the road, the streetlights blurring past. "Yes," I adm
Olivia’s POVThe drive home was smooth. The moment I stepped into my apartment, exhaustion weighed down on me like a heavy blanket. The tension in my shoulders ached from the stress of the past few days. I kicked off my heels and walked toward the couch, collapsing onto the soft cushions with a deep exhale. My body felt drained, and my mind was running on fumes.I let my head fall back against the couch, closing my eyes for a brief moment. The events of the day replayed in my mind—Aiden’s surgery, Vivian’s worries, Lucas’s interference. It had all been too much. But at least the surgery was successful. That was what mattered most.I inhaled deeply, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside me. I had spent so much time worrying about others that I hadn't stopped to check in with myself. My chest felt tight, my thoughts tangled. Maybe I just needed a moment to breathe.But, of course, that moment didn’t last long.My phone vibrated beside me, the sound slicing through the quiet.
Lucas’s POVI stared at Amelia, watching for any flicker of dishonesty in her expression. She had just admitted that Ryan wanted Olivia to himself and had asked her to make sure I fell for her. The pieces were starting to connect, but I needed more.I didn’t trust her. Not even for a second.Her admission could be real, or it could be another carefully calculated move. Amelia had always been good at playing the game—too good. And until I had proof, I couldn’t believe a damn word she said.I leaned back, studying her. “That’s all he said? Make me fall for you?”She met my gaze, tilting her head slightly. “You sound disappointed.”I let out a dry chuckle. “Disappointed? No. Suspicious? Yeah.”She smirked, swirling the whiskey in her glass. “Lucas, I know you don’t trust me, but I have no reason to lie. Ryan just wanted Olivia. I didn’t ask why. It’s not like I care about his personal motives.”That was exactly what made me doubt her.Amelia never did anything without a reason.
Lucas’s POVOlivia froze. Her eyes flickered with something I couldn’t quite place—hesitation, frustration, maybe even fear. I wanted her answer, but I already knew I wasn’t going to like it.After a long pause, she finally spoke.“You don’t have to worry about Ethan,” she said quietly. “He’s not the problem.”I clenched my jaw. “And Ryan?”Her gaze dropped, and she shifted uncomfortably. “I don’t want to talk about it.”I scoffed, taking a step back. “Of course you don’t.”She looked up sharply. “Lucas—”“No,” I cut her off, shaking my head. “You don’t get to do that. You don’t get to shut me out every damn time something gets difficult.”Her hands curled into fists at her sides. “It’s not about shutting you out! It’s—”“It’s what, Olivia?” My voice was sharp, my patience hanging by a thread. “You stand here, telling me to be careful, to think things through, to not do anything reckless, but you won’t even give me the full picture. How the hell am I supposed to fight a batt
Olivia’s POVThe cold night air bit at my skin as I walked away from Lucas’s house, my heels clicking against the pavement. My breath came in uneven puffs, but I wasn’t sure if it was because of the chilly air or the frustration boiling inside me.I had come here to warn him, to tell him about the anonymous notes, but instead, I left feeling like a fool.Lucas had laughed at me.Mocked me.And worst of all, he had said Amelia’s name.The name that still felt like a dagger to my chest.I clenched my fists, willing myself to push away the emotions threatening to resurface. I had wasted enough energy on him tonight. I should have never come.I was halfway to my car when I heard hurried footsteps behind me.“Olivia, wait!”I stopped but didn’t turn around. My heart pounded at the sound of his voice, but I forced myself to stay still.The footsteps grew louder, and within seconds, Lucas was in front of me, slightly out of breath. His hair was a mess, his shirt wrinkled from sleep, but his
Olivia’s POVLucas’s fist came down again. Ryan barely had time to react before Lucas grabbed him by the collar and hauled him up, his face battered and bloodied. I could see the fury burning in Lucas’s eyes, the way his body shook with pure, unfiltered rage.“Lucas, stop!” I ran forward, my pulse hammering as I grabbed his arm. “Please, don’t!”His breath was ragged, his knuckles bruised and bleeding. His grip on Ryan’s collar tightened as if he hadn’t heard me.“Lucas,” I whispered, stepping closer. “You’re better than this.”His chest heaved as he looked down at Ryan, who was barely conscious, then at me.For a moment, I thought he wasn’t going to listen.Then, slowly, his grip loosened.Ryan slumped to the ground, groaning weakly. Lucas stepped back, his hands clenched into fists as he exhaled sharply, trying to regain control.I reached for him, placing a gentle hand on his arm. “We need to go.”Lucas didn’t move at first. Then, with one last glare at Ryan’s crumpled form, he tu
Olivia’s POVRyan collapsed onto the floor with a sickening thud. The shattered bottle slipped from my trembling hands, glass shards scattering across the wooden planks. My heart pounded against my ribs, my breath coming in sharp gasps as I stared at his motionless body.Was he dead?I didn’t want to check. I wanted to turn and run, to leave this nightmare behind—but what if he wasn’t dead? What if he woke up and came after me?I took a shaky step forward, my knees weak beneath me. My stomach twisted violently as I crouched beside him, my fingers hesitating before pressing against his neck.Warm skin. A pulse.Relief crashed into me, quickly followed by fear.He wasn’t dead.I jerked my hand away, my heart hammering harder. I didn’t have much time. He could wake up any second, and if he did, he wouldn’t give me another chance to fight back.I needed to go.Now.I stumbled to my feet, my legs burning with adrenaline as I rushed toward the door. My hands fumbled with the lock, my finger
Olivia’s POVThe cold night air hit my face as I ran. My heart pounded violently against my ribs, my bare feet scraping against the rough ground. I didn't care about the pain—I just needed to get away.Branches whipped against my skin as I pushed forward, breath ragged and uneven. Behind me, I could hear Ryan’s footsteps. Heavy. Angry. Determined.I had no idea where I was. The only thing that mattered was escaping him.But then—A strong hand yanked me back.I screamed as I was thrown to the ground. Ryan’s face loomed over me, twisted with fury. His chest heaved, his jaw clenched so tightly I thought his teeth might shatter."You really thought you could run from me?" His voice was low, deadly.I scrambled backward, but he grabbed my ankle, dragging me toward him. I kicked wildly, trying to break free, but his grip was unyielding."Let me go!" I shouted, thrashing with everything I had.Ryan’s hand shot out, grabbing my chin in a bruising grip. "I was trying to be a gentleman, Olivia
Olivia’s POVMy pulse pounded in my ears as my gaze darted around, taking in the unfamiliar space—bare walls, a single wooden chair, a bed and a locked door. A chill ran down my spine. Where was I?Then, I saw him.Ryan.My breath caught in my throat. He stood across from me, arms folded, his dark eyes locked onto mine with an unsettling calmness. The sight of him sent a jolt of fear through me. It wasn’t possible. He was kidnaped.I forced my voice steady, though my hands trembled. "How… how are you here?"He said nothing.My heart pounded harder. "Ryan, how did you escape, who kidnapped you?""Silence.A slow, sickening smile curved his lips, and my stomach twisted.I swallowed hard. "Why am I here?"Ryan finally moved, stepping closer. His movements were slow, deliberate, and it made my skin crawl."You already know why, Olivia," he murmured.I shook my head. "No, I don’t. I was getting threats that there were going to take your life and...""He chuckled, the sound devoid of warmt
Olivia’s POVI tightened my grip on the letter, my mind racing. The words on the paper weren’t just a threat; they were a reminder that someone was watching me, someone who wanted me to break. But I wasn’t going to let that happen.Vivian sat across from me, her arms crossed, worry evident in her eyes. “Olivia, you can’t ignore this,” she said, her voice firm. “Whoever sent this knows too much. You need to tell report to the cops or let's just call Ethan.""I let out a slow breath and leaned back in my chair. “Telling Ethan won’t change anything, Viv. I need to find out who did this myself.”She exhaled sharply, frustration flickering across her face. “And if you can’t?”“I will,” I said, meeting her gaze. “I’m not as helpless as everyone thinks.”Vivian sighed, shaking her head. “It’s not about being helpless. It’s about being careful.”“I am careful,” I countered. “And that’s exactly why I need to handle this alone.”She studied me for a long moment before standing up. “Fine. If you
Chapter 66(Lucas’s POV)I woke up feeling like my head had been trapped in a vice.The past few days had been nothing but a whirlwind of confusion, anger, and betrayal. I stared at the ceiling, my mind replaying the same questions I still didn’t have answers to. Ryan West. Olivia. Amelia. The lawsuit. EthanIt felt like my entire life was closing in on me, and no matter what I did, I couldn’t seem to get a grip on things.I exhaled heavily, rubbing my face before pushing myself upright. The air in my bedroom felt suffocating. I needed to clear my head.Dragging myself to the bathroom, I turned on the cold water and let it run over my face. The chill bit into my skin, but it didn’t wash away the tension sitting like a weight in my chest.Amelia had told me Olivia was marrying Ethan. I acted like I didn't care but I did.I wanted to believe she was lying—wanted to believe Olivia wouldn’t do something like that—but I had been wrong about her before.I had been wrong about a lot of thing