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 POVThe house was exactly how I had left it—silent, pristine, and cold. It was supposed to feel like home, but it never really did.I dropped my keys on the counter, loosened my tie, and exhaled slowly. The silence felt heavier today, pressing against me like an unwanted weight. Maybe it was because I’d spent the last few days away, wrapped up in a whirlwind of things I hadn’t planned for—Olivia, Aiden’s surgery, and my own conflicting emotions. Or maybe it was because I already knew this wasn’t going to be a peaceful morning.The knock at the door came exactly when I expected it. Sharp. Demanding.I sighed, rubbing my temple before walking over. When I pulled the door open, my mother stood there, her gaze unreadable but her presence suffocating as always."Lucas," she said, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. "You're finally home."I shut the door behind her. "I didn't realize I needed to check in."She ignored the remark, letting her eyes sweep over the house
Lucas’s POVThe meeting room at Miller Robotics had a pristine, corporate feel—glass walls, sleek chairs, and a long table that reflected the soft overhead lighting. I stepped inside, adjusting my suit jacket, forcing my focus to shift from my earlier argument with my mother to the task at hand. Business. That was what mattered right now.Olivia was already seated at the far end of the table, her back straight, fingers lightly resting on a stack of neatly arranged documents. She looked calm, composed, and completely unaffected by the tension I was carrying.Our eyes met briefly, and she gave me a small nod. It was professional, distant, and nothing more.I returned it with the same level of detachment, then pulled out a chair and sat down.“Lucas,” Robert’s voice cut through the silence as he entered, his handshake firm as he took his seat across from me. “Glad you could make it.”“Wouldn’t miss it,” I said, my tone even.“Good,” he replied, glancing at Olivia before flipping o
Olivia’s POVThe dress fit like a second skin, sleek and elegant, cascading down to the floor in deep emerald satin. It was a color I rarely wore, but tonight, I wanted to feel different. Strong. Untouchable.I fastened the diamond bracelet around my wrist, the cool metal grounding me as I took one last look in the mirror. My reflection stared back, composed and unreadable—just the way I needed to be.Tonight wasn’t about emotions. It wasn’t about the past.It was about power.A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. I exhaled, smoothing my dress before heading to open it.Ethan stood on the other side, dressed in a tailored black suit. He gave me an approving once-over and smirked. “Not bad, Liv. You clean up well.”I rolled my eyes, but a small smile tugged at my lips. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”He offered his arm, and I took it, feeling steadier as we walked out together.Tonight, Ethan was my date. And I needed that—someone to remind me who I was before eve
Olivia’s POVThe music and laughter of the gala blurred into a distant hum as I pushed through the crowd, my heartbeat pounding louder than the orchestra playing in the background. My heels clicked rapidly against the polished floor as I searched for Ethan, my eyes scanning the sea of well-dressed guests, but he was nowhere in sight.Panic clawed at my chest. I took a sharp breath, trying to steady myself. My hands trembled as I reached for my phone, quickly typing out a message:"Ethan, where are you? Aiden is missing."I hit send, but there was no immediate response.I swallowed hard, forcing myself to think clearly. The only person who could help right now was Lucas.My eyes landed on him across the room, engaged in conversation with an important businessman. He looked composed, his posture relaxed, but I didn’t have time for formalities. I pushed forward, ignoring the murmurs of disapproval as I interrupted.“Lucas.” I grabbed his arm, my voice barely above a whisper but sh
Olivia’s POVThe moment Vivian’s phone rang, a chill ran down my spine. The sharp sound cut through the air like a knife, and for a second, none of us moved. The screen glowed in the dimly lit hospital room, an unknown number flashing ominously.Vivian stared at it, her hands trembling as she gripped the device. Her face had gone completely pale, her breathing shallow.“It’s him,” she whispered.A suffocating silence filled the room.Lucas, standing by the window with his hands in his pockets, turned sharply at her words. His eyes darkened with suspicion. I could see the shift in his posture—the way his body tensed like a predator sensing danger.I swallowed hard. “Answer it,” I urged. “Put it on loudspeaker.”Vivian hesitated, her fingers hovering over the screen. “What if—”“Vivian,” Lucas cut in, his voice firm but calm. “Aiden’s in danger. We need to know what we’re dealing with.”She inhaled shakily, then pressed the button. The call connected with a low static hum, followed by a
Olivia's POV The office was quiet, the hum of the day winding down as I stood at my desk, stacking files and shutting down my laptop. My heart was a tangle of guilt, longing, and a fragile hope I couldn’t name, caught between Lucas’s pull and Austin’s steady care within the past few weeks.I rubbed my eyes, exhaustion seeping into my bones, when my phone buzzed, Austin’s name lighting up the screen. A small smile tugged at my lips, his reliability a quiet comfort in the chaos.“Hey,” I answered, my voice soft, tinged with weariness but warmed by his call. “You checking up on me again?”His chuckle was low, grounding, a sound that eased the knot in my chest. “Always,” he said, his tone light but laced with concern. “You done? Ready to head home? I can swing by.”I glanced at the clock—nearly five, the office emptying out—and nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “Yeah, I’m just finishing up,” I said, my voice steadier now, a flicker of relief at the thought of him waiting for
Lucas's POV The weight of the past weeks clung to me like a second skin, a relentless burden of accusations, betrayals, and the constant threat of losing everything I’d built. My office, once a sanctuary of control, felt like a battlefield, littered with the fallout of Amelia’s outburst, the press’s relentless scrutiny, and the plummeting stock prices that mocked my every effort to salvage my reputation. My chest was a knot of frustration, exhaustion and sleepless nights.I’d been hounding the police daily, my calls and visits a desperate attempt to force them to act, to find the source of the false story that had painted me as a murderer. Each time, they’d met me with barely concealed irritation, their eyes narrowing when they challenged my alibi to the press, their voices dripping with skepticism.“You told the world you were working late with Ms. Holmes,” one detective had snapped last week, his tone sharp, his arms crossed as he leaned across his desk. “But your story’s got h
Olivia's POV My screams tore through the air, raw and desperate, as I lunged toward Austin, my voice breaking with every plea. “Stop, Austin! Please, stop!” Tears streamed down my cheeks, my heart pounding with a mix of horror and fear as I watched him pummel Ryan’s father, his fists a blur of rage, blood staining the pavement beneath them. Richard’s face was a mess, his movements weak, his groans fading, and Austin’s fury showed no sign of slowing. My legs trembled, my chest heaving as I grabbed at Austin’s arm, my fingers slipping against his tense muscles, my voice a choked sob. “Enough! You’re going to kill him!”Finally, my words—or maybe my touch—broke through. Austin froze, his fist raised, his chest heaving, his face twisted with a rage that slowly melted into shock. He dropped his arm, stumbling back, his eyes wide as he looked from Richard’s bloodied form to me, his breath ragged. My tears fell faster now, my body shaking as I stood there, the violence of the moment
Olivia's PovThe morning sun beamed through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow over the breakfast table, but my heart was still heavy, tangled in the aftermath of yesterday’s chaos. Austin’s quiet defense of me—they swirled in my mind, a relentless storm of guilt, longing, and fear that kept me awake most of the night. My coffee sat untouched, cooling in its mug, as I stared at the table, my fingers tracing the grain of the wood, trying to anchor myself in the present. Austin’s confession—“I’m starting to fall for you”—echoed in my chest, a tender ache that clashed with the pull I still felt toward Lucas, making every breath feel like a battle. I wanted to be grateful, to lean into his care, but my heart was a mess, and I didn’t know how to untangle it.Austin appeared in the doorway, his presence steady but cautious, his eyes searching mine with a concern that made my throat tighten. “Olivia,” he said, his voice gentle but firm, breaking through my haze, “I’ve been thinkin
Lucas's pov I stood frozen, my heart pounding, my breath shallow as I processed the sight of her—Amelia, the woman who’d always wielded her pride like a weapon, now stripped bare, her ego shattered in a way I’d never imagined possible. My chest tightened, a surge of surprise mingling with the anger still burning from her slap, her accusations, the public spectacle she’d turned our lives into. The press was gone, their cameras silenced for now, but the weight of their lenses lingered, a reminder of the chaos she’d unleashed, the chaos I’d fueled with my own choice.I should’ve felt triumphant, seeing her humbled, but instead, a hollow ache settled in my gut, a mix of guilt and exhaustion that made my shoulders sag. Her desperation was real, her tears a mirror of the pain I’d caused, but it didn’t erase the fury still simmering inside me. She’d pushed me too far—her rage, her accusations about Olivia, the way she’d humiliated us both in front of the world. Yet here she was, beggin
Lucas's povThe sting of Amelia’s slap burned across my cheek, a sharp, searing shock that snapped my head to the side and left my ears ringing. I stood frozen at the base of the podium stairs, my heart pounding, my mind reeling as the press conference hall buzzed with the chaos of her outburst. The cameras flashed like a swarm of fireflies, their relentless clicks a reminder of the vultures circling, ready to feast on this fresh scandal. My chest tightened, a mix of shock, anger, and dread flooding through me as I registered Amelia’s face—twisted with fury, her eyes blazing with a venom that made my stomach churn. Before I could even process the pain, her voice erupted, shrill and piercing, cutting through the murmurs of the crowd like a blade.“You didn’t come home for two days!” she screamed, her hands flailing, her words dripping with accusation. “You’ve been cheating with your ex, haven’t you? With Olivia!”Her words hit like a punch, stealing the air from my lungs, my heart
Olivia's pov Austin’s confession hung in the air like a fragile thread, his words—“I’m starting to fall for you”—settling into my chest with a weight that was both startling and strangely familiar. I sat frozen in the café booth, my hands clasped tightly in my lap, my heart a frantic drumbeat as I processed what he’d said. I wasn’t shocked—not entirely. Deep down, I’d suspected it, a quiet whisper in the back of my mind that no one could be as kind, as steadfast, as Austin had been without some hidden feeling driving it. Nobody signed up to be a husband on paper, to weather my chaos and stand by me through it all, without something more attached. Yet hearing it aloud, raw and unguarded, sent a tremor through me, a mix of warmth, guilt, and fear that made my throat tighten and my eyes sting with unshed tears.I looked at him, his face open, vulnerable, his eyes searching mine for a reaction, and my chest ached with a tenderness I hadn’t expected. Austin—steady, caring Austin—had
Olivia's povAmelia’s departure left a hollow echo in the corridors my office, her heels clicking away into the distance, her silence a victory I hadn’t expected but didn’t fully trust. My words—“I’ll marry him again… fight for full custody”—hung in the air like smoke, bold and reckless, their weight settling into my chest with a mix of triumph and dread. My heart pounded, my hands trembling as I stood there, the morning air sharp against my flushed skin. I’d faced her down, held my ground, but the fire of my defiance was already fading, replaced by a gnawing guilt that twisted my stomach. What had I done? Threatening to take Lucas back, to tear apart their family—it wasn’t me, not really, but the words had spilled out, fueled by her venom and my own tangled longing for a past I couldn’t reclaim. I took a shaky breath, my legs unsteady, and forced myself toward my desk, desperate to bury the encounter in work, to escape the storm of emotions threatening to drown me.I settled at
Olivia's POV The morning sun was barely cresting the horizon as I pulled into the company parking lot, the engine’s hum fading into a heavy silence that matched the turmoil churning inside me. My hands lingered on the steering wheel, knuckles pale from gripping it too tightly, as if holding on could steady the storm of emotions still raging from last night. Austin’s words—“I didn’t ask you to care for me”—echoed in my head, each syllable a fresh wound, laced with guilt and regret that burned hotter with every replay. My eyes stung, gritty from tears and sleeplessness, my chest a tight knot of anger, shame, and a longing for Lucas I couldn’t shake, no matter how hard I tried. I took a shaky breath, willing myself to focus, to bury it all and face the day, but the weight of it clung to me, heavy and unrelenting.I pushed open the car door, the cool morning air hitting my face like a slap, and stepped out, my heels clicking against the asphalt. That’s when I saw her—Amelia, standin