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
Lucas’ POVThe ride back to Olivia’s house was quieter than I expected.Vivian had dozed off in the backseat, exhaustion finally catching up to her. Olivia sat beside her, her gaze fixed outside the window, lost in thought. Ethan drove with one hand on the wheel, his expression unreadable. And me? I stared at the road ahead, gripping the armrest, my mind racing.Aiden was still missing. We had a plan in motion, but none of us could predict how tomorrow would play out. And on top of that, there was Ethan—always hovering around Olivia, always in the picture.When Olivia finally spoke, her voice was quiet but firm. “We should go to my place.”Ethan flicked his eyes toward her in the rearview mirror. “Are you sure? We could go to mine instead.”She shook her head. “No, my house is closer. And I’d rather be home.”I turned to look at her, but she avoided my gaze. I didn’t push. She had enough on her mind.When we arrived, one of Olivia's maid welcomed us inside. I hadn’t been here in a whi
Olivia’s POVI woke up before dawn, my heart pounding against my ribs like a trapped bird. Anxiety twisted in my stomach, refusing to let me rest.Today was the day.For hours, I had tossed and turned, thinking of everything that could go wrong. Aiden was still out there, alone and scared. Vivian was barely holding herself together, and Ethan had been handling everything with an eerie calmness that unsettled me. And Lucas—Lucas was a storm waiting to be unleashed.I swung my legs off the bed and sat on the edge, rubbing my temples. Sleep had been a luxury none of us could afford.Taking a deep breath, I pushed myself up and walked toward my closet. Practicality over appearance. I slipped into dark jeans, a fitted sweater, and my most comfortable boots. Today wasn’t about looking presentable—it was about being prepared for whatever was coming.When I made my way downstairs, the house was silent except for the faint sound of someone moving in the kitchen. I followed the noise and foun
Olivia’s POVThe car was silent except for Aiden’s soft breathing. Vivian had wrapped him in her arms, her fingers tangled in his hair as if letting go would mean losing him again. His small body was curled against her, exhausted, but safe. That was all that mattered.Ethan was focused on the road, his grip tight on the steering wheel. His eyes darted to the rearview mirror every few seconds, as if expecting a car to tail us. I wasn’t sure if it was paranoia or caution, but I appreciated it either way."We should take Aiden to Liv's,” Ethan said his was voice calm but firm.Vivian barely reacted at first, then shook her head. "I don’t want to risk it. If Tony has other men watching—""Vivian, Tony has been arrested. He won’t," Ethan added. "And even if he tries something, I’ll have security watching over the house. No one will touch you or Aiden again."Vivian hesitated, glancing at her son. He was too tired to process anything, his small hand clutching at her sleeve. Finally, she ex
Olivia’s POVScene 1: A Passionate MomentLucas’s lips were still on mine, and I could feel the heat rolling off him, the way his hands gripped my waist as if he couldn’t bear to let go. His kiss wasn’t hesitant or careful—it was consuming, desperate, like he had been starving for this moment. And maybe, just maybe, I had been too.The taste of him, the way he moved against me, made my head spin. His fingers tangled in my hair, tugging slightly as he deepened the kiss, and I felt something inside me unravel. My hands slid up his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath my fingertips.I didn’t want to think. Didn’t want to remember all the reasons why this was dangerous. I just wanted to feel.Lucas groaned against my lips, his hands sliding down my back, pulling me closer. I gasped when he tilted my chin up, taking control in a way that sent a shiver down my spine. My body melted against his, my fingers gripping the fabric of his shirt as if that would keep me grounded.I s
Olivia’s POVA week had passed since I last saw Lucas.Seven days.Not that I was counting.I kept myself busy—more than usual. Work, taking care of Aiden, spending time with Vivian had traveled for a shoot three days ago and I was here making sure everything was running smoothly. And surprisingly, it was. Aiden was recovering well, his energy returning in bursts of excitement. Vivian smiled more, the exhaustion in her eyes slowly fading.For the first time in a long while, things felt… normal.I should be relieved. And I was.But that didn’t explain the strange hollowness inside me.Lucas hadn’t reached out.Not once.I told myself it was for the best. Our last encounter had been complicated. That kiss—God, that kiss—had completely unraveled me, only to be cut short by Ethan’s presence. And then, Lucas’s frustration, his demand for answers I wasn’t ready to give…I shook my head.I didn’t need to dwell on it.Lucas and I had unfinished business, but that didn’t mean I had to chase a
Olivia’s POVI was just a few steps from my car when a voice I despised stopped me cold."Olivia," Amelia called, her tone dripping with false sweetness.I didn't turn right away. I took a deep breath, framing my features into something unreadable before facing her.There she stood, in all her smug glory. Perfectly styled hair. A dress that probably cost more than most people’s rent. The same arrogant glint in her eyes that had been there the night I caught her in bed with Lucas."Amelia," I said flatly, keeping my voice bored. "What do you want?"She tilted her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Oh, don’t be so cold. I just wanted to catch up."I raised a brow. "We were never friends. There’s nothing to catch up on."She laughed lightly, shaking her head. "Still as sharp-tongued as ever. I almost missed this." Then, she sighed dramatically. "But I suppose things change. Some of us move forward… while others get left behind."I clenched my jaw. "Say what you really mean, Amelia
Lucas’s POVI knew something was wrong the moment Amelia walked into my office, her eyes glinting with something far too smug for my liking.She moved with a purpose, shutting the door behind her and sauntering over to my desk like she owned the place. That was Amelia—always trying to stake her claim, to remind everyone, including me, of her presence."Lucas," she purred, perching on the edge of my desk. "Have you seen the news?"I barely glanced up from the contract I was reviewing. "No. Should I have?"Her lips curled into a smile, but there was something calculated in it. "Oh, you definitely should."She pulled out her phone, tapping a few times before turning the screen toward me.And just like that, my morning turned to hell.The video played in crisp quality—security footage from outside the building where Olivia and Amelia had fought. But it had been carefully edited. It started with Olivia shoving Amelia, then the slap, then the chaos that followed. The worst part? The audio w
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