Chapter 23: The Breaking PointThe air between them was thick, charged with an unspoken tension that neither of them could ignore any longer. Ethan’s words lingered in the quiet of the penthouse: “I’ll wait. As long as it takes, Olivia. Because you’re worth it.”Olivia stood from her chair abruptly, needing to create distance, to think, to breathe. But as she moved toward the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the city, Ethan followed her. His footsteps were silent but sure, and she could feel his presence before he even reached her.“You don’t have to do this, Ethan,” she said softly, her voice trembling. “You don’t have to chase me just because I’m the one thing you think you can’t have.”“That’s where you’re wrong,” he said, his voice low and rough. “I’m not chasing you because I can’t have you. I’m chasing you because I already know I want you.”His words sent a shiver down her spine, and when his hand brushed against her arm, she didn’t pull away. Instead, she turned to face him
Chapter 24: Scandal UnleashedThe world felt like it was spinning too fast, and Olivia was caught in the eye of the storm. She sat frozen in her dressing room, Pearl’s smug grin and Lily’s concerned expression blurring together as her mind processed the headline.“Ethan Cole’s Mystery Woman: Who Is She?”The words seemed to glow like fire, burning into her consciousness.“How did they even get this picture?” Olivia muttered, grabbing Pearl’s phone for a closer look. The blurry photo showed her exiting Ethan’s penthouse earlier that morning, wrapped in the oversized coat he had given her.“Oh, honey,” Pearl said, crossing her arms and leaning against the vanity. “When it comes to Ethan Cole, there are eyes everywhere. You should know better.”Olivia glared at her. “Thanks for the advice,” she snapped, tossing the phone back.Lily stepped in, her tone firm but caring. “Pearl, maybe now’s not the time to gloat. Olivia’s clearly got enough on her plate.”Pearl shrugged nonchalantly. “I’m
Chapter 26: Entangled FatesOlivia leaned against the trailer door, her breath shaky as she tried to collect herself. The weight of the day pressed down on her like a suffocating blanket. Lily’s concerned expression greeted her as she stepped out.“Are you okay?” Lily asked softly, her voice steady despite the buzz of gossip around them.Olivia forced a smile. “I’m fine. Let’s get back to work.”But as she walked toward the set, her mind remained anything but fine. Ethan’s unexpected appearance had thrown her, not to mention his audacious claim that he cared. That wasn’t part of the deal, they were supposed to be strangers now. Yet, his intense gaze and unyielding presence lingered in her mind like an unshakable echo.***Inside the trailer, Ethan stood rooted to the spot, his fists clenched at his sides. Olivia’s stubbornness was both infuriating and admirable. She refused to let him in, yet he couldn’t seem to stay away.This wasn’t how he operated. Control was second nature to him,
Chapter 27: Caught in the CrossfireThe aftermath of Ethan’s statement was a whirlwind Olivia hadn’t anticipated. By mid-morning, social media was abuzz with contrasting opinions. Supporters praised Ethan’s gallant defense, while skeptics questioned his motives. Olivia was caught in the middle, her life dissected by millions of strangers who didn’t know the first thing about her.At the studio, the atmosphere was tense. People whispered in clusters, and every glance in Olivia’s direction felt like a dagger. She had managed to make it to set, but the weight of everyone’s judgment clung to her like a second skin.“Liv, are you sure you’re okay to work today?” Lily asked as she handed her a cup of tea during a brief break.“I can’t hide forever,” Olivia replied, her voice low. “If I stop, they’ll win. They’ll think I have something to be ashamed of.”“But Ethan’s statement…”“Made things worse,” Olivia finished bitterly. “Now, everyone thinks there’s more to this than there really is.”L
Chapter 28: Unmasking ShadowsThe morning sunlight streamed through Olivia’s window, but the warmth did little to soothe the cold pit in her stomach. News outlets were relentless. Every detail of her life was now a spectacle, and she felt like a caged animal in a zoo.Her phone rang, the caller ID flashing Claire’s name again.“Claire,” Olivia answered, her voice tense.“We’ve got a problem,” Claire said without preamble. “The tabloids are running with a new angle. They’re claiming your relationship with Ethan is a publicity stunt.”Olivia sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Of course they are. What else is new?”“It’s not just that,” Claire continued. “They’re dragging up old rumors about your family, your time before acting. Someone’s feeding them information, Liv.”Olivia froze. Her past was something she had buried long ago, a part of her life she never wanted to see the light of day. If the media got hold of certain details, it could ruin her career—and her sanity.“Who’s b
Chapter 29: A Fortress of SecretsThe ride to Ethan's penthouse was filled with a tense silence, broken only by the occasional hum of the car engine. Olivia stared out of the window, watching the city lights blur past. Ethan's presence next to her was suffocating yet strangely reassuring."Are you going to tell me how this is supposed to help?" Olivia asked, finally breaking the silence.Ethan glanced at her, his jaw tightening. "You’ll be safer with me. Until I find out who’s behind the leaks and shut them down, I can’t risk leaving you on your own.""Safer from what? Gossip?" she shot back, her voice laced with sarcasm.Ethan didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he leaned back in his seat, his icy gaze fixed on her. "You don’t understand how far these things can go, Olivia. It’s not just about gossip anymore. They’ll dig up your past, twist it, and use it to destroy you. And I won’t let that happen."His words sent a shiver down her spine. As much as she hated to admit it, he wasn’t
Chapter 30: Shadows of the PastEthan paced the length of his study, the sleek, modern room dimly lit except for the glow of his laptop screen. The name Daniel Winters repeated in his head like a mantra, each syllable sharpening his resolve. Whoever this man was, he had made a grave mistake."Jake," Ethan barked into his phone. "I need everything on a Daniel Winters. Every record, every connection, every debt. I don’t care how you get it just make it fast.""On it, sir," Jake replied without hesitation.Ethan hung up, his jaw tightening. No one messed with what was his, no one, and got away unscathed.Meanwhile, Olivia sat curled up in a corner of Ethan’s couch, her mind restless. The quiet of the penthouse amplified her thoughts, memories she had buried for years clawing their way back to the surface.Daniel Winters. She had once trusted him, relied on him, and he had betrayed her in ways she hadn’t thought possible. But now, he was stirring the pot again, threatening the fragile sen
Chapter 31: Winds of RetaliationThe tension between Ethan and Olivia lingered in the air like a storm waiting to break. Though the city below was alive with lights and movement, the penthouse was unnervingly quiet. Olivia stood by the balcony, the glass of wine in her hand untouched as her thoughts spiraled.Ethan’s words echoed in her mind: “Because I care about you.”She had heard declarations before, empty promises and flowery words from men who ultimately left her to pick up the pieces. But with Ethan, it felt different. His protectiveness, his determination to shield her from Daniel’s schemes, was unlike anything she had experienced. It scared her as much as it reassured her.Inside, Ethan sat in his study, surrounded by monitors and documents. His methods were cold and precise, like a surgeon preparing for a critical operation. Daniel Winters wasn’t just an enemy; he was an obstacle Ethan intended to obliterate."Jake," Ethan said into his headset. "I want every company associa
Chapter 134: Growing TogetherThe weeks that followed were filled with even more anticipation as Olivia’s pregnancy progressed. Every day seemed like a new milestone, her belly grew, her cravings shifted, and the occasional morning sickness became a reminder of the little life blossoming inside of her. Ethan continued to be her rock, always there, always supportive, though his protective nature had become even more pronounced.One evening, as they sat together in the living room, Olivia leaned back against the couch, her eyes closed as she let out a content sigh. Ethan was next to her, gently rubbing her feet as she rested. His touch was soothing, and the warmth of his hand calmed her.“I don’t know how I would’ve gotten through this without you,” she said, looking up at him with a smile. “You’ve been amazing.”Ethan paused his gentle movements and looked down at her with a soft smile of his own. “I’m just doing what any husband should do. You’re carrying our child, Olivia. The least
Chapter 133: A New BeginningThe days after the wedding were a blur of love and happiness. Olivia and Ethan couldn’t seem to get enough of each other. Their honeymoon had been everything they dreamed of, filled with quiet moments in a luxurious villa overlooking the ocean, candlelit dinners, and passionate nights that made them both feel as though they were the only two people in the world.But amidst the romantic haze, something even more exciting was beginning to unfold.Olivia woke up one morning to a soft kiss on her forehead. The sun was barely peeking through the curtains, casting a warm glow across their bedroom. She smiled sleepily and turned to face Ethan, his face so close to hers that she could feel the warmth of his breath."Good morning, Mrs. Cole," he whispered with a smile that made her heart flutter. He was already dressed for the day, but the tenderness in his eyes made her forget about everything else."Good morning, Mr. Cole," Olivia replied, her voice full of sleep
Chapter 132: A New Chapter BeginsThe wedding preparations were a whirlwind, but Olivia reveled in every moment. The joy of knowing she would soon marry the man who had completely captured her heart was enough to make the chaos worth it. From picking out the dress to choosing the venue, everything felt surreal and yet perfectly right. Every detail fell into place, and soon, there was only one thing left to do: say the vows that would seal their future together.Ethan was surprisingly calm throughout it all. The normally stoic man had softened since their engagement, his protective nature now tempered with an undeniable warmth whenever Olivia was near. He had given her his all—his heart, his devotion, his loyalty—and she had never once doubted him. She knew this was the beginning of their forever.The day of the wedding arrived with a sense of serenity that Olivia had never felt before. It was as though the universe had conspired to give them the perfect day. The sun was shining, the s
Chapter 131: A Promise for the FutureIt was a quiet evening when Ethan finally took the step he had been avoiding for so long. He had kept his distance, convinced that the world he had dragged Olivia into was too dangerous, too dark for her. But standing in front of her now, with the soft glow of the candles illuminating her face and her steady gaze fixed on him, Ethan realized that she was more than capable of handling whatever came their way.He could see the love in her eyes, the way she believed in him, even when he couldn’t believe in himself. She had never once flinched, never once hesitated, even as his world crumbled around them.Olivia had become his anchor, the one person who kept him grounded when the weight of his past threatened to pull him under."Ethan," she said, her voice soft but firm, breaking the silence between them. "What’s on your mind?"He swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his chest. It was time. Time to make a decision that would change everything. His fu
Chapter 130: Unraveling SecretsThe morning after the storm was almost eerily calm, as if the earth itself was recovering from the turmoil of the night. The sun broke through the clouds, casting its light over the landscape in a soft golden hue. Inside the cabin, however, the air was thick with the weight of unspoken words, emotions swirling just below the surface.Olivia stood by the window, staring out at the tranquil view, her fingers tracing the edge of the glass as if she could touch the world outside. Ethan was in the kitchen, preparing coffee, the sounds of him moving around barely registering in her mind as she replayed the events of the previous night.She could still feel the warmth of his touch, the way his lips had lingered on hers, as if to reassure them both that they were in this together. But even as she let herself fall deeper into the safety of his embrace, there was something in Ethan’s eyes that told her he was still holding something back.She could feel it in the
Chapter 129: Facing the Storm TogetherThe storm raged outside, but inside, the warmth of the cabin wrapped around them, a stark contrast to the chaos that threatened to engulf their world. Ethan held Olivia close, the steady rhythm of his breathing a comfort in the midst of their shared silence. But the air was thick with unspoken words, with the weight of everything they still had yet to face.Olivia could feel the tension still gripping Ethan’s body, the restlessness that lingered even in the safety of their shared space. She pulled back slightly, looking up at him, her heart heavy with the truth he had revealed. But in that same breath, a new determination sparked within her.“We can’t keep hiding from this, Ethan,” Olivia said, her voice soft but resolute. “You’re not alone in this fight. We’ll face whatever’s coming together. That’s what we do.”Ethan’s eyes softened, and for a moment, it seemed as if the weight of the world had lifted off his shoulders, if only for a second. He
Chapter 128: Unraveling the PastThe storm outside had only intensified, its howling winds battering against the cabin walls as if trying to break through the calm they’d created inside. But Ethan's earlier revelation hung heavily between them, and the tension was palpable.Olivia sat on the edge of the small couch, her fingers nervously twisting together as she watched Ethan pace back and forth. He was restless, as if something was gnawing at him, something he couldn't quite grasp. And Olivia knew, knew that whatever was coming, it wasn’t just about enemies, power, or protection. It was personal."Do you trust me?" Ethan's voice broke the silence, harsh but not unkind.Olivia looked up at him, her heart thudding in her chest. The weight of his question felt monumental. "Of course, I do," she replied, her voice firm but soft. "You know that."He stopped pacing and turned to face her, his eyes dark with emotion. "This thing I’m facing… it’s not just about business. It’s not just about
Chapter 127: The Storm ApproachesThe next morning, the storm that had been looming on the horizon finally broke. The sun, which had been so bright and calm the previous day, now hid behind dark clouds, and a sharp wind began to whip through the trees. Olivia could feel the tension in the air, thick and oppressive.She sat at the small wooden table in the cabin, staring out of the window as the storm clouds gathered, her mind racing with everything that Ethan had told her the night before. She knew that whatever was coming was more than just a simple challenge—they were heading into something far deeper, something darker than they’d expected. And the fact that Ethan hadn’t shared everything with her only made her more nervous.She knew he was trying to protect her. But part of her couldn't help but feel a creeping sense of isolation. What if he was keeping something from her that she needed to know?As if on cue, Ethan walked into the room, his expression tense. His usually sharp, com
Chapter 126: The Calm Before the StormThe morning sun streamed through the large windows of the cabin, casting soft golden light across the room. Olivia stirred in her sleep, the warmth of the blankets surrounding her, and the faint smell of pine lingering in the air. It was quiet, peaceful—something she had not experienced in a long time. And as she opened her eyes, she saw Ethan lying beside her, his expression calm and serene as he slept.For a moment, Olivia just watched him, feeling a sense of contentment wash over her. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind of emotions, but in that moment, it felt like they had finally found a sense of peace. She carefully moved to get out of bed, trying not to disturb him, but just as she reached for the blanket, Ethan stirred.“Where are you going?” His voice was low and husky from sleep, a slight smirk playing at the corner of his lips.“I was just going to make us some coffee,” Olivia whispered, smiling at the fact that he seemed to always