Chapter 35: A Night to Remember The weight of the day hung heavy, but for the first time in weeks, the storm outside seemed to pause. The moonlight spilled into Ethan’s penthouse, casting a soft glow over the sleek furnishings. It was quiet, almost too quiet, as Olivia sat by the large floor-to-ceiling window, staring at the city lights below. Her thoughts were a whirlwind. The forged documents, Daniel’s threats, Ethan’s unyielding protection, it was all too much to unpack. She barely heard Ethan approaching until his shadow fell over her. “You’re lost in your thoughts again,” he said, his deep voice breaking through the silence. She turned, startled to see him holding two glasses of wine. He was dressed casually, a stark contrast to his usual sharp suits. The top two buttons of his shirt were undone, and for once, he looked almost…approachable. “Trying to make sense of everything,” Olivia admitted as he handed her a glass and sat beside her. “You don’t have to,” Ethan said
Chapter 36: Breakfast In BedOlivia Hart woke up to the smell of something burning. She bolted upright, her heart racing. The sunlight streaming through the penthouse windows told her it was far too late for breakfast, and the faint sound of Ethan Cole swearing from the kitchen filled her with dread, and a surprising amount of amusement. Ethan Cole, the untouchable billionaire, the man who could dismantle empires with a single phone call, was apparently at war with the stove. Curiosity got the better of her, and she slipped out of bed, pulling on a robe as she tiptoed toward the source of the commotion. She peeked around the corner to find Ethan standing in front of a skillet, armed with a spatula like it was a sword. His usually immaculate appearance was in disarray: his shirt was untucked, his sleeves rolled up, and his hair was sticking up in every direction. “Come on, you stupid thing!” Ethan muttered, flipping a pancake that promptly landed on the floor. Olivia couldn’t h
Chapter 37: A Game of TruthsThe air in the penthouse was unusually quiet that evening. Ethan Cole sat on the plush sofa with a glass of whiskey in his hand, his sharp suit replaced by a casual sweater and slacks. Olivia Hart was sprawled across the opposite end, her legs tucked beneath her, flipping through channels with disinterest. “Do you ever actually watch anything, or is the remote just for decoration?” Ethan teased, swirling his drink. Olivia shot him a glare. “Excuse me for trying to find something that doesn’t involve explosions or boring documentaries about corporate takeovers.” “Those aren’t boring,” Ethan argued, leaning back. “They’re informative.” “They’re sleep aids,” Olivia retorted, finally settling on a cheesy rom-com. Ethan groaned. “This? Really? The guy is about to propose to the wrong woman. You can see it coming from a mile away.” “That’s the point,” Olivia said, tossing a pillow at him. “Not everyone likes convoluted schemes, Mr. Cole. Some of us e
Chapter 38: The Uninvited GuestOlivia woke up the next morning feeling lighter than she had in weeks. Ethan's words from the night before echoed in her mind: “I’m not going anywhere.” They’d stayed up late talking, the game of truths leading to unspoken feelings finally surfacing. She padded into the kitchen to find Ethan already there, dressed in his signature suit and tie, sipping his coffee while scrolling through his phone. “Morning,” she said, her voice still groggy. “Morning,” he replied without looking up. But then his eyes flicked to her, and he smirked. “Nice bedhead.” Olivia groaned, running her fingers through her wild hair. “Thanks for the ego boost.” “You’re welcome.” Ethan leaned against the counter, a rare trace of playfulness in his demeanor. “Breakfast is on the table.” Olivia looked over to see an impressive spread: eggs, toast, fruit, and—of course—freshly brewed coffee. She raised an eyebrow. “You cooked?” “No,” Ethan admitted. “The chef did. But I t
Chapter 39: Dinner with the ColesSaturday evening arrived with an air of nervous anticipation. Olivia stood in front of the mirror, smoothing down the sleek black dress she’d chosen for the dinner. It was elegant yet understated, perfect for meeting the Evelyn Cole again. “You look fine,” Ethan said from the doorway, his tone casual. Olivia turned to glare at him. “Fine? That’s all you’ve got? I’m about to meet your entire family, and you’re giving me ‘fine’?” Ethan smirked, adjusting the cufflinks on his pristine white shirt. “You look beautiful. Better?” She rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop the small smile from forming. “A little.” They arrived at the Cole family estate just as the sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the sprawling mansion. Olivia’s jaw dropped as she took in the grandeur of the place, the perfectly manicured gardens, the marble fountain in the driveway, and the sheer size of the house. “This is a *house*?” Olivia whispered as they walked up the
Chapter 40: The Flirtatious CEO Monday morning began like any other. Olivia woke up to the sound of her alarm, groggily stretching before realizing she was no longer in her apartment but Ethan’s penthouse. The events of the past few weeks had shifted her entire life, and she was still adjusting. As she shuffled into the kitchen, Ethan was already there, sipping his coffee and scrolling through his tablet. But something was different. His usual crisp, composed demeanor had been replaced by a mischievous grin that made Olivia wary. “Good morning, sunshine,” he said, his voice dripping with charm. Olivia raised an eyebrow, grabbing a mug. “You’re unusually chipper for a Monday. What’s going on?” “Can’t a man be in a good mood around his stunning girlfriend?” Ethan asked, setting his tablet down and leaning against the counter. She gave him a skeptical look. “What are you up to, Ethan?” “Nothing,” he said innocently, though the twinkle in his eye suggested otherwise. “I just
Chapter 41: Bound by Passion The evening air was warm, the faint hum of city lights filtering through the open balcony doors of Ethan’s penthouse. Olivia stood by the railing, her hair tousled by the breeze, her gaze lost in the twinkling skyline. She wore one of Ethan’s shirts, its fabric brushing against her bare thighs, and the sight of her—soft and unguarded, stole his breath. Ethan leaned against the doorway, watching her in silence. It wasn’t just her beauty that captivated him, it was the way she seemed to bring life to his otherwise cold, structured world. Slowly, he approached, his footsteps quiet against the hardwood floors. “You’re miles away,” he murmured, his voice low and velvety. Olivia turned, startled, but her lips curved into a soft smile. “Just thinking.” “About?” he asked, stepping closer, his eyes never leaving hers. She hesitated, her gaze dropping to the glass of wine in her hand. “Everything. Us.” Ethan closed the distance between them, his hand ge
Chapter 42: Love in the Little Moments Morning spilled into the room in soft, golden streaks, casting a warm glow on the tangled sheets and clothes scattered across Ethan's bedroom floor. Olivia stirred awake first, her head nestled in the crook of Ethan’s arm, the faint rhythm of his heartbeat steady beneath her cheek. For a moment, she simply lay there, basking in the quiet intimacy of the moment. There were no cameras, no reporters, no chaos—just Ethan and the stillness that came with being in his presence. She allowed herself the rare indulgence of tracing small circles on his chest with her fingertip. Ethan shifted slightly, his eyes fluttering open. A slow, lazy grin spread across his face as he caught sight of her. “Good morning, Ms. Hart,” he said, his voice husky from sleep. “Good morning, Mr. Cole,” Olivia replied, her lips curving into a smile. Ethan tightened his arm around her, pulling her even closer. “I could get used to waking up like this.” “You say that
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