Chapter 61: Storms BrewingOlivia woke to the sound of her phone buzzing insistently on the nightstand. Groaning, she turned over, squinting at the screen. It was Lily, and the stream of texts that followed her call left Olivia wide awake.Lily: OMG, check your socials NOW!Lily: You’re literally everywhere.Lily: You and Ethan are trending again, but this time, it’s huge.“What now?” Olivia muttered, reluctantly opening her favorite gossip app.Sure enough, her name was plastered across the headlines alongside Ethan’s, with blurry photos of the two of them from the café and a headline that made her jaw drop.“From Scandal to Sizzle: Olivia Hart and Ethan Cole’s Love Story Takes Center Stage!”“Ugh,” she groaned, tossing the phone aside and burying her face in her pillow. “Why can’t these people mind their own business?”Ethan’s voice cut through her grumbles, his tone teasing. “Morning, sunshine. Trouble in paradise already?”Olivia peeked out from under her pillow to see Ethan stand
Chapter 62: Uninvited GuestsThe next morning, Olivia was jolted awake by a loud banging on the apartment door. Groggy and disoriented, she glanced at the clock on the nightstand. It was barely 6 a.m.“Ethan?” she called out, but the other side of the bed was empty.The banging continued, followed by a familiar voice that made her stomach drop.“Olivia Hart! Open this door right now!”It was Sophia.Olivia’s heart raced as she scrambled out of bed, pulling on a robe. What was Sophia doing here, and how did she even know where they were?She tiptoed to the door and peeked through the peephole. Sure enough, there was Sophia, looking as poised and furious as ever, flanked by two reporters holding cameras.“Olivia, don’t make me call security to break this door down!” Sophia threatened, her voice loud enough to echo down the hallway.Before Olivia could decide what to do, Ethan appeared from the hallway, shirtless and holding a coffee mug. He looked completely unfazed, as if a crazed ex-f
Chapter 63: The Calm Before the StormThe tension in the apartment lingered long after Sophia’s dramatic exit. Ethan, as always, remained unbothered, but Olivia couldn’t shake the unease swirling in her chest. She busied herself cleaning up breakfast dishes, hoping the rhythmic clinking of plates would drown out her thoughts.Ethan watched her from the kitchen counter, his sharp gaze softening as she moved around in a flurry of nervous energy.“You’re quiet,” he said, breaking the silence.Olivia looked up, startled, and forced a smile. “Just... processing.”Ethan pushed away from the counter and approached her, his movements deliberate and steady. He slid his hands onto her shoulders, stopping her mid-reach for another plate.“Hey,” he said softly. “She can’t hurt us.”Olivia sighed, leaning into his touch. “It’s not just Sophia, Ethan. It’s everything. The media, the constant scrutiny, the drama. Sometimes it feels like we’re walking on a tightrope, and one wrong move could send us
Chapter 64: Waves of PassionThe sun dipped below the horizon, casting shades of pink and gold across the sky. The secluded beach grew quieter, with only the rhythmic crash of waves filling the air. Olivia stood at the water’s edge, her toes buried in the cool, damp sand, as the breeze carried the salty scent of the ocean.Behind her, Ethan approached, his footsteps soft but deliberate. She turned to face him, her breath catching as she met his smoldering gaze. The tension between them crackled like a live wire, amplified by the intimacy of their surroundings.“You look breathtaking,” Ethan murmured, his voice low and husky as he reached out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear.Olivia laughed softly, the sound blending with the waves. “I’m in a sundress and no makeup.”“And you’ve never looked more perfect,” he said, stepping closer until the heat of his body pressed against hers.Her laughter faded, replaced by an intensity that made her knees weak. Ethan’s hands slid to he
Chapter 65: Ripple EffectsThe sun rose on the horizon, its golden rays spilling over the calm waters and bathing the beach in a warm glow. Olivia stirred, the sound of the waves gently lapping against the shore pulling her from a dreamless sleep. She blinked, her vision filled with the sight of Ethan’s face inches from hers, his features softened by the morning light.Ethan was already awake, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat.“Good morning, beautiful,” he said, his voice rich and deep, like the first sip of coffee on a crisp morning.Olivia stretched lazily, the soft sand shifting beneath her. “Morning. Have you been watching me sleep?”“Guilty,” Ethan admitted, his lips curving into a mischievous smile. “You look peaceful when you’re not plotting ways to resist me.”She laughed, playfully shoving his shoulder. “Don’t flatter yourself, Cole.”“Oh, I don’t need to,” he teased, rolling onto his side to prop his head up on one hand. “You do that fo
Chapter 66: The Jealous CEOThe next morning, Olivia was startled awake by the sound of her phone buzzing incessantly on the bedside table. She groaned, burying her face into the pillow. Before she could fully comprehend what was happening, Ethan’s arm tightened around her waist.“Don’t even think about answering that,” he mumbled, his voice husky with sleep.“Ethan, it could be important,” Olivia said, attempting to wriggle free from his grasp.“Nope. You’re staying right here.” Ethan’s hold on her didn’t loosen, and Olivia sighed in exasperation.“You’re impossible,” she muttered, reaching blindly for her phone.“Yet you love me,” Ethan replied smugly, burying his face in the crook of her neck.Finally grabbing the device, Olivia squinted at the screen. Dozens of missed calls and text messages flooded her notifications.“What the…” Olivia sat up, scrolling through the messages. Most were from Lily, her assistant, while a few were from unknown numbers. The content, however, was unani
Chapter 67: Unveiling the TruthThe following day, Olivia woke to the sound of Ethan’s low voice drifting from the adjoining room. He was on a call, and his words, though muted, carried an unmistakable authority. She stretched lazily, basking in the morning light that filtered through the curtains, before curiosity got the better of her.Wrapping a robe around herself, she padded softly to the door.“...make sure the article never sees the light of day,” Ethan was saying, his tone cold and clipped.Olivia leaned against the doorway, crossing her arms. “Damage control?”Ethan turned, his expression softening when he saw her. “Good morning, love.”“Good morning,” she replied, raising an eyebrow. “Who were you threatening now?”Ethan smirked, hanging up the call. “Just ensuring that certain tabloids know their place.”Olivia rolled her eyes, stepping into the room. “You can’t solve everything by intimidation, Ethan.”“Can’t I?” he teased, pulling her into his arms.She placed her hands o
Chapter 68: Whispers of BetrayalOlivia’s unease from the night before lingered as she returned to her routine. Ethan’s mysterious note weighed on her mind, but she decided not to press him further. Instead, she threw herself into her work, meeting with Lily and the agency's PR team to strategize for an upcoming event.“I think we should play into the positive buzz,” Lily suggested as she clicked through a slideshow. “The press loves you and Ethan as a power couple. If we lean into it, we can turn this into a long-term advantage.”Olivia frowned, her lips pursing. “I don’t know, Lily. What happens when the media loses interest? Ethan and I don’t need a PR stunt defining our relationship.”Lily shrugged. “True, but it wouldn’t hurt to use the momentum. Besides, the more they see you two together, the harder it’ll be for anyone to drag you down.”Before Olivia could respond, her phone buzzed on the table. The screen flashed with Ethan’s name.“Speak of the devil,” she muttered, picking
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