Olivia’s breath stuck in her throat; her body frozen as the figure stepped closer.“Who are you?” Olivia asked, her voice trembling but resolute. Her hand instinctively moved to her stomach, a protective gesture for the child growing within her.The figure chuckled, the sound low and mocking. “You’re braver than I expected. No wonder Victor is so obsessed with you.”At the mention of Victor’s name, Olivia’s eyes narrowed. “If you think you can scare me into submission, you don’t know me at all.”The stranger tilt their head, interested by her defiance. “Oh, I don’t need to scare you. I’m just here to deliver a message.”Before Olivia could respond, the figure tossed a small envelope onto the table in front of her. It landed with a soft thud, the weight of its contents hinting at something ominous.“What is this?” Olivia asked, not moving to pick it up.“Open it when you’re alone,” the stranger said, their voice dripping with amusement. “But be careful, Ms. Olivia. The truth has a way
The room was filled with the gentle cries of a newborn as Olivia lay on the hospital bed, her hair damp with sweat and tears flooding down her face. Victor stood beside her, his eyes wide with awe and emotion as he held their baby girl for the first time.“She’s cute,” Victor whispered, his voice trembling. He gently placed the baby in Olivia’s arms.Olivia eyes down at the tiny bundle, her heart swelling with love and relief. “Ava,” she murmured. “Our little Ava.”Victor leaned down, kissing Olivia’s forehead tenderly. “Thank you,” he said, his voice full with emotion. “For giving me this. For giving us this.”The days that followed were full of sleepless nights and quiet joy. Victor had never imagined himself as a father, but now, with Ava cradled in his arms, he couldn’t imagine life any other way.Olivia watched him with a soft smile as he gently rocked Ava to sleep. “You’re a natural,” she said, her voice filled with admiration.Victor chuckled softly. “I’ve handled boardrooms fu
Victor’s mind was heavy with unease. The unknown man spotted earlier by the lake had triggered his deeply instincts. His study, dimly lit by a single desk lamp, felt suffocating as he combed through reports from his security team. Whoever it was had left no trace, no evidence.“Sir,” his head of security, Richard, called softly from the door. “The team swept the area. We’ve increased the house surveillance and doubled the guards.”Victor nodded, but the assurance brought little comfort. “I need a full report on anyone who has been near the house in the past two weeks. Every contractor, every visitor. I don’t want a single detail overlooked.”Richard hesitated for a moment before adding, “We’ll get to the bottom of this, sir. But you should rest. Mrs. Olivia needs you, and so will the Ava.”Victor sighed and waved him off. Rest was a luxury he couldn’t afford. There was too much
Few Months Later:Olivia stood before the large canvas in her studio, her hands splashed with colors as she worked on her latest piece. The warm afternoon sun filters through the windows. She was utterly captivated in her work, the stress of the past weeks melting away with every stroke of the brush.Victor watched her from the doorway, his arms crossed as a small smile played on his lips. “You’re glowing,” he said, his deep voice pulling her from her trance.Startled, Olivia turned, her cheeks flushed at the way he looked at her. “I didn’t hear you come in.”Victor stepped closer, his eyes seeing her paint-splattered apron. “I didn’t want to interrupt. You look... happy.”“I am,” she admitted, setting down her brush. “The gallery has been so supportive. They’re even hosting an exhibit for me next month.”Victor’s pride was
The early morning sunlight streamed through the bedroom curtains, casting soft patterns on the bed where Victor and Olivia lay. Olivia woke first, her eyes fluttering open. Her gaze landed on the invitation sitting on the nightstand…. an invitation that had sparked tension the moment Victor laid eyes on it.Victor was already awake, propped up against the headboard with Ava on his lap. He was reading her a story; his deep voice was soft but commanding. Olivia couldn’t help but smile at the sight of her husband, so gentle and fatherly, despite the storm she knew was rising beneath the surface.“Morning,” she said softly, sitting up and stretching.Victor glanced over, his sharp eyes immediately softening when they meet hers. “Good morning, love.”But the calm was short-lived. His eyes drifted to the invitation once again, and Olivia knew they had to address it.“Victor,” she started cautiously, &ldquo
The soft sound of the jet engine filled the air as Victor and Olivia sat side by side, route to Paris. Victor’s hand rested possessively on Olivia’s thigh, his thumb slowly tracing circles against the fabric of her dress. Ava slept soundly in the bassinet nearby, oblivious to the silent tension between her parents.Olivia couldn’t shake the voice on the phone. Who had called her? And why? She glanced at Victor; his sharp jawline set with focus as he flipped through a report. Could she truly share the strange warning she had received? Or would it unravel the delicate balance they had fought so hard to restore?“Are you all right?” Victor’s voice pulled her from her thoughts. His intense gaze pinned her in place, as though he could read her mind.“Yes,” she lied, managing a small smile. “Just a little nervous about the exhibition.”Victor leaned closer, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered, &l
The gallery was buzzing with excitement as the grand opening neared. Olivia stood near one of her featured pieces, a glass of champagne shaking slightly in her hand. The tension that had been building since the previous day was almost unbearable. She watched as guests milled about, admiring the art, oblivious to the storm rising inside her.Victor was across the room, effortlessly commanding attention as he greeted influential people. Dressed in a sharp black suit, he looked every bit the powerful businessman he was, but Olivia couldn’t shake the memory of Adrian’s suspicious interaction earlier.Her eyes went towards Adrian, who was busy directing staff. He acted as though nothing was amiss, but Olivia’s instincts screamed otherwise. She wants to know what was in that envelope.As the evening progressed, Adrian approached her with a warm smile. “Mrs. Victor, your pieces are stealing the show. The response has been amazing.”
Olivia’s heart stopped as she stared at the text on her phone. Her hands shaking, and an icy chill crept through her body. She glanced over at Victor, who was peacefully asleep beside her. Should she wake him? Should she tell him immediately?Her instincts screamed yes, but a part of her hesitated. The picture of Ava was taken in broad daylight at the gallery…. surrounded by people, security, and her own watchful eyes. How had someone gotten that close without being noticed?The next morning, Olivia could barely sit still as Victor prepared for a day of meetings. He noticed her unease and touch her face gently, his eyes searching hers.“You’ve been quiet since last night. Is something bothering you?” he asked softly.Olivia bit her lip, debating whether to tell him. The memory of the message replays in her mind. She couldn’t keep it from him.“There’s something you need to see,” she said finall
Inside Victor’s penthouse, bathed in the soft golden glow of city lights, Olivia lay beneath him, her body tangled with his. The weight of the past few months… the fights, the betrayals, the near-death experiences had faded into the background as they focused only on each other.Victor traced his fingers down her bare spine, his touch featherlight, sending a shiver through her. “You’re mine,” he whispered, his voice husky.Olivia arched into him, her lips curving into a soft smile. “And you’re mine.”It wasn’t just a claim, it was a promise.Victor didn’t waste another second. He captured her lips in a deep and consuming kiss, his tongue tangling with hers, drawing out a soft moan from her. His hands roamed her body with a respect that made her heart ache. He had always been possessive, but tonight, there was something different… something softer, more tender.His mouth got down her jaw, pressing hot, open-mouthed kisses down her neck, lingering at the sensitive spot where her pulse r
The weight of the past no longer felt as suffocating as it once did. Olivia was sitting on the edge of Victor’s massive bed, her fingers tracing the edge of the silk sheets. The events of the past weeks had been overwhelming…. betrayal, danger, and the lingering ghosts of her father’s mistakes.But now, for the first time, she felt free.Victor stood across the room, watching her. His shirt was unbuttoned, revealing the toned muscles beneath, his dark eyes were filled with something. He knew what tonight meant. Not just for him, but for her.She turned to look at him, her lips parting slightly as she whispered, “I’m ready to move on.”Victor took slow and measured steps towards her, his presence consuming her senses. When he reached her, he cupped her face in his hands, his fingers brushing against her jawline with a gentleness that sent shivers within her.“You’re sure?” His voice was husky, deep with desire but laced with restraint.Olivia nodded, her hands finding their way to his
The tension in the room was suffocating. Olivia sat across from Victor in his private study, their hands intertwined on the polished wooden desk between them. Neither of them spoke for a long time, the weight of what lay ahead pressing down on them.Russo was more than just another threat…. he was a ghost from Victor’s past, someone who had been waiting for the perfect moment to strike. And now, he had made his move.“I don’t want you involved in this,” Victor finally said, his voice low but firm.Olivia tightened her grip on his hand. “You don’t get to make that choice for me.”Victor’s eyes darken. “This isn’t like before, Olivia. Russo isn’t just another rival looking to take my empire, he wants blood. My blood.” His jaw clenched. “And if he knows how much you mean to me, he’ll come after you, too.”Olivia’s heart pounded. “Then let’s stop him before he gets the chance.”Victor exhaled sharply. “You don’t…..”“I understand perfectly,” she interrupted. “You’ve spent your entire life
The morning light filters through the window, casting a warm glow over the safehouse. Olivia sat at the kitchen table, absentmindedly tracing patterns on the wooden surface. She felt the quiet peace of the moment, but the weight of the past weeks lingered in the back of her mind… a constant reminder of the danger they had barely escaped.Victor was uncharacteristically silent as he moved around the kitchen, his movements purposeful. The tension in his shoulders was less pronounced, but his eyes remained guarded. Olivia could sense he was lost in his thoughts, and she wondered if he was considering the same thing she was: their future.“What’s on your mind?” she finally asked, breaking the silence.Victor paused, setting a mug of coffee in front of her.“Everything,” he replied, his voice low. He leaned against the counter, arms crossed over his chest as he regarded her. “Our lives. What comes next.”Olivia met his gaze steadily, her fingers tightening around the warm mug. “We’ve talke
The air smelled of smoke and blood. The echoes of gunfire had finally faded, leaving only a suffocating silence in their wake.Olivia stood beside Victor, her hands trembling slightly as she gripped the gun still warm from the final shot she had fired. Around them, the bodies of their enemies lay motionless, the last remnants of a threat that had haunted them for too long.It was over.Or at least, it should have been.Victor exhaled, running a hand through his bloodied hair. His dark eyes scanned the scene, ensuring there were no survivors. His entire body was tense, shoulders tensed, fists clenched. He wasn’t celebrating. He never did.“This was their last move,” he muttered. “They had no backup plan. No one else is coming.”Olivia swallows hard. “Then why don’t you look relieved?”Victor’s eyes flickered to her. “Because peace never lasts in this world.”She knew he was right. Even as they stood victorious, Olivia could feel the weight of everything they had lost, of everything the
The air inside Victor’s office was unspeakable. A large map of the city was spread across the table, red markings and hastily scribbled notes covering its surface. His men stood around, speaking in low, urgent voices, but Olivia’s focus was only on Victor.He looked more dangerous than she had ever seen him. His suit jacket was draped over the chair, sleeves rolled up to reveal his powerful forearms. His jaw was clenched, his dark eyes scanning the map with deadly eyes.“This isn’t just another power move,” Victor finally said. “They’re coming for everything. My business. My territory. And you.”A chill ran down, but she forced herself to stand firm. She wasn’t the same woman who had fought to escape him.Now, she was fighting to survive with him.“So what’s the plan?” she asked.Victor’s gaze flickered to her, studying her reaction. “You want to fight? You’ll fight.”Olivia barely had time to react before Victor turned to his men. “Get her a gun. And prepare the car.”Her heart pound
The ride back to Victor’s estate was silent.Olivia was sitting in the passenger seat of his black SUV, staring out at the passing city lights. Her body ached from the fight, her wrists sore from where Marco had grabbed her, but none of that compared to the storm inside her.Victor’s fingers drummed against the steering wheel; his knuckles still bruised from the fight. He hadn’t said a word since they left the warehouse. His jaw was locked tight.But she knew him well enough by now.He was furious.Not just at Marco. Not just at his enemies.At her.She exhaled sharply and turned to face him. “Say something.”Victor didn’t respond.“Victor.”His grip tightened on the wheel. “You could have died.”Olivia bit her lip. “So could you.”He let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. “That’s different.”“No, it’s not.” She clenched her fists. “You act like you’re the only one allowed to make sacrifices. But I chose to do that. Just like you always do.”Victor suddenly pulled the car over, the
The tension in the room was suffocating. Olivia sat across from Marco Ricci, one of Victor’s most dangerous enemies, trying to steady her breathing as she made her proposal.“I’m not here as Victor’s pawn,” she said, keeping her voice firm. “I came on my own. To negotiate.”Marco leaned back in his chair, a cruel smirk curling on his lips. His dark eyes studied her, filled with amusement and something dangerous.“You must think highly of yourself,” he murmured. “Walking into a lion’s den without your master’s leash.”Olivia clenched her fists under the table. “Victor doesn’t own me.”Marco chuckled, swirling the glass of alcohol in his hand. “No? Then why does he tear the world apart for you?”She had no answer for that.Marco leaned forward. “So, tell me, sweetheart. What do you think you can offer me that would make me reconsider my war with Victor?”Olivia swallowed. This was the moment that could change everything.“A deal,” she said. “A ceasefire. I know you want Victor’s world,
The silence between them was suffocating.Victor was standing in front of Olivia; his piercing eyes were locked onto hers.Her body still ached from the suffering of being kidnapped, her mind still reeling from the fear of almost losing herself again. And yet, here she was, face to face with the man who had burned himself into her heart, despite all the things he had done.She swallowed hard before speaking, her voice barely above a whisper but carrying the weight of everything she felt.“If I asked you to let me go… would you?”Victor’s entire body tensed.He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he took a slow step toward her, his movements deliberate, controlled. But Olivia didn’t back away this time.His jaw clenched. “Why are you asking me this?”Her fingers curled into fists at her sides. “Because I need to know.”Victor exhaled sharply, his hand running through his dark hair in frustration. “Olivia, after everything… after what they did to you… you’re asking me if I would let you