It was busy and crowded as a young lady in pointed white high heels made her way out of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Her red luggage which she held in her hand rolled behind her as she pulled it along with her.
Her red dress danced at each step she made, her lips painted with red lipstick as a smile spread through them, and she inhaled the fresh breeze that ran through her face.
Not only that, but her eyes were covered with black sunglasses and her long brown hair bounced at the step she made.
She stopped, halting the luggage along with her, she glanced around the airport and drew a sharp breath.
“It changed.” She softly said and adjusted her sunglasses. “I wonder if coming back here is worth it.” She said to herself.
“Olivia!” She heard someone scream her name and she turned around in that direction and there she was, in a yellow top and blue Jean trousers, her friend Chloe Jade.
“Chloe!” Olivia screamed out in excitement as she took off her glasses as she abandoned her luggage and ran toward Chloe who ran towards her and they both embraced themselves and began to spin around with joy.
“Oh, Olivia, it's so good to see you after three long years!” Chloe said as she pulled her into a tight embrace again.
“I missed you so much, Chloe!” Olivia broke down in tears. “I thought I was going to die while missing you.” She sobbed.
“Me too, it felt like I was missing a rib.” Chloe began to sob too.
“You both never cease to amaze me, you still act like this.” A deep voice said behind Chloe, recognizing the voice, Olivia quickly raised her head and her eyes dilated as she pulled out of the embrace.
“Lawrence?” Olivia mouthed as her face turned pink to the young, handsome man who was standing right next to them.
'He has not changed a bit' Olivia thought in her head as she stared at Lawrence.
Yes, he became more handsome, but he was still the same, the same as she had seen him the first time she laid eyes on him.
His looks had been one of the reasons she fell in love with him, his smiles had added to the second reason, and his smart brain, who wouldn't fall in love with him?
“Hey Ollie,” He called her by the pet name he only calls her. “Welcome back to Seattle.” He said in his intoxicating voice, and Olivia's lips parted.
'His voice is still as charming as ever.' She thought in her head as she stared at him.
“Thank you, Lawrence.” Her lips parted in a smile, he was her best friend, and she had a crush on him.
Chloe turned to Lawrence. “I thought you were going to wait behind and show up like a surprise to her as we planned.” She said, since they had planned to surprise Olivia.
She had not notified Olivia that Lawrence would be coming along with her to welcome her.
“I couldn't stay back, more especially after I remembered how you both usually cry and act stupid whenever you meet,” He glanced at Olivia. “And I was right to show up, you were both crying and causing a scene.” He pointed from Chloe to Olivia, who was still standing there and blankly staring at Lawrence.
“What do you expect, when it's been three years since I set my eyes on her.” Chloe jutted her chin and then turned to Olivia, but she paused her lips when she saw Olivia ogling at him.
She smiled, since she knew Olivia had had a crush on Lawrence since high school.
“Olivia,” Lawrence called out, pulling her out of her thoughts as he looked at her. “You are all dolled up,” He pointed at her outfit.
Olivia quickly tucked her hair behind her ear and adjusted her dress. “Isn't it pretty?” She asked, raising her brows curiously as she waited for his remark, glad that she had dolled up like this, who knew Lawrence would show up here?
His forehead furrowed as he glanced at her dress that stopped right above her knees. “You shouldn't wear short dresses like this, you would only get yourself cold or attract guys who are lustful to yourself.” He told her.
Olivia closed her eyes momentarily. 'He is still the same as I knew him.' She thought to herself.
“Come on Lawrence, this dress is beautiful, and it suits her perfectly, you look so lovely, Olivia.” Chloe flashed her a smile.
“Thanks for the compliments, Chloe.” Olivia smiled back.
Lawrence scoffed. “You even paint your lips now.” Lawrence raised the corner of his lips as he gazed at Olivia's lips.
“I think I am the right age to dress up the way I like and paint my lips as I wish!” Olivia was infuriated now as she raised her voice and Lawrence was taken aback and so was Chloe.
Chloe blinked, and then she smiled as she glanced at Lawrence. “See, Olivia isn't that girl you once knew and scolded.” She said with a chuckle.
Lawrence exhaled sharply as he shook his head. “What can I say? She became more stupid and stubborn.” He brushed past her and walked over to her luggage, and he grabbed it.
“Oh, come on, Lawrence, that's not a way to welcome her, you are being so harsh again!” Chloe gritted her teeth as she frowned.
“Let's go, rather than talk about how dolled up and stupid you have become, your parents are waiting,” Lawrence said and walked ahead of them as Olivia watched his back with a shattered heart.
“Aish! What is wrong with him all of a sudden?" Chloe said as she gazed at Lawrence with a frown.
She turned to Olivia. “Don't pay much attention to him, he acts up sometimes, let's go,” Chloe said and linked arms with Olivia.
“You have to tell me all about your stay in Hawaii and the men there,” Chloe told her with a smile and thrills.
“Sure, I will fill you in, and you have to fill me in on everything that has happened here too,” Olivia told her as they walked behind Lawrence.
“Leave that to me, I downloaded them all into my memories and would share them all.” They both chuckled as they headed out of the airport and towards the car Lawrence had brought.
Lawrence pulled over at Olivia's family apartment parking lot, and he turned to the two girls who had been talking nonstop in the back seat.“We are here.” He announced to them and stepped out of the car, they both got down and Olivia glanced at her family house.She had grown up in this building since she opened her eyes as a baby, they had not moved, and it had been a happy place for her and her family.Not until she went to further her education in Hawaii, but something about the place changed.Lawrence took out her luggage from the boot and walked over to her. “Would you stare at it all day like you haven't lived here for many years?” He questioned her when he saw her staring.Olivia turned to him and exhaled softly. “Perhaps it's because it's been three years since I saw the building.” She softly said.“What are you talking about?” Lawrence shook his head at her like she was stupid and walked ahead of her, heading inside the building.“Come on, Olivia,” Chloe told her and linked
She left his arms quickly. “No.” She quickly said and covered her chest with her arms.Lawrence didn’t sound like the person she knew three years ago, he was suddenly open-minded and straightforward.She lowered her gaze, and Lawrence glanced down at her and exhaled sharply.“Then what?” He questioned and Olivia lifted her eyes.She was silent for a while, trying to pull herself together, as his words from earlier had clouded her mind.“Why didn't you tell me you were back in Seattle?” She asked him, the last time she spoke with him, he had told her he was in Los Angeles.Lawrence touched the corner of his lips. “I didn't see the need to tell you that.” He said coldly.Olivia studied his expressionless face. “Aren't you being too harsh on me lately, Lawrence?” She questioned.She considered him her best friend, but most times he treats her like she was unimportant.“You didn't tell me you were leaving Seattle three years ago.” He clenched his jaw.“I had to leave in a hurry,” Olivia s
Standing next to the French window of a spacious office, a man in a well-tailored suit stood with his cell phone in his left ear.His right hand was in his pocket as he listened and waited for the person on the other side of the line to pick it up.It rang twice, but there was no answer as he was redirected to voicemail.He put down his cell phone and drew a sharp breath, his eyes darkened, he rubbed his forehead with his hand and glanced at the image of the lady he used as his cellphone wallpaper.He ran his hand through his hair and made his way back to his desk.Furthermore, he placed his cell phone on the glass-top desk, which fits perfectly with the modern hi-tech interior.Likewise, he pulled his chair back and sat down on it as he pressed the intercom. “Roy, to my office now.” He ordered and soon the automated door of his office was opened and Roy, a young man in his late twenties, stepped into the office.“Mr. Asher, you sent for me.” Roy quickly said as he approached his desk
Olivia and Chloe left Chloe's family home after spending some time with Chloe's parents.It was late afternoon when they headed towards the bus station. “I didn't get to see your brother today?” Olivia asked Chloe.“Oh, him?” Chloe turned her attention to Olivia. “He went hiking,” Olivia said nonchalantly, like none of her brother's business was hers.“He still does that?” Olivia's eyes dilated, she could still remember that was one thing she admired about Chloe's brother, his hobby.“Yes, but he has become so annoying lately,” Chloe frowned. “He does things in excess, most times he leaves for one of his travels without informing anyone, he causes numerous headaches for my parents, they worry about him when he is old enough, and it pisses me off most times since he doesn't even care for our parents.” Chloe was vexed as she said this.Olivia drew a sharp breath. “That is too bad of him.” She now wished she had not brought the topic up, seeing how paranoid Chloe had become.“If only he
Olivia and Chloe finished their sightseeing at the Waterfall Garden Park.It was late and there seemed to be a celebration around the corner, so they decided to stay and watch the fireworks.“I heard the fireworks would start by eight this evening,” Chloe told her, and Olivia's eyes dilated with excitement in them.“I would love to watch it, but right now, I feel so hungry.” Olivia rubbed her lower abdomen and Chloe glanced at her.“I thought you wouldn't say that, but since you mentioned it, I know a place where we can get meat close by,” Chloe told her.“Aren't we going to miss the fireworks if we leave now?” Olivia blinked, glancing in the direction of the event.“We still have an hour before the fireworks, and the place is close by,” Chloe said, pulling Olivia by the hand. “We better hurry and get back if we want to see the fireworks.”“Okay, let's go.” Olivia agreed and they both made their way with Chloe leading her.All these while she had recognized some places, but other part
Chloe halted and was in shock when she saw Olivia bump into him and was caught by him, she blinked when he saw how he had gripped her arm and how her friend was struggling to free herself.“Hey, let go of her!” Chloe shouted as she rushed over and Asher glanced at Chloe but didn't pay much attention to her, he turned his gaze back at Olivia.“Answer the damn question!” He said again, this time, his forehead creased, and it terrified Olivia, Chloe stiffened, she was easily afraid, and she had no strength of her own to fight him.Roy had watched Asher all these while and could see what was going on, and he understood how Asher can be when he is angry.So he rushed over to stop him after remembering what Asher had said about making the first lady he sees his wife.“Mr. Asher,” Roy called out and quickly stood between him and Olivia as they turned their attention to him, this giving Olivia the perfect chance to free herself.“We have to go, Mr. Asher, I'm so sorry.” Roy apologized in Ashe
Asher returned home and placed down his coat on the chair and sank into the sofa.He shut his eyes as he recalled the video he had seen of Jane kissing Gray, but what annoyed him more was hearing that they had been meeting for two years, and he had no idea all this while.“Shit!” He groaned and curled his hand into a fist, opening his eyes.He picked up his cell phone and glanced at it, there was still no call or message from Jane, he angrily tossed the phone on the chair and got to his feet.Taking off his shirt, he walked into his room, took off his trousers, and walked into the bathroom to take his bath.He stared at the mirror in the bathroom, his eyebrows furrowed, and his eyes were red even though he hadn't cried, but deep in his heart was bleeding.This was a betrayal he never foresaw, he wanted to have her as his wife, and he loved her so much.He was ready to give up everything just for her, but what did he get, her betrayal, she was in love with another, she cheated on him a
She got dressed in her pajamas and was about to climb on her bed when she recalled the noise she had heard from her parent's room.No one had called her for dinner, and although she was filled with eating dinner with Chloe, still she was disturbed by the feelings she had been getting ever since she got back.Olivia decided to head out of her room to check on her parents, if Lawrence hadn't called her, she would have heard what they were saying.She pushed her door open and walked out of her room, making her way to her parent's room. She knocked on the door and didn't hear a response, so she let herself in.Once she peered in, she saw her mother sitting on the bed sobbing and her father wasn't there.Olivia was shocked, as this was the first time she had ever seen her mother cry.She rushed over to her side. “Mom, what is wrong?” She quickly asked, a worried line appearing between her brows.Juliet glanced up, she hadn't expected Olivia to see her in this state, she quickly wiped off h
Olivia’s eyes fluttered open, she glanced at the white ceiling, and slowly turned her gaze to the beeping monitor, then the iv drip that was connected to her hand, she groaned slowly realizing she was back to the hospital, she wanted to get up but then felt someone by her side.She glanced to her left and there he was, sitting next to her bed, his head rested on her bed next to her hand and his eyes shut.She exhaled sharply when she recalled how she had called him and how he had carried her in his arms to the car, he must have take her to the hospital and didn’t leave.She glanced at his wristwatch and noticed it was past eight in the morning, she then turned her gaze back to his face, she trace his long lashes with her gaze down to his sharp pointed nose and then his lips.There was no doubt, Asher was handsome, but his arrogance, his lies, they all made her despise him, she liked him when she didn’t know he would be the one getting married to her, when he was helping her escape the
Olivia sat down on the table Asher has reserved for them, the waitress had also taken their orders and a huge three course meal was served on the table, it felt like a feast, Olivia glanced up at Asher who was busy eating.“I thought you are meeting someone here? Why aren’t you leaving?” Her jaw was clenched, if she can give anything, then she wouldn’t be sitting here with him, staring at his face, she wouldn’t want to see him either.Asher sipped some water from his glass before looking at her. “Olivia, what exactly do you want?” He leaned close to the table. “You want me gone, but you get sick if I am not around.” He held her gaze, his bright eyes boring into hers.“I told you before, me being in the hospital isn’t because I miss you, it’s because I want to go back to Seattle.” She reminded him again and he groaned, leaning back, he resumed eating without responding to her.“Just tell me when we would go back!” She furrowed her brows and he smirked.“We can’t go back unless you prov
Olivia stirred awake, her eyelashes fluttered, she slowly touched her head as she glanced around the room and sighed when she discovered it was all a dream when she was having fun with Lawrence and Chloe.“You look happy in your sleep, why frown now?” She heard Asher’s voice and glanced to her side to see him sitting on the sofa and facing her directly.She rolled her eyes at him and sat up on the bed. “I never thought I would see your face.”Asher scoffed at her words, then he put down the papers he held. “You want to see my face, isn’t that the reason you got ill and refused to eat?” He teased her, but Olivia glared at him while adjusting her hair.She looked left towards the window to discover it was already dark, she quickly glanced at the clock on the bedside and her eyes dilated.“Yes, you slept for hours, one who sees you would think I have deprived you of sleep since we are on our honeymoon.” Asher’s voice made her look at him again, she understood what he meant by those words
Asher walked out of the room to the living room and he stared at Olivia who sat on the chair facing the large window in the living room, a blanket over her shoulder.After her discharge, Asher has made the maid make sure she ate something, he threw a large feast, although he didn’t eat with her since he wasn’t craving anything due to the sight of Jane happily having fun with Gray.He exhaled sharply and walked over to Olivia, then he slowly sat on the chair beside her and turned his gaze to her. “Rather than staring out of the window, we can go out.” He spoke softly and Olivia didn’t spare him a glance.“I just want to be alone, can you let me be?” Her voice were weak.Asher rubbed the space between his forehead. “What exactly do ladies what?” He muttered with a frown forming on his brows.Olivia grounded her teeth and turned to him. “If you can’t handle me, then set me loose.”Asher leaned back on the chair. “I can’t, can you not endure for five years, it is not so much to ask---““I
Roy walked into the Lincoln mansion after getting the order sent by Lincoln, he walked to the study room after being acknowledged by the guards in the mansion, he knocked on the study room door.“Come in!” He heard from the inside and drew a sharp breath before pushing the door open.Roy lowered his gaze when he was greeted by the cold expression from Lincoln, he knew this wasn’t an ordinary call, Asher was afraid of his father and he has every right to be, since Lincoln was a man who held no smile on his face.“Mr. Lincoln, you asked for me.” Roy walked close to the desk, his eyes still lowered, scared to meet the gaze of Lincoln, one thing was looking Asher in the eye, but it was different from when he looked at Lincoln.Lincoln scoffed when he noticed Roy wasn’t looking at him, he knew the effect his cold domineer has on people, and he was unbothered.“I will only ask this ones, Roy,” Lincoln walked closer, his two hands tucked in his trouser pocket. “Is Asher in love with Olivia?!
Asher arrived at the hospital address Roy forwarded to him after flying into the country, he was first approached by the maid who had been with Olivia.“Mr. Asher…” The maid quickly lowered her gaze at the sight of him.“How did this happen?” Asher’s brows furrowed.“She refused eating for days, and she locked herself in the room, she wouldn’t let us come in, we only broke into the room since we were concerned about her after three days to find her collapsed on the floor…”“You waited three days before breaking in?!” He said coldly and the maid fell to her knees.“I am sorry Mr. Asher, we won’t make that mist----“ The maid was still apologizing with streaming down her eyes but Asher walked past her and walked into the room where Olivia lay.He scoffed when he saw her laying there with her eyes closed, he curled his hand into fist. “I never knew marriage would be this difficult…” He groaned and the sound of his muttering made Olivia flicker her eyes open.Her vision was blurry when she
Asher sat down next to the window of a classy restaurant with a cup of coffee in his hand as he sipped on it, he was dressed in a black suit, his long legs were covered in black trouser and his eyes held no expression as he stared out of the window towards the two couples by the beach.He curled his other hand into fist and his jaw were clenched, his brows furrowed when the lady leaned over to the man, linking arms with him and kissing him.It was Jane, his ex-girlfriend and Gray, after Olivia shattered his phone, he had left the house, informing the maid to tell her that he was going on a business trip, but he had come to find Jane.He lost her contact when Olivia tossed his phone down, unlike Olivia, he didn’t have her number on her mind, he couldn’t call Jane anymore, so he wanted to see for himself, and looking at Jane and Gray together, his blood boiled in his vein.He has been watching for three days now, he had seen Jane and Gray act like a lovey-dovey couple wherever they go,
Olivia woke up the next morning and glanced at the bed where she lay only to discover it was empty, she looked around the room but it was also empty, she sat up from the bed and glanced towards the door.After Asher ran out from the room at noon, she was expecting him to return, but he didn’t show up, she had dinner brought to her room since she didn’t eat lunch, but due to her anger at Asher, she refused to ask the maid about Asher and she ate because she was hungry.She expected Asher to come back to the room because this was a single room in the hotel, but he didn’t show up, she got to her feet and walked over to the balcony, she glanced down to where she had tossed his phone.A sign escaped her lips when she saw some cleaners cleaning it up, she shook her head to push the guilt she felt aside. “He caused it, it’s all his fault.”She turned around to head back to the room but stopped when her eyes flickered to the place she had curled up at after Asher released her, a cold run down
Asher stepped out of the bathroom dressed in a comfortable pajamas, he glanced around he room but couldn’t find Olivia in the room, her bag was still on the table, but she was gone, he ran his hand through his hair and sigh.Putting away the towel he was holding, he walked over the large window and looked out just to see Olivia sitting on one of the chairs at the balcony. What is she doing now?He clenched his jaw, he turned to leave the room, deciding to ignore her, but then he stopped and walked to the balcony. “Don’t act so pitiful, Olivia.” He told her as he sat on the chair next to hers.“Marrying me isn’t so bad, you are free to do whatever you wish to do---““If this is freedom, then why was my phone confiscated?” She balled her hand into fist, and glared at him.Asher shut his eyes momentarily. “About that---“ He scratched the corner of his brows. “I didn’t want anything getting in the way of marrying you, who knew who would call you or who you would call that will aid your es