unexpected visitor.Olivia's POVThe ballroom was big, bright, and loud. People moved around in expensive clothes, laughing and chatting like they didn't have a care in the world. I tried to keep up with Leonardo's pace as he guided me through the crowd. His hand was on my lower back, a steadying presence I wasn't sure I wanted or needed."Relax," he said softly, leaning close.I didn't respond. My black dress felt too tight, and the heels were killing me. This wasn't my world. I wasn't used to being surrounded by so much wealth and power.Leonardo stopped to greet someone, introducing me as his assistant. I nodded politely, barely listening to the conversation. My mind was elsewhere, thinking about how Alicia's glare had burned into me the moment we walked in.Alicia was across the room, standing near a fountain of champagne. She looked perfect in her sparkling silver gown, her smile sharp and fake. Her eyes didn't leave me, and I knew she was waiting for the right moment to s
Chapter 20: My Dear sister Olivia's POVThe following morning felt colder than usual, though the sun hung high in the sky. I couldn't shake the memory of Derek from the gala last night. His smirk, his voice, his presence-it all lingered like a dark cloud over me.Leonardo had dropped me off at my apartment after the gala, his mood tense but quiet. He didn't ask too many questions, only reminding me to call him if I needed anything. I was grateful for the space, but being alone didn't help. It gave my mind too much room to wander.Now, I sat at my tiny kitchen table, staring blankly at a cup of tea I hadn't touched. My phone buzzed on the counter, jolting me out of my thoughts. I reached for it, expecting a text from Leonardo or maybe Prisca from work.Unknown Number.I hesitated, my fingers hovering over the screen. Something in my gut told me not to answer, but curiosity got the better of me."Hello?""Morning, sis," Derek's voice came through the line, smooth and taunting.My
Chapter 21 The threats Olivia's POVLeonardo arrived faster than I expected. His sleek black car pulled up to the curb, and he stepped out, his expression sharp and concerned. He scanned the street until his eyes landed on me.I was sitting on a bench near the diner, my hands trembling in my lap. The moment I saw him, something in me broke."Olivia," he said, striding toward me. "What happened?"I shook my head, unable to find the words. My chest felt tight, and my throat burned as I fought back tears.He crouched in front of me, his hands gently gripping mine. "Talk to me. Did someone hurt you?"I hesitated before nodding. "It was my stepbrother," I whispered.Leonardo's jaw clenched, his grip tightening slightly. "Derek? What did he do?""He...he's back," I said, my voice shaking. "He called me this morning and made me meet him. He's threatening me, Leonardo. He knows everything about my past, and he's not going to leave me alone."Leonardo's eyes darkened, and a muscle in his jaw
Olivia’s POV I was halfway through pouring myself a glass of water when the sharp sound of shattering glass echoed through the house. The glass slipped from my hands, shattering on the floor as dread clawed at my chest. For a moment, I stood frozen, hoping I had imagined it. Then I heard the voices. “No one’s here!” Leonardo’s firm voice cut through the silence, sharp and commanding. “Don’t lie to me!” another voice shouted. My stomach churned. Derek. My heart thundered in my chest as I crept toward the stairs. The heated argument in the living room grew louder with every step. “Where’s Olivia?” Derek barked. “Don’t play games with me, rich boy. I know she’s here.” “You’re trespassing,” Leonardo shot back, his tone icy. “Get out before I call the cops.” I peeked around the corner, my breath catching. Derek stood in the middle of the living room, his fists clenched and his stance aggressive. Leonardo stood a few feet away, calm and composed, but the tension radiating from him
Leonardo’s POV The rhythmic ticking of the clock on my desk filled the silence in my office. I leaned back in my chair, phone in hand, staring at the call icon on the screen. Calling my father always felt like preparing for battle. This time was no different. The situation with Olivia was spiraling into something I hadn’t planned for—but something I refused to ignore. My engagement to Alicia was a sham, a tangled web of business alliances and power plays that I’d tolerated for far too long. But now? After last night, watching Olivia stand up to her past with so much strength? It had shifted something in me. I exhaled and hit the call button. It didn’t even ring twice before my father’s deep, authoritative voice came through. “Leonardo. It’s early for you to call. What’s this about?” No small talk. No warmth. Just business as usual. “I need to talk to you about Alicia,” I said, keeping my tone steady. There was a pause on the other end, long enough to make my stomach tight
Chapter 24( Proof) Olivia's Pov. I was back at my apartment, though Derek's threat still made me afraid but I couldn't continue staying at Leonardo's penthouse not after he made that confession that he wanted me. I inhaled and exhaled, maybe I should call the police and get a restraining order on Derek. But that will be worse. And he will surely retaliate. My phone rang and snapped me out of my thoughts, Leonardo’s name appeared on the screen. After a few seconds of deciding if I should not answer, I found myself answering it. "Hello?" My voice was soft, almost hesitant. "Where are you?" he demanded, his tone clipped. "I'm... home." I answered him. "Home?" He frowned, I could hear him pacing the room. "You mean your home?" "Yes, Leonardo," I replied to him, my voice steadier now. "I moved back." "Stay there. I’m coming over." His voice was so cold and filled with what I hinted to be anger. What was he angry about? Before I could protest, the line went dead. It didn't
Chapter 25 Alicia's Pov ( his regret) I tapped my fingers impatiently against the edge of the café table, my perfectly manicured nails clicking in a steady rhythm. Derek was late, as usual. I glanced at the clock on my phone, my irritation mounting. I only put out with him because we both had something in common, which was hating olivia. I don't know the reason he hates her and frankly I didn't care, but I? I hate everything about her, I hate her appearing in Leonardo's life and taking away his love for me, a mere secretary! I hated her guts, I hated that she was prettier than me as much as I hated to admit it, and now Derek. Surprisingly, he had become my ally and was my key to destroying Olivia for good, but his tardiness drove me mad. If he didn’t arrive soon, I would— “There she is,” Derek’s voice drawled, interrupting my thoughts. I looked up to see him sauntering toward me, his smirk as infuriating as ever. He slid into the seat across from me without apology, acting
Leonardo's POV. ( Office affair)The next morning, I stepped into the office, my usual commanding stride carrying me through the bustling halls. Heads turned, as they always did, but I paid them no mind. I had bigger things on my plate today-namely, Olivia.As I passed her desk, I slowed my pace, letting my gaze linger just a fraction longer than necessary. She looked up from her work, her emerald eyes meeting mine for a fleeting moment before she quickly looked away. A faint blush crept up her cheeks, and I smirked to myself."Good morning, Mr. Leonardo," she said, her voice professional but softer than usual."Morning, Olivia," I replied, my tone laced with an undercurrent of warmth that only she would recognize.I placed a hand on the edge of her desk, leaning just enough to catch her attention without drawing it from the others. "Did you finish those reports I asked for yesterday?""Yes, sir. They're on your desk," she replied, keeping her tone neutral, though I didn't miss the
Chapter 159: Growing TogetherOlivia's POV"Mommy! Can I go play outside?" Lily's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.I turned to find her standing by the back door, already in her sneakers, her backpack slung over her shoulder as though she was ready for an adventure."Did you finish your chores first?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.Lily made a face but nodded. "Yes, Mommy. I made my bed, and I put away my books."I smiled. "Alright, go ahead. But make sure to stay close, okay?"She grinned and ran outside, her blonde hair streaming behind her. Ethan, who had been playing with his toy cars on the floor, looked up at me."Mommy, can I go outside too?"I knelt down to his level, brushing a stray curl from his face. "After breakfast, sweetie."He pouted but nodded, his little lips pulling into a tight line as he held up his toy truck.I went back to the kitchen, turning off the stove and preparing to set the table. Just as I placed the last plate down, I felt a pair of strong arms wrap
Chapter 158: A Life of LoveOlivia’s POVThe afternoon sun filtered through the trees, casting soft golden hues over the yard. I stood by the kitchen sink, watching through the window as Leonardo played outside with our daughter. Their laughter echoed in the crisp air, blending with the rustling of leaves.She sat perched on his shoulders, her tiny hands gripping his hair as he ran in circles, pretending to be a horse.“Faster, Daddy!” she squealed.Leonardo groaned dramatically. “Princess, Daddy is getting old.”She giggled, tapping his head. “No, you’re not! You’re strong like a superhero!”I smiled, my heart swelling.This was our life now. Simple, filled with love.No more running. No more looking over our shoulders. Just us.I wiped my hands on a towel and made my way outside. The air was crisp, the scent of pine and fresh grass wrapping around me.Leonardo spotted me first. A slow grin spread across his lips. “Look who finally decided to join us.”Our daughter gasped. “Mommy,
Chapter 157: A Love That LastsOlivia’s POVThe sound of soft laughter echoed through the cabin as I stepped into the kitchen, rubbing sleep from my eyes. The morning sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a golden glow over the wooden floors. The air smelled of fresh coffee and something sweet—pancakes, maybe.I followed the scent, my heart warming at the sight before me.Leonardo stood at the stove, shirtless, wearing only loose pajama pants. His dark hair was still tousled from sleep, and the muscles in his back flexed as he flipped a pancake with effortless ease. But what made me smile the most was the little girl sitting on the counter beside him, her tiny hands clapping together as she watched her father cook."Again, Daddy!" she giggled.Leonardo grinned and spun the spatula between his fingers before tossing the pancake into the air. It flipped twice before landing perfectly back in the pan."Like that, princess?" he asked.She nodded enthusiastically, her brown cur
Chapter 156: EpilogueOlivia’s POVThe mountain air was crisp as I stood on the wooden balcony, gazing at the endless stretch of pine trees below. The sun had just dipped behind the peaks, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. The wind whispered through the branches, carrying with it the clean scent of rain and earth.It was quiet here. Peaceful.Safe.For the first time in months, I could breathe without fear coiling around my throat. The Russo family was gone. Matteo Russo was dead. The house, the network, the legacy—destroyed. Harris had confirmed it with photos and reports. There was no one left to hunt us. No shadows lurking behind cameras. No footsteps echoing in the night.Leonardo stepped onto the balcony beside me, two mugs of coffee in hand. He handed me one, then wrapped his free arm around my waist, pulling me into his warmth."Thinking again?" he asked softly.I leaned against him, feeling his steady heartbeat through his sweater. "Always."He kissed the top
Final Chapter(155)Leonardo’s POVThe sharp sound of footsteps echoed through the stairwell as Olivia and I sprinted toward the exit. Smoke burned my throat, and every muscle in my body screamed for rest, but we couldn’t stop. Not now. Not with Matteo Russo closing in.We reached the ground floor and burst through the emergency exit into the alley. The cold night air hit me like a slap. I scanned the shadows for movement, gun raised. Olivia stood beside me, her eyes wide and wild.The phone in my pocket buzzed again.Another message.“You can’t run forever.”I gritted my teeth and shoved the phone back into my jacket. "He’s playing with us," I muttered.Olivia’s voice shook. "He’s just a kid, Leonardo.""No," I said, scanning the rooftops. "He stopped being a kid the moment Victor put a gun in his hand."She hugged herself, shivering. I placed a hand on her arm, grounding her. "We end this tonight.""How?" she asked.I didn’t have an answer.The phone buzzed again.I hesitated, then
Chapter 154Olivia’s POVThe smell of smoke lingered in the air as I stood beside Leonardo, staring at the burning ruins of the Russo compound. The flames crackled, devouring the walls, the floors—everything Matteo Russo had built to continue his father’s legacy.But the weight in my chest wouldn’t lift. The fire might’ve destroyed the compound, but the memories remained. The sight of Matteo’s small body hitting the floor haunted me. His lifeless eyes. The blood spreading across his shirt.He’d been just a boy. A boy raised to hate, to kill, to continue the twisted family tradition. And Leonardo had been forced to pull the trigger."Olivia," Leonardo said softly, his voice pulling me from my thoughts.I blinked, realizing I’d been clutching my arms so tightly that my nails had dug into my skin. I loosened my grip. "Yeah?""We need to go. The police will be here soon."I gave a shaky nod.Leonardo took my hand, guiding me toward the car parked beyond the tree line. The headlights wer
Chapter 153:Leonardo’s POVThe photograph of the baby lay on the table, the words "Blood runs deep" scrawled across the back in thick red ink. Olivia sat beside me, her eyes locked on the image as though it might come to life. My own thoughts churned like a storm, each one darker than the last.Victor Russo had a son. An heir. A child born into a legacy of violence and manipulation."We didn’t know," Olivia whispered, voice trembling. "We thought we ended the family."I ran a hand down my face, exhaustion pressing against my skull. "Victor always had contingency plans. We underestimated him.""But how?" she asked. "We dug into every aspect of his life. There was nothing about a kid.""Because he wanted it that way." I stood and paced the length of the living room. "Victor was always obsessed with bloodlines. Family. Legacy. Of course, he’d hide a child until he was ready to use him."Olivia rubbed her arms. "He looked so...calm. That boy at the door. Like he wasn’t scared at all.""
Chapter 152: LEONARDO!Leonardo's pov.The timer stopped at 00:59.Olivia dropped the knife and collapsed against me, sobbing. I held her tightly.Harris groaned. "Did...we win?"I glanced at Victor’s body. His eyes stared blankly at the ceiling."Yeah," I said. "We won."Harris’s team arrived within minutes. They removed the bomb and secured the mansion. Harris, bruised but breathing, sat on the porch while medics checked his vitals.Olivia and I stood nearby, watching the sunrise paint the sky in soft oranges and pinks."It’s really over," she whispered.I wrapped my arm around her. "This time, it is."She leaned into me. "No more running?""No more running," I promised.The Russo family was gone.And we were finally free.Olivia’s POVThe morning sunlight crept across the horizon, casting a soft orange glow over the Gael estate. The warmth should have brought comfort, a sense of peace after the nightmare we’d survived. But as I stood on the porch beside Leonardo, the weight of what
Chapter 151:Leonardo’s POVThe headlights sliced through the dark as I sped away from the cemetery, my knuckles white against the steering wheel. Olivia sat beside me, silent, her body rigid with fear. The message on my phone echoed in my mind:“The devil doesn’t die.”Victor Russo was alive. Or someone who looked and sounded exactly like him.I didn’t believe in ghosts. But I knew the Russos were capable of almost anything. Victor had faked his death once already. Why not twice?"Leonardo," Olivia said softly.I glanced at her, her face pale in the dim light. "Yeah?""How...how is this possible?" Her voice cracked. "We saw his body. We saw the coroner’s report."I didn’t have an answer. I’d held Victor’s cold wrist to check for a pulse that day. I’d seen the bullet hole in his forehead. But tonight...I’d seen him standing beneath the trees, breathing, smiling."We’re missing something," I said finally. "Something big."She hugged herself. "What if it really was him?"I gritted my t