Unexpected visitor.

unexpected visitor.

Olivia's POV

The 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 strike.

"Olivia," Leonardo said, breaking my thoughts.

"Huh?" I looked up at him.

"I said you look like you're a million miles away. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," I lied.

His gaze lingered on me for a moment before he nodded and turned back to the conversation.

I let my eyes wander, trying to distract myself from the growing tension in my chest.

I wished I could disappear, but that wasn't an option. Leonardo wanted me here for some reason, and saying no to him was impossible.

The night dragged on as he introduced me to more people. I smiled, nodded, and answered questions when necessary.

Most of the people were polite, though some were obviously judging me.

I could feel their eyes raking over me, trying to figure out why Leonardo had brought someone like me.

After what felt like hours, I managed to slip away. I needed air.

My head was spinning, and my feet ached from the heels. Finding a quiet corner near the bar, I leaned against the counter and closed my eyes.

"Rough night?" a voice said.

I opened my eyes and turned. A man stood beside me, holding a glass of whiskey. His dark eyes were familiar, and a chill ran down my spine.

"Derek," I whispered.

"Long time, no see, sis," he said with a smirk.

My stomach dropped. Of all the people I could run into tonight, it had to be him. I stepped back, but he followed, closing the space between us.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice shaking.

"I could ask you the same thing," he said, taking a sip of his drink. "But I guess it's obvious. You've upgraded, haven't you? From the strip club to rubbing elbows with the rich and famous."

"Leave me alone," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

He laughed softly. "You're still the same scared little girl, aren't you?"

"I'm not scared of you," I lied.

His smirk widened. "You should be."

I glanced around, hoping to see Leonardo, but he was nowhere in sight. The crowd seemed too far away, and I felt trapped.

"What do you want, Derek?" I asked.

"Just catching up," he said. "It's been a while. You've been avoiding me, haven't you?"

"I have nothing to say to you."

"That's not true," he said, stepping closer. "We have plenty to talk about."

I swallowed hard, my hands trembling. The memories of what he'd done to me threatened to overwhelm me, but I pushed them down. I couldn't let him see how much he still affected me.

"Get away from me," I said firmly.

"Or what?" he challenged. "You'll scream? Cause a scene? I'd love to see you try."

I clenched my fists, anger and fear swirling inside me. "I'm not the same person you used to push around, Derek."

His smile faded, and his eyes darkened. "We'll see about that."

Before I could respond, Leonardo's voice cut through the tension.

"Olivia."

I turned to see him walking toward us, his expression hard. He stopped beside me, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Derek.

"Who's this?" Leonardo asked, his tone cold.

"No one," I said quickly.

Derek raised an eyebrow. "No one? Is that what I am to you, Olivia? No one?"

Leonardo's gaze flicked to me, then back to Derek. "I suggest you leave."

"And who are you to tell me what to do?" Derek asked, his smirk returning.

"I'm someone who doesn't tolerate disrespect," Leonardo said, his voice calm but threatening.

Derek chuckled. "Relax. I'm just catching up with my dear stepsister here."

Leonardo's jaw tightened. "You heard me. Leave."

Derek held up his hands in mock surrender. "Fine. I'll go. But we'll see each other again, Olivia. You can count on that."

He walked away, leaving me shaking. I felt Leonardo's hand on my arm, steadying me.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

I nodded, though I didn't feel okay. "He's my stepbrother," I admitted quietly.

Leonardo's eyes darkened. "What's he doing here?"

"I don't know," I said honestly.

He didn't press further, but his grip on my arm tightened slightly. "Stay close to me for the rest of the night."

I didn't argue. Being near him felt safer than being alone.

The rest of the gala passed in a rush. I stayed by Leonardo's side, avoiding eye contact with everyone.

My mind was racing, replaying the encounter with Derek over and over.

When the night finally ended, I climbed into Leonardo's car with a heavy heart.

As the city lights blurred past the window, I couldn't shake the feeling that Derek's appearance was just the beginning of something worse.

What was he actually doing here?

The memories of years ago came, replaying in my head. How could he show up in front of me after what he and his friends did to me?

Tears threatened to fall but I held it back.

I actually thought I left this life behind but no, the past always seem to catch up with me.

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