Chapter 09__Sounds of Night. Olivia jerked awake from sleep. She was sure something had woken her, but she wasn’t so sure what it was. She rubbed her sleepy eyes and looked up at the dark ceiling. Her gaze then shifted to the window. She couldn’t see anything or hear any sound as she listened for another few seconds. Yawning, she rolled out of bed and padded softly to the window. At least she could be grateful for the view from her room. Her window overlooked the beautiful garden she had seen earlier that day. Olivia looked again and turned on her bedside lamp. Her room was still filled with her bags, yet unpacked. She decided that maybe the garden wasn’t such a bad idea, and she slipped her feet into her flip-flops and went downstairs. Pushing open the front door, she was shocked to hear nothing but the sounds of frogs croaking and chirping insects of the night. She didn’t know when a soft sigh escaped her lips. At last, she was blissfully alone. “I wish my mother found l
Chapter 10___Sounds of the Night 2 Olivia jerked back, for a second, she was stunned to meet him by her door. "What...what are you doing here?" She asked in a flustered tone. Chad glared at her, his anger evident on his features. "Why did you go to the gardens?" He asked, his tone leaving no room for her refusal. She shook, she'd scarcely heard him speak in such a way. Even when he had to yell at her in the office, he sounded human. But right then, she couldn't hear any softness in his tone, he was icy. "I was just taking a...a.stroll," she replied and tried to step back. But Chad's hands shot out and grabbed her by the arm before she could move out of reach. He moved even closer and stared down at her, his chiseled face just inches above her, she couldn't breathe anymore, her lungs frozen for a second. "You're not afraid of the night?" He asked with a cold voice, she winced slightly, not at his grip but the tone of his voice. The shadow was still over his features and with the d
Chapter 11__Bossy Olivia trudged into the office, her feet heavy with exhaustion. She had barely slept the night before, her mind racing with thoughts of the incident with Chad. How odd could he be? Was he now a prisoner in his home? Sighing, she dumped her tote bag on the desk and dropped her Styrofoam cup. She was dressed in a thin black shirt and pair of trousers, her usual crisp attire now rumpled and worn.As she settled into her chair, Macey looked up from her computer, concern etched on her face. "Hey, are you okay?" she asked, eyeing Olivia's disheveled appearance.Olivia nodded wordlessly, not trusting herself to speak. She was still trying to shake off the fatigue that clung to her like a sticker. Macey's eyes narrowed. "You're twenty minutes late," she reminded Olivia, her brow arched in disapproval.Olivia sighed, rubbing her temples. She had woken up late, missing her alarm in her groggy state. But of course, that was to be expected after such a night."Yeah, I know,"
Chapter 12___Three TicketsThat evening, Olivia turned in the last of the documents that Chad had asked her to sort out. She walked into his office, the dim brown jacket she had thrown on over her dress a stark contrast to the sheer blouse she had worn earlier."These are getting ready to be emailed, should I go on with it?" she asked, trying to sound professional despite the awkwardness between them.Chad hummed and looked up at her, his eyes scanning her covered-up form. He didn't know what he hated most - the fact that he wasn't teasing her anymore with her nipples or the fact that the dead color did nothing good against her olive skin."Let me drop you off," he said, getting up from his swivel chair. "I'm done too, after all, we now live together."Olivia's response was immediate and vehement. "No!" she said, snapping at him without thinking.Chad turned to her, raising a brow. "What?" he asked, his tone cold.Olivia took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. "I mean, I will b
Chapter 13__The Bareback Show. Olivia was still fiddling with the hem of her short dress when they arrived at the club. Luxe Den was a private and very expensive club. It was strictly on membership and the sort of club that Olivia had no business attending considering her pay grade. The luxurious cars in the parking lot were just as intimidating as the size and height of the building. “Are we sure Pauline is here?” She asked. "Come on, there's just one Luxe Den in town,” Macey replied and grabbed her ticket, showing it to the doorman who waved them in. At the doorway of the club, Macey's eyes lit up when she spotted Pauline. The two girls screamed and hugged each other like they were long-lost sisters, while Pauline gave Olivia a lame wave and a hello."Hey, you're stealing my cousin now?" Olivia teased, raising an eyebrow.Pauline rolled her eyes. "Well, she's more fun than you. What's that thing they say? Birds of a feather flock together, huh?"Macey laughed and hugged Pauline
Chapter 14__Cat Out of the Bag Chad's face was red with anger as he strode towards Olivia, his eyes blazing with disapproval. "What do you think you're doing?" he demanded, his voice low and menacing.Olivia shrank back, unsure of what to say. She knew she had done nothing wrong, but Chad's anger was intimidating. He looked down right murderous as he glared at her. “Hello, sir," Macey said lamely when she finally overcame the shock of seeing her boss in the club. Hissing, Chad ignored Macey and faced Olivia as he asked, “What is the meaning of this?" "I…I had…my cousin just got…” Olivia stammered helplessly, unable to express herself. "What's going on here? He's the guy? Your ex?" Pauline tried to intervene, but Macey signaled her to stop. She winced at Pauline's ever expressive fone. "Let it go, Pauline. He's our boss," Macey whispered and grabbed her palms. But Pauline was not one to back down. "Why are you ordering her around, bro, what's it with the death stare?" She challe
Chapter 15__Please…?Chad stood in front of the nightclub, his eyes hard and unwavering as he stared down at Olivia. His cheek was still red from the sting of her slap, but his gaze held such intensity that made Olivia’s heart race with fear. "You shouldn't have done that," he hissed, his voice low and menacing. Olivia couldn’t decide what frightened her more—his cold, cutting tone or the icy stare that seemed to pierce right through her.She swallowed, trying to keep her composure as he raised his hand to his reddened cheek. His other hand gripped her wrist tightly, the pressure almost painful. "Let go of me, now!" she demanded, her voice trembling slightly as she tried to sound braver than she felt.But Chad didn’t move. His grip on her wrist tightened, his eyes never leaving hers. Olivia’s breath hitched. She’d seen Chad angry before, but this was different. The man standing before her was terrifying in his controlled fury, and for a fleeting moment, she wished she hadn’t slapped
Chapter 16__Hate, love, hate Olivia stepped out of the house just as Chad did. Their eyes met briefly, but Chad didn’t acknowledge her presence. He moved straight to his car, his expression unreadable. Olivia’s heart sank a little, though she would never admit it. Why was he ignoring her? She didn't do anything, she wasn't the one that ruined last night and tried to give her a bloody heart attack in the garage. “Arrogant rake!" She hissed under her breath just as she heard her mother calling out to her. Hilda was right behind her as she turned. "Hey, are you okay?" Hilda asked, concern etched into her features. "You skipped breakfast."Olivia forced a smile, though her stomach was twisting with hunger. "I'm not so hungry, Mum," she lied, hoping it would ease her mother’s worry.Hilda didn’t look convinced, but she nodded and let her go. Olivia was grateful. She didn’t want to explain why the thought of sitting at the breakfast table with Chad made her lose her appetite. It had been
Chapter 19___What’s Wrong with My Heart? Olivia sat at the dinner table, her fingers nervously toying with the edge of her napkin as she tried to focus on the meal in front of her. The soft clinking of silverware against plates and the low murmur of conversation around the table faded into the background, overshadowed by the chaotic whirlwind of thoughts swirling in her mind. Across from her, Isabella seemed to fit perfectly into the family, all pretty smiles and polished manners. Olivia had never felt so out of place, so overshadowed, in a very long time.Her eyes darted to Chad, sitting diagonally from her, his attention seemingly glued to his plate. But Olivia noticed the way Isabella didn't miss a chance to touch his arm, her fingers brushing lightly against his sleeve as she leaned in to whisper something unimportant. The soft sound of her laughter grated on Olivia's nerves, and an unfamiliar emotion twisted in her chest—envy. She hated it, but there was no denying it.Desperat
Chapter 18__The Big AnnouncementChad and Olivia arrived home after a long day at the office. The drive home was silent and a little tense. Olivia looked outside the window throughout and Chad kept stealing glances at her. “I hope you didn't tell your friend anything. This is a family issue," he reminded her with a sharp tone. Olivia simply hummed but her heart hammered. Would Macey be able to keep it hush hush. She was never the kind to keep a secret despite her best efforts. She always had a way of letting things slip out. She was her best friend but she knew that much about her too. Olivia couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that had settled in her stomach since receiving the summons from her mother, Hilda. She and Chad had been summoned home with no explanation, only the request to come immediately.As they stepped through the door, Hilda met them with a bright smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Welcome home!” she exclaimed, her voice light and airy. “Hey, Hilda,” Chad
Chapter 17__Friends Never Keep SecretsOlivia and Chad stood there, frozen, their lips just inches away from each other when there was a loud knock at the door. Olvia jumped apart as if the sound had burned her and tried to compose herself. “Fuck!" Chad swore under his breath but didn't look half as disoriented as Olivia did. “Who is it?" He hissed. “It’s Frederick, sir," the man replied. It was the HR manager. “I have a few reports for you to sign." "The door is open,” Chad snapped and Frederick entered. Olivia’s face turned bright red, and she took a step backward, trying to escape the awkwardness of the situation. Chad, however, stood firm, staring at the HR manager with cold eyes. He seemed to be daring the man to say something, anything, that might give him an excuse to lash out.The HR manager failed to sense the tension in the room. He flashed Olivia a charming smile. “Hey, Liv. How are you doing?" He asked. Olivia didn't trust her voice. She was too shaken by that near k
Chapter 16__Hate, love, hate Olivia stepped out of the house just as Chad did. Their eyes met briefly, but Chad didn’t acknowledge her presence. He moved straight to his car, his expression unreadable. Olivia’s heart sank a little, though she would never admit it. Why was he ignoring her? She didn't do anything, she wasn't the one that ruined last night and tried to give her a bloody heart attack in the garage. “Arrogant rake!" She hissed under her breath just as she heard her mother calling out to her. Hilda was right behind her as she turned. "Hey, are you okay?" Hilda asked, concern etched into her features. "You skipped breakfast."Olivia forced a smile, though her stomach was twisting with hunger. "I'm not so hungry, Mum," she lied, hoping it would ease her mother’s worry.Hilda didn’t look convinced, but she nodded and let her go. Olivia was grateful. She didn’t want to explain why the thought of sitting at the breakfast table with Chad made her lose her appetite. It had been
Chapter 15__Please…?Chad stood in front of the nightclub, his eyes hard and unwavering as he stared down at Olivia. His cheek was still red from the sting of her slap, but his gaze held such intensity that made Olivia’s heart race with fear. "You shouldn't have done that," he hissed, his voice low and menacing. Olivia couldn’t decide what frightened her more—his cold, cutting tone or the icy stare that seemed to pierce right through her.She swallowed, trying to keep her composure as he raised his hand to his reddened cheek. His other hand gripped her wrist tightly, the pressure almost painful. "Let go of me, now!" she demanded, her voice trembling slightly as she tried to sound braver than she felt.But Chad didn’t move. His grip on her wrist tightened, his eyes never leaving hers. Olivia’s breath hitched. She’d seen Chad angry before, but this was different. The man standing before her was terrifying in his controlled fury, and for a fleeting moment, she wished she hadn’t slapped
Chapter 14__Cat Out of the Bag Chad's face was red with anger as he strode towards Olivia, his eyes blazing with disapproval. "What do you think you're doing?" he demanded, his voice low and menacing.Olivia shrank back, unsure of what to say. She knew she had done nothing wrong, but Chad's anger was intimidating. He looked down right murderous as he glared at her. “Hello, sir," Macey said lamely when she finally overcame the shock of seeing her boss in the club. Hissing, Chad ignored Macey and faced Olivia as he asked, “What is the meaning of this?" "I…I had…my cousin just got…” Olivia stammered helplessly, unable to express herself. "What's going on here? He's the guy? Your ex?" Pauline tried to intervene, but Macey signaled her to stop. She winced at Pauline's ever expressive fone. "Let it go, Pauline. He's our boss," Macey whispered and grabbed her palms. But Pauline was not one to back down. "Why are you ordering her around, bro, what's it with the death stare?" She challe
Chapter 13__The Bareback Show. Olivia was still fiddling with the hem of her short dress when they arrived at the club. Luxe Den was a private and very expensive club. It was strictly on membership and the sort of club that Olivia had no business attending considering her pay grade. The luxurious cars in the parking lot were just as intimidating as the size and height of the building. “Are we sure Pauline is here?” She asked. "Come on, there's just one Luxe Den in town,” Macey replied and grabbed her ticket, showing it to the doorman who waved them in. At the doorway of the club, Macey's eyes lit up when she spotted Pauline. The two girls screamed and hugged each other like they were long-lost sisters, while Pauline gave Olivia a lame wave and a hello."Hey, you're stealing my cousin now?" Olivia teased, raising an eyebrow.Pauline rolled her eyes. "Well, she's more fun than you. What's that thing they say? Birds of a feather flock together, huh?"Macey laughed and hugged Pauline
Chapter 12___Three TicketsThat evening, Olivia turned in the last of the documents that Chad had asked her to sort out. She walked into his office, the dim brown jacket she had thrown on over her dress a stark contrast to the sheer blouse she had worn earlier."These are getting ready to be emailed, should I go on with it?" she asked, trying to sound professional despite the awkwardness between them.Chad hummed and looked up at her, his eyes scanning her covered-up form. He didn't know what he hated most - the fact that he wasn't teasing her anymore with her nipples or the fact that the dead color did nothing good against her olive skin."Let me drop you off," he said, getting up from his swivel chair. "I'm done too, after all, we now live together."Olivia's response was immediate and vehement. "No!" she said, snapping at him without thinking.Chad turned to her, raising a brow. "What?" he asked, his tone cold.Olivia took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. "I mean, I will b
Chapter 11__Bossy Olivia trudged into the office, her feet heavy with exhaustion. She had barely slept the night before, her mind racing with thoughts of the incident with Chad. How odd could he be? Was he now a prisoner in his home? Sighing, she dumped her tote bag on the desk and dropped her Styrofoam cup. She was dressed in a thin black shirt and pair of trousers, her usual crisp attire now rumpled and worn.As she settled into her chair, Macey looked up from her computer, concern etched on her face. "Hey, are you okay?" she asked, eyeing Olivia's disheveled appearance.Olivia nodded wordlessly, not trusting herself to speak. She was still trying to shake off the fatigue that clung to her like a sticker. Macey's eyes narrowed. "You're twenty minutes late," she reminded Olivia, her brow arched in disapproval.Olivia sighed, rubbing her temples. She had woken up late, missing her alarm in her groggy state. But of course, that was to be expected after such a night."Yeah, I know,"