RIVALRIES UNFOLD

 Olivia's POV

The soft click of my heels against the pavement echoed in the quiet night as I stepped out of the car. The gala, Vanessa's sudden reappearance that still rattle me: Vanessa, was now wrapped up in Mr. Chen's business dealings. I had expected tension tonight, but not the palpable sense  of rivary Vanessa seemed to carry with her like a Weapon,ateast thingsI'veheard fromthe officesincei started work at Pierce Enterprises. 

Shaking off the thought,I unlocked the door to my apartment, stepping inside to the comforting hum of the refrigerator and the faint lullaby coming from Lily's room. Emily had texted earlier that everything was fine and that Lily was resting, but a wave of guilt still washed over me. I hated missing evening's with my daughter, no matter how important my work felt

The apprtment was dim, save for the soft glow of the nightlight in the hallway. As I passed the couch, I noticed Emily, fast asleep under a blanket, a small smile tugged at my lips. she'd been my bestfriend since college, always stepping in to help when I needed it most. I gently draped an  exra blanket over her, grateful for her presence.

Quietly, I padded to Lily's room and peeked in. The sight of her small form nestled under her pink duvet made my heart swell. Her tiny hand clutched her favourite stuffed rabbit, her curls fanning out over the pillow. she looked  so peaceful, so untouched by the chaos  that often ruled my world. This- her calm,her Innocence - was my anchor.

With a quiet sigh, I slipped away from Lily's room and headed to my own. Monday would be another long day at the office, and I needed to be ready for what  was coming. 

XXXX 

Sunlight stream through the glass window casting a warm glow on everything it touched I adjusted my blazer, straightening my shoulders as I walked down the halls after staying up late reviewing the gala details, I felt prepared but Vanessa's sudden reappearance lingered in the back  of my mind like an unwanted guest. I couldn't shake the feeling that her presence Meant trouble- I felt she found her way back to get back with him, after all they were couple of the magazines until she cheated,  and the name of the other girl was never reveal.

As I neared  Dawson's office, I heard voices from behind the door, like two people arguing in shush voices. Just as I raised my hand to knock, the door swung open, revealing Vanessa in all her perfectly styled glory. She stood there, looking as poised like I had seen on magazines, every inch of her oozing confidence. Our eyes met, and her lips curved into a smile.

"Ah, You must be Olivia?” Vanessa said, her voice smooth, but there was something sharp hidden beneath it. "I've heard a lot about you.”

I kept my expression neutral refusing to let her rattle me. "I could say the same.”

Her smile widened, but it didn't reach her eyes. She stepped out of the office, closing the door  behind her, but not before glancinh back at Dawson with an air of familiarity that made my stomach twist. 

As she stepped closer, I could feel the tension rising between us "You know," she began, her tone light but laced with something darker "Dawson has a way of getting….bored  easily. I'm sure you've noticed." 

“if you're trying to get under my skin, it's no going to work," I replied evenly, even as heart hammered in my chest. 

Vanessa let out a low, condescending laugh. "Oh Olivia, this is't about getting under your skin. it's about understanding your place. You may think you're Important now, but Dawson, he's always been mine."

The chill in her voice made my blood run cold but I refused to give her the satisfaction of a reaction, taking a deep breath, I pushed the office door open. Dawson looked up from his paperwork, a warm smile spreading across his1 face when he saw me.

“Olivia, good morning” he greeted cheerfully, "everything okay?”

I manage a small smile, though the tension from my conversation with Vanessa still weighed on me "morning, I just ran into vanesse in the hallway."

His Jaw tightened slightly, and he stood from his desk, wlalking around to stand in front of me. "What did she say?"

I shrugged, trying to brush it off. "Nothing I can't handle, but she's clearly still invested in your history."

Dawson let out a sigh, rubbing the back. of his neck. "Vanessa likes to play mind games. But se doesn't matter you know that right?” 

I noddeal, “ it not like we are a real couple, so you don't have to explain anything to me”

He looked hurt by what i diad but quickly masked it up immediately, “yes, that's true, but we have to be very careful around her, if she gets just a little suspicious amd we'll be done”

But the unease in my chest remaind. mayne I wanted him to be mine forever, beyond the contract but I know that wasn't possible, some one like Dawson can't leave Vanessa for someone like me, a single mother.