OLIVIA'S POV The first time I met Vanessa, she was nothing like I'd expected. Given her history with Dawson and her newfound Involvement in Mr. Chen's deal. I braced myself for someone cold and calculating, maybe even openly hostile, but when she walked into Dawson's office that day, all polished smiles and delicate charm, it caught me off guard."Olivia, right?" Vanessa extended her hand, her eyes shining with warmth, her tone sweet and Friendly. "I've heard so much about you. It's so lovely to finally meet the woman the whole office has been talking about.I hesitated, but only for a second before shaking her hands. “Likewise,” I said, but like her, I read about her in the magazines, managing a polite smile.It was strange I couldn't quite pin down why, but there was something about her presence that felt…calculated. Despite her sweetness, the air between us was thick with unspoken tension. Her words, though pleasant, had an edge to them, as though each sentence was laced with a hi
OLIVIA'S POV The office felt unusually quite when I returned to the next morning. Dawson's warmth from the night before still Lingered in my thoughts, but the world outside Our private buble moved on. I settled into my desk, determined to focus. But a small envelope resting on top of my files quickly Pulled me back into the tangled webs of personal and professional tensions. The handwriting on the envelope was unmistakably Vanessa's. Lunch today?. Let's catch up and talk about how we can work together. Vanessa. I hesitated. Her reaction last time gnawed at me and I knew this invitation wasn't just a casual attempt to bond. Vanessa never did anything without a purpose, still, I needed to confront whatever she had in mind. When I arrived at the chic restaurant she’d suggested, I wasn't surprised to see her already seated at a prime table by the window. Vanessa had an innate ability to command attention without trying, her poised figure framed perfectly by the soft midday sunlight
OLIVIA'S POVDawson's voice came through the phone low and concerned. "what is going on, Olivia? you sound tense." I hesitated, the words lingering on the tip of my tongue. Part of me wanted to brush it off, but the other part knew that something was brewing. Vanessa's words, her not-so-suble digs, and the suspicious she tried to plant in my mind were unsettling. The last thing i wanted was to start doubting Dawsonor let any one's opinion infect what we had. But could I afford to mention it.? "It's just... something feels off." I paused choosing my words carefully. "I had lunch with Vanessa today, she kept hinting that people are talking about us, about how perfect everything looks between us."Dawson was silent for a moments and I could practically see him on the other end of the line, his brows furrowing in thought. "And thats a problem because?”"It's not just the gossip," I said, my frustration creeping, “it's the way she said it. She kept insinuating that people are wondering i
OLIVIA'S POV Sitting across from Emily in our favourite little cafe, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the world pressing down on me. Her Warm hazel eyes studied me, filled with concem. "You look like you haven't slept in days, Liv. What's going on?" Emily asked, sipping her cappuccino. I sighed, running a hand through my hair, "it's Vanessa." Emily's eyebrows shot up in suprise, "What's she up to this time?” “she's been sniffing around a lot lately, she's suspicious about Dawson and I. keeps asking questions, poking holes in our story, as if she knows there's more going on. Emily frowned, leaning in closer. "And you're sure she'd doesn't know about the arrangement?” "She doesn't know," I said quickly, shaking my head. "But she suspects something. I can feel it. Every time I see her,, she's watching me, like she's waiting for me to slip up.” Emily sat back in her chair, her fingers tapping thoughtfully on the table. "sounds like she's trying to figure out if you
OLIVIA'S POV The days after Dawson's return from New York were a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty. His absence had left me time to think, to reflect on everything that had happened between us. Yet, when he walked back through the door, it was as if all my questions were silenced, replaced by the undeniable pull I felt towards him.Dawson steppeed inside with a calm confidence, arms full of shopping bags and I was immediately hit with a sense of both relief and confusion. His presence filled the space, making it imposible to ignore how much had changed since this anangement first began.“I got you and Lily a few things." he said, a soft smile touching his lip's as he placed the bags on the table.I blinked in suprise. "You didn't have to.""I wanted to," he responded, his voice gentle but firm. There was no hesitation in his tone. This was Dawson - a man used to getting what he wanted. But this was different. There was a new tenderness in his gestures.Lily came running into th
DAWSON'S POVEvery step I take is a decision I make and every choice I make is based on my inner resolve. But with Olivia, my inner resolve does not rule me anymore; they are emotions fueled by a different force. Upon stepping inside her apartment, there was one thing I could not ignore, the look of uncertainty on her face. Something had changed when I was away, but I could never tell what place the change occupied.The perspective that I carried in my mind while buying gifts for Olivia and Lily was that the barrier that appears to have been created since my departure would be less so after their use. Truth be told, I never considered such material acts as practical, rather, it was the only way I felt would assist in explaining to her that I was thinking about them both.The moment I presented the stuffed lion to Lily, I was filled with glee and an unmistakable smile washed over my face. There was something so naive and innocent about it. She had no grasp of the complicated world occu
OLIVIA'S POV As I sat down in the corner of my office, the morning sunlight filtered through the tall windows, casting a soft glow over the polished desk. It was one of those rare mornings when everything felt calm, almost serene. For a brief moment, I allowed myself to enjoy the quiet, the kind that only arrived before the hustle and bustle of the day took over. Yet, as I began to review the financial report for the Chen project, the calmness started to evaporate.The Chen project was one of the company’s more significant undertakings, a long-term construction deal involving hundreds of thousands of dollars funnelled into various suppliers, contracts, and resource allocation. I took pride in knowing every detail of each project I worked on, especially one as high-profile as this. It was one of the qualities that Dawson valued in me. My attention to detail was impeccable, and my instinct for spotting issues was nearly unmatched.Yet, as I scanned the columns of numbers, a feeling tu
OLIVIA'S POVThe next morning, My typically neat desk was covered in document, spreadsheets, and the Chen project’s financial reports, continuing from where I stopped last time.By light of early morning sun that streamed through all the windows up to the ceiling one would say that the room was bathed in a gentle light, however it did little to comfort my shoulders at that moment.I tapped my pen against the desk, furrowed in concentration,the soft knock on the door distracted me from my deep thoughts. I looked up, a bit surprised to see Emily with two cups of coffee and a gentle smile on her face."Hey, Liv," Emily said, shutting the door behind her.Her eyes were bright with warmth, a welcome sight in the midst of all the stress I had been under. "Thought you might need some caffeine."I managed a tired smile, a flicker of relief washing over me at the sight of my best friend. "Em, what are you doing here? I thought you were swamped with your own workload."Emily shrugged, crossing t
OLIVIA’S POVThe decision to move in with Dawson had been made in a haste, but it felt like the safest option. Logan's sudden reappearance in my life had already left me shaken, but it was the unsettling frequency with which is seemed to appear near Lily's school, the Park, and even the corner store that tipped me over the edge. Dawson had offered immediately. "I have this space, Olivia. you and Lily don't need to handle this alone.” it had taken me a day to say yes. I had been hesitant, not wanting to disrupt lily’s life more than necessary, but I realized I couldn't risk her safety.Logan's intentions were unclear, but his persistence was unnerving, and I couldn't afford to be caught of guard.XXXThe cafe was quite except for the soft Hymn of conversation and the occasional clang of dishes. I had agreed to meet Logan here after he called me earlier in the week, insisting that we talk. reluctantly, I had said yes- not because I wanted to, but because I needed to. His sudden reapp
OLIVIA’S POVThe air between Dawson and me had been different since that day in the back. Logan's sudden reappearance hadn't just stirred of old memories; it had created and undercurrent of tension I couldn't ignore. I hadn't even seen Logan again since that fleeting moment, yet his presence lingered like an unwelcome shadow.Dawson, to his credit, hadn't say much about it. he had been patient, supportive even. but I could see the shift in his eyes, The way his jaw tightened when Lily brought up her "new friend from the park.” "he said he knew you, mommy” Lily said one evening as I talk her into bed. has more face was lit with the innocent curiosity that only a 5-year-old could muster. "why didn't you talk to him?” I froze, my hands smoothing the blanket over her. "what did he say, sweetheart?” "he just said you were his friend. he was nice, but. . . "she scrunched up her nose, her voice dropping to a whisper. "he looked kind of sad." Sad. the word hits me like a blue to the
Olivia's POVThe Weeknd was to be a breath of fresh air– a real chance for Dawson, Lily and I, to escape the constant pressure of work and the ever present under current of suspicious surrounding us. it was Dawson’s idea to take Lily to the park, and I had to admit, the thought of sometime outdoor sounded appealing.The morning was crisp, the air laced with faint scent of flowers blooming nearby. LIly had been bouncing with excitement all morning, barely able to wait to get to the playground. Dawson and I followed her as she darted ahead, her laughter ringing like music."she's going to wear herself out before we even get there,” Dawson said with a smile, his hand brushing mine as we walked. I glanced at him, feeling a warmth race in my chest. there was something so natural about the three of us being together like this– a momentary glimpse of what life could be like if we weren't constantly juggling complication and responsibilities. "I don't think lady knows the meaning of
OLIVIA’S POVAfter a whirlwind Of the past few days, days I finally had a chance to breathe. for the first time in what felt like forever, I woke up feeling somewhat rested. the early morning sun crypt in through the Curtains in my bedroom, casting a warm, golden glow. I stretched out on the bed, Savoring the rare quite before the day’s chaos began. Lily was already awake, her little feet pitter-pattering across the hardwood floors. I could hear her giggles from the next room, and just like that, is my phone it's way to my face. I got up and went to her, my heart lifting at the sight of her bright eyes and unruly bedhead. "mama” she squealed, have face lighting up as soon as she saw me. “ good morning, my little sunshine,” I replied, sweeping her up into my arms. her laughter filled the room, infectious and pure, and for a moment, I let myself forget about the investigation and everything weighing on me. I listen as she recounted a dream involving talking dogs and a magical
OLIVIA'S POV Every year the company's host a charity gala, and this year's one was here keeping everyone on the other hand who has gone back home to prepare for the gala. I, on the other hand, was still knee deep in my investigation. The document needed to be signed for final approval and I was yet to let Dawson sign it. I had this feeling deep in my gut like he was about to be in the middle of all this shit happening. But I had to leave and go if I was planning on going to the gala.This year's gala was held at one of the finest hotel in New Orleans. Dawson had to send his driver to take since he was to be there earlier to do some business deals. As I entered the enormous hall, which was designed with gleaming light and tables decorated with beautiful floral clothing, and the chandelier dangling like it was about to descend and smash on the floor, only a glance would convince one how important this gala was to the company. Tonight was an opportunity to relax and perhaps let down my
OLIVIA'S POV I woke up the following morning feeling depressed, still burdened by the notes and figures I had collected during the previous few days. I was relieved and even more convinced that I couldn't ignore this any longer after Emily's visit. There was a limit to how much I could learn without drawing suspicion if I continued my investigation alone. I needed help,someone with access and the knowledge to spot these anomalies as much as I had.And there was only one person I could trust with this. Dawson.The thought of bringing this to him left me nervous. We had a wonderful thing going, both personally and professionally, and I didn't want to upset the balance we'd achieved. But I also knew Dawson was extremely committed to the company, and if there was foul play, he'd want to be part in uncovering the truth. After getting ready and gathering all of my notes, I walked to the office, carrying the small file of paperwork near to me. Every glance down the hallway, every heel clic
OLIVIA'S POVThe next morning, My typically neat desk was covered in document, spreadsheets, and the Chen project’s financial reports, continuing from where I stopped last time.By light of early morning sun that streamed through all the windows up to the ceiling one would say that the room was bathed in a gentle light, however it did little to comfort my shoulders at that moment.I tapped my pen against the desk, furrowed in concentration,the soft knock on the door distracted me from my deep thoughts. I looked up, a bit surprised to see Emily with two cups of coffee and a gentle smile on her face."Hey, Liv," Emily said, shutting the door behind her.Her eyes were bright with warmth, a welcome sight in the midst of all the stress I had been under. "Thought you might need some caffeine."I managed a tired smile, a flicker of relief washing over me at the sight of my best friend. "Em, what are you doing here? I thought you were swamped with your own workload."Emily shrugged, crossing t
OLIVIA'S POV As I sat down in the corner of my office, the morning sunlight filtered through the tall windows, casting a soft glow over the polished desk. It was one of those rare mornings when everything felt calm, almost serene. For a brief moment, I allowed myself to enjoy the quiet, the kind that only arrived before the hustle and bustle of the day took over. Yet, as I began to review the financial report for the Chen project, the calmness started to evaporate.The Chen project was one of the company’s more significant undertakings, a long-term construction deal involving hundreds of thousands of dollars funnelled into various suppliers, contracts, and resource allocation. I took pride in knowing every detail of each project I worked on, especially one as high-profile as this. It was one of the qualities that Dawson valued in me. My attention to detail was impeccable, and my instinct for spotting issues was nearly unmatched.Yet, as I scanned the columns of numbers, a feeling tu
DAWSON'S POVEvery step I take is a decision I make and every choice I make is based on my inner resolve. But with Olivia, my inner resolve does not rule me anymore; they are emotions fueled by a different force. Upon stepping inside her apartment, there was one thing I could not ignore, the look of uncertainty on her face. Something had changed when I was away, but I could never tell what place the change occupied.The perspective that I carried in my mind while buying gifts for Olivia and Lily was that the barrier that appears to have been created since my departure would be less so after their use. Truth be told, I never considered such material acts as practical, rather, it was the only way I felt would assist in explaining to her that I was thinking about them both.The moment I presented the stuffed lion to Lily, I was filled with glee and an unmistakable smile washed over my face. There was something so naive and innocent about it. She had no grasp of the complicated world occu