STIRRING HEARTS

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 the room at the sound of his voice, her eyes lighting up when she saw the pile of gifts. she let out an excited sequeal when Dawson handed her a large stuffed lion, soft and fluffy, Just the way she liked.

"for you, Sweetheart" he said, his voice warning as he watched her embrace the gift.

“Thank You!" Lily exclaimed, hugging the lion to her chest. She beamed up at him with pure adoration before running off with her new treasure

I stood there, watching the exchange, feeling a mix of emotions. Dawson was so good with her, and it scared me. He Wasn't just playing the role of the supportive figure any more. This was real. He was Investing in US, In ways I hadn't expected.

He turned to me, a box in his is for you, “and this is for you, Olivia."

I hesitated, my heart racing as I took the box from him "Dawson, you really don't have to do this.”

“it's beautiful. "I whispered, glancing up at him.

Our eyes met, and for a brief second, it felt like the world had paused around us. There was something unspoken in his gaze, something deep and personal that I wasn't sure I was ready to acknowledge.

Lily's Laughter echoed from the next room, but the air between Dawson and I felt charged, thick with tension and longing.

He Stepped Closer. "I couldn't stop thinking about you, Olivia."

The words hung in the air, making my breath hitch. I opened my mouth to respond, but I wasn't sure what to say. Everything about this arrangement was becoming more complicated. What started out as a straightforward deal was now wrapped in emotions neither of us had planned for.

“Dawson..." I began, trying to keep my voice steady, but he Interrupted me.

"I know what you're going to say" he said his voice low and serious. "But this… us …it's not just an arrangement anymore At least, not for me."

I stood frozen, his words reverberating through me. I hadn't expected this. Hadn't expected him to make things so persomal.

"What if things doesn't work out." I whispered, looking away. “we didn't sign up for this."

"But we're here now," he replied softly, stepping closer still. "And I can't ignore what I feel anymore. Don't you feel it too?"

my heart pounded in my chest as his wards echoed in my mind. Before I could respond my phone buzzed on the table, breaking the tension between us. I grabbed it, greatful for the Interruption, but my stomach dropped when I saw Emily's name on the Screen

“Sorry, I need to take this,” I said stepping steppimg away from Dawson and answering the call "Hey, Em?"

“Liv, have you seen the news?" Em's voice was filled with urgency.

I frowned. "No, What's going on!"

There is a picture of Dawson and Vanessa together. The tabloid are already speculating. that he's back with his ex fiancee."

“What?” I almost shouted, my mind racing "That's not true!”

“I just thought you should know!" Em, added quickly "The story is spreading fast!"

I hung up, turning to see Dawson watching me, his expression darkening as if he knew what the call was about. He had always been good at reading the room.

“Are you back with Vanessa.” I asked crossingmy arms. “The tabloid are saying you both are amd were seentogetherin New york."

Dawson's face hardened. “That ridiculous. I had one business lunch with her in New York, Strictly businesses.”

I Shook my head. "It doesn't matter,people will talk and she'll use it to her advantage, she always does"

He stepped towards me, his voice firm, " I don't care what people say. I care about what's real. And Vanessa means nothing to me."

The intensity of his words took me by surprise, I wanted to jump up for joy, to trust that this was more than an arrangement to him, but the article about Vanessa had blurred so much that I wasn't sure what to believe anymore.

"Olivia," Dawson said softly, stepping closer, his hands reaching out to gently touch mine. "You're the only woman I care about. You and Lily. Vanessa os in the past, don't let her come between us."

My breath caught as I felt the warmth of his hands against mine. I had tried my best to keep my feelings at bay, but it was gettimg harder to ignore.

"Dawson...."I Whispered, my voice shaky.

"I'm not asking for an answer right now, he said, his voice barely above a whispers. "I Just want you to know how I feel.”

Before I could responel, Dawson's phone buzzed on the table, breaking the moment. He glanced at it and frowned, "There's an ungent issue with the Chen's deal."

"Go" I said softly, stepping back. "We'll talk later."

he hesitated for a moment, his eyes seaching mine, but then he rolled and grabbed his jacket. "I'll call you after this is sorted," and then he left.

I stood there, In the quiet of my living room, the weight of his confession hanging in the air. And for the first time in a long time, I wasn't sure what the next step should be..