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 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 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 POVI woke up to the soft, familiar sound of the city. The distant hum of traffic, the muffled chatter of pedestrians below, and a faint beeping of my alarm clock, my constant reminder that another day was starting, and I had to face it, whether I was ready or not.I pushed the covers aside and rubbed the sleep from my eyes. The room. dimly lit by the early morning light, seeping in through the curtain. I turned my head to see Lily, my five Years daughter still asleep On the side of the bed, her delicate face was partially hidden under the blanket, her breathing shallow but steady, seeing her look this way always tugged at my heart, She looked So Peaceful, yet I knew the battle she fought daily.Quietly, I slipped Out of bed and Padded to the kitchenette. I started making breakfast, Oatmeal, the same every morning. As I stirred the pot. I couldn't help but d think of how different our lives had become since Lily's diagnosis. I glanced at the clock. I had to hurry if I was g
OLIVIA'S POVI stared out of the window of my cramped Office, watching raindrops race down the glass pane, my breath fogged up the window as I exhaled, a deep sigh escaping my lips. The weather seemed to match my mood-gloomy and unpredictable. I returned to my desk and flipped through the files for the third time this morning, trying to focus on the budget reports that were to due by noon.But it was no use; my thoughts kept drifting back to Lily. She is only five, Yet her Laugh Could light up the darkest room. Her latest treatments had been rough, and I hated being away from her even for a second. Still, work Was a necessary evil. We needed the money, especially with the mounting medical bills.Just as I managed to refocus, a sharp knock on the door broke my Concentration. I looked up to seemy boss - Dawson Pierce, The CEO & Pierce Enterprises. Standing in the doorway. His presence filled the small room instantly, his broad shoulders nearly brushing against the frame. I had been his
DAWSON'S POVI watched Olivia as I left her office, I could see the hesitation in her eyes, the proposal I made was not a simple one; It wasn't just business deal, not in the traditional sense. Marrying her wasn't about love or even companionship. It was about securing a future, for both of us, in our own ways.As the door click shut, I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. What had I done? my board members will call me reckless, and maybe they where right. But this was the only option I had left. The merger was slipping away from me, and with it, everything I'd worked so hard to build. A few months ago, I wouldn't have considered this kind of deception, but the stake had never been higher.Sitting back in my chair, I stared at the contracts On my desk the words blurring together. I'd always been a man Who knew what he wanted, who took What he needed without hesitation. But Olivia Cadell was different, she was my assistant, Yes, but she was also so much more. She was stro
Olivia's POV The following morning. I walked into Dawson’s Office with my heart in my throat. I was greeted by the familiar polished Interor, an expanse of dark word, soft leather Chairs, and an impressive view of the city Skyline. It was a room that screamed power and authority, much like the man who occupied it. Dawson Sat behind his massive mahogany desk, his expression undreadable as he flipped through a stack of files. He looked up when I entered, his piercing blue eyes locking into mine. "Good morning. Ms Cadell,” he said, his voice calm and steady, betraying no emotion. "Good morning, Mr. Pierce," I replied, trying to keep my voice as neutral as possible, though my nerves were frayed. The reality of What I was about to do Weighed heavily on me. “please, have Seat," he gestured to the chair opposite his desk, As I sat down, he pushed a thick folder across the table towards me. "This is the Contract,” he simply stated. "It Outline the Terms and Condition of our agreement.
OLIVIA'S POV The day after the contract, I was still trying to wrap my head around everything when my phone buzzed, a message lighting up the screen. I opened it, and my heart Skipped a beat as I read the words: "Come to my office. We need the discuss something.” the message was from Dawson, and despite its formal tone, it made my stomach flutter, I quickly grabbed my things and headed to his office, my mind racing with questions. why did he want to see me? What was so Important? When I reached his office door; I paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and knocked. "Come in" Dawson's deep voice called from inside. I stepped in, finding him Sitting behind his sleek mahogany desk, his eyes locked on his Computer screen. As soon as he saw me, he leaned back in his chair, his gaze shifting to meet mine. "Sit down, Olivia," he said motioning to the chair across from him. I Sat, feeling the weight of his gaze as he watched me. “Mr. Chen, the Investor, is hosting a Charity gala
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
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
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 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 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