UNDER THE SURFACE

OLIVIA'S POV

Dawson'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 if our relationship is genuine or just for show.”

“Vanessa loves to stir the pot," Dawson replied, his tone softening. “You know how she is, she feeds off drama especially when she's not the center of it.”

"I know, but this was different,” I  insisteel, my mineld flashing back to the way Vanessa had looked at me like she  knew something I didn't. "It wasn't just idle gossip, she's suspicious, Dawson. It was almost like She's waiting for something to happen, like she's trying to get under my skin."

There was  a long pause on the other end and when  Davsson finally spoke, his voice was firm. "Vanessa doesn't matter, Olivia-What people say doesn't matter, what matters is us."

"I know,”  I murmured glancing at the window at the city below. "But she's trying to make me doubt things, and I don't want to let that happen."

"You won't" he reasured me. "Don't let her get in to your head, we're stronger than that."

I nodded, even though he couldn't see me. "I just ....  don't want anyone to think what we have isn't a real.”

“Then we show them that it is." Dawson said. "People will always talk, Olivia. It's inevitable when you're in the spotlight. But what they think doesn't define us-only we can do that."

His words brought a sense of comfort, but there was a part of me that couldn't shake the unease. Vanessa wasn't just any Jealous ex or casual acquaintance. She was part of Daveson's world, and as much as I wanted to believe that her intention didn't matter, I knew that people like her had a way of digging in to cracks they found.

"Alright." I Said softly, leaning  back against the Couch. "I won't let her get me."

"Good," Dawson Said, "Because there is something elsw i need to talk to you about." 

I Sat up straighter, my pulse quickening. "What is it?”

“I'm heading to new york for a few days. Bussiness stuff, some new deals we're negotiating. I was going to wait until tomorrow to tell you but..." his voice trailed off and I could sense a hesitation that made me uneasy.

“But what"

“There's a gala there. I'll have to attend.”  He paused again, “and vanessa's going to be there too!"

The air seemed to thicken between us, and my  Stomach twisted at the mention of her name. "Vanessa?,why?”

"She's Involved in some of the bassiness dealings we're Working on. It's complicated, but her family's company has a stake in one of the project.”

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady. “So, you'll be spending time with her while you're in New York." 

"I'll be handling business," Dawson stated firmly. “Nothing more. I won't let her or anyone else interfer with us, Olivia. You have to trust me on that."

"I do trust You" I said quickly, but the knot in my stomach remained. I trusted Dawson, but Vanessa had  made her intention clear enough, even if she hadn't outright said it. She wanted to get under my skin, and now, she had the perfect opportunity to do so.

“When are you leaving?" I asked, trying to keep the edge out of my voice.

"Tomorow morning, it's just for a few day. I'll be back before you know it."

The conversation felt like it was slipping away from me, a current I couldn't fight. "Okay. Just... keep me updated?"

"of course," he said. "You'll be the first person I call as soon as I land."

I forced a smile, though my heart wasn't in it. "Be safe, Dawson."

"I will. And don't let vanessa get in to your head, we're Solid." 

"Right," murmured "we're solid"

After we hung up, I sat there in silence for a long time, the phone still clutched in my hand. I trusted Dawson, but I couldn't stake the feeling that something beyond my control. The tension with vanessa had planted a seed of doubt in me, and now with Dawson heading off to New York where she would conveniently be, I couldn't help but feel like I was missing a piece of the puzzle.

I stood up and paced the my little office space, my mind racing with a mix of emotions. I needed to get ahead of this, to figure out what Vanessa's true motives were before she had the chance to cause any real damage. But how?

Suddenly, an idea hit me. There was a person who might know exactly what Vanessa was up to some one who had been around Dawson's Inner Circle for years.

Without thinking twice, I grabbed my phone and dialed a number I hadn't used for a while. It rang, once  twice, before a familiar voice answered. 

"Olivia? I didn't expect to hear from you."

I swallowed the lump in my throat, my heart pounding in my chest "Hey....I need your help. it's about Vanessa.”