Olivia’s POV I yanked the closet door open, pretending like I wasn’t flushed, like my lips weren’t still tingling from Leonard’s kiss. I needed to get dressed. To get away. Away from him… from whatever this was turning into. But the moment I reached for my robe, I felt him. That familiar heat. That shift in the air. “Don’t,” I warned without turning around. He yanked me back like he was done pretending, slamming the closet door shut behind me and caging me against it. His body pressed into mine, hard and hot, and I felt it, every inch of him, ready, throbbing. “You really think you can walk away after that little stunt?” he growled, his voice like gravel and sex. I smirked, even as my pulse pounded between my legs. “Watch me.” His hand slid up the back of my thigh, under the shirt I was barely wearing. His touch was fire, hot, possessive, brutal in how much I needed it. “No panties?” he whispered, dragging his fingers between my legs. “Fuck, Olivia…” I gasped, m
Laughter filled the grand hall, clear and bright. It bounced off the chandeliers, surrounding the guests. But to me, it wasn’t lighthearted. It was painful. The sound twisted in my guts, reopening old wounds. I stood by the window, fingers tightening around the edge of my glass, watching small figures darting through the courtyard, their feet slapping against the cobblestone, their giggles bursting like firecrackers into the night air during festival periods. An orphanage. Fitting, isn’t it? I’ve always loved children and wished to have lots of kids when I become a woman but it would seem life has a way of laughing at one's face. And now? Now, I stand here. In a charity event with my husband. But not one of them is mine. Because life is cruel like that. Because fate has a twisted sense of humor. I forced my gaze away, swallowing the lump rising in my throat. But before I could take a step…. I heard these heart wrenching whispers. “Five years of marriage and
Olivia Later at night, I stepped out of the bedroom, lost in thought, my damp hair wrapped in a towel. The cool air kissed my skin, sending a shiver down my spine as I pulled my robe tighter around my body. I need to speak to him about my pain. I need him to know how desperately I want a child. I was so lost in thoughts when I heard a knock on the door. I exhaled slowly, steadying myself. Great. What now? “Coming,” I called out, forcing my voice into something that didn’t betray my exhaustion. When I opened the door, Mrs. Roger stood there, her face impassive, a silver tray balanced in her hands. “Madam, your tonic.” A bitter taste filled my mouth before I even took a sip. My stomach twisted violently, recoiling at the mere sight of it. Lord Have Mercy. This. Again. That damn concoction-dark, murky, reeking of herbs that never failed to churn my insides. I didn’t need to ask who had sent it, but I did anyway. “Did my mother-in-law send this?” Mrs. Roger hesitated, an
Olivia The next day, my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, tangled and relentless. Who was this Elena woman? What kind of relationship did she have with my husband? Why was her name in a message from the very same hospital where I had my eye transplant? But I forced myself to push it aside. Focus on today, Olivia. Because guess what? Today is our wedding anniversary! Ihad planned the most splendid dinner night. Now, let’s be honest, folks-I am not a great cook. I mean, if survival depended on my cooking skills, I’d be in deep trouble. But that’s not the point, right? It’s the intention that matters. The love. The effort. So, I decided to help Mrs. Roger in the kitchen, determined to prepare something exquisite for my dear husband. Because that’s what a good wife does, right? I was elbow-deep in chopping vegetables, the rich aroma of spices filling the air, when I heard footsteps descending the stairs. And then, there he was. Leonard. With a smile stretched so wid
Olivia The words didn’t make sense. I blinked, processing them, trying to force them to fit into the reality Leonard had painted for me earlier. “He left early today,” she added, her voice still polite. Still composed. My stomach twisted. Leonard never left early. Not when he claimed to be working late. Not when he told me he would be here. I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry. “Alright. Thank you.” But my hands felt cold. My heart was beating faster now, my mind already spinning with questions, with doubts. I turned on my heel and walked straight to his office. The second I stepped inside, the air felt… wrong. Too still. Too cold. His cologne still lingered, faint but there, but the room itself-his desk, his chair, the papers neatly stacked-was untouched. Like he hadn’t been here for hours. Liar. I inhaled sharply, my hands trembling as I reached for my phone. I scrolled to his name, my thumb hovering over the call button before I pressed it. It rang. Once. Twice.
Olivia He was home. I didn’t move. Didn’t breathe. Just lay there, staring at the bedside lamp while my mind spun in circles. Same questions. Same ache. Same silence. The bedroom door creaked. The mattress dipped. Warmth pressed against my back. His body was molding into mine like nothing had changed. But everything had. His breath brushed my shoulder, warm and familiar. His arm slid around my waist, tugging me close with that soft, careful grip. The one he used when he knew he was guilty. “I’m sorry, baby,” he whispered, lips barely grazing my temple. “Work ran late. I didn’t mean to miss our anniversary.” Liar. I knew the second his scent hit me. His usual cologne was there. It was crisp and clean but underneath, I smelled something sharp. Hospital air. Bintu Hospital. My fingers curled into the sheets. Cold metal slid over my wrist. A bracelet. Diamonds, bright and blinding, wrapped in gold. Expensive. Beautiful. Another sorry gift. “It’s beautiful,” I whispered. My
Olivia I couldn’t sleep. Patricia’s words had lodged themselves in my mind, sharp and relentless. Elena was the girl who sold her eyes. I sat in the dim light from the bedside lamp, my fingers curling around the edge of my phone. The screen was warm against my palm, but I couldn’t bring myself to move. If I did, I would make it real. If I did, I would chase a truth I might not survive. But the doubt was suffocating. I needed the truth. I scrolled through my contacts, the steady thrum of my pulse in my ears as I landed on the number I hadn’t dialed in years. Dr. Samuel Greene. The surgeon who had given me my sight. Without thinking, I pressed the call. The phone rang. Once. Twice. Three times. Then… A click. “Dr. Greene speaking.” I swallowed, trying to steady my voice. “Dr. Greene, it’s Olivia. Olivia Crawford.” A pause. A breath. Then, wariness. “Olivia. It’s been a long time. What can I do for you?” “I need information.” There was a short silence then “About?”
My eyes fluttered open, squinting hard against the harsh glare of the overhead lights. The brightness stabbed through my vision, forcing me to blink several times before the room slowly came into focus. I was still in the hospital. The memory of the fall slammed into me the moment I shifted, a dull ache blooming across my lower back as I pushed myself up against the headboard. The sheets crinkled under my palms just as the door swung open. A man in a white coat stepped in, the stethoscope around his neck catching the light. His expression shifted into relief the second he saw me awake. “Oh, thank goodness, madam. You’re finally conscious.” He crossed the room briskly, placing a firm hand on my forehead, his fingers cool against my skin. Without a word, he flicked a penlight across my eyes, watching closely as my pupils adjusted. Then, he turned to check the monitors beside my bed, making quick notes on the chart clipped to the foot of it. “How are you feeling?” His voic
Olivia’s POV I yanked the closet door open, pretending like I wasn’t flushed, like my lips weren’t still tingling from Leonard’s kiss. I needed to get dressed. To get away. Away from him… from whatever this was turning into. But the moment I reached for my robe, I felt him. That familiar heat. That shift in the air. “Don’t,” I warned without turning around. He yanked me back like he was done pretending, slamming the closet door shut behind me and caging me against it. His body pressed into mine, hard and hot, and I felt it, every inch of him, ready, throbbing. “You really think you can walk away after that little stunt?” he growled, his voice like gravel and sex. I smirked, even as my pulse pounded between my legs. “Watch me.” His hand slid up the back of my thigh, under the shirt I was barely wearing. His touch was fire, hot, possessive, brutal in how much I needed it. “No panties?” he whispered, dragging his fingers between my legs. “Fuck, Olivia…” I gasped, m
Olivia’s POVMy body still ached, a slow, deep throb between my thighs, marking every place Leonard had claimed me. I shifted slightly, feeling the soreness in my muscles, the overwhelming presence of him still lingering on my skin.A low hum rumbled beside me.“Morning, my beautiful wife. I know you had a good night's rest ,” Leonard murmured, his voice thick with sleep and satisfaction.I tried to slip out from under his arm, but he moved faster, gripping my waist and pulling me back against him. His bare chest pressed against my back, solid and warm.“Where do you think you’re going?” he murmured against my ear. His lips barely grazed my skin, his breath sending shivers down my spine.I swallowed hard, refusing to react. “Away from you.”He chuckled, deep and rich. “That’s cute, sweetheart.”I shoved at his arm, but he barely budged, only tightening his hold around me.“You weren’t saying that last night,” he teased, his fingers trailing up my thigh beneath the sheets. “In fact, if
Olivia’s POVDamn. It had been so long since I allowed him to touch me, not because I didn’t want to, but because of everything that had been going on in our lives. But now… now I couldn’t hold back anymore.Oh, I missed his touch. His lips on my skin. The way he worshipped my body like he was born to ruin me.Yes, I knew I was pregnant, but I also knew Leonard wasn’t rough, even though I have not told him about the child yet.. I knew everything would be fine. I stood there, bare, vulnerable, my heart hammering against my ribs as he devoured me with his eyes. His jaw flexed, his entire body wound tight like a predator about to pounce.His voice came low and filled with hunger. “Come here.”I swallowed hard, but I obeyed. My feet moved before my mind could process it, and then, God, I was in his arms, his strong, warm hands gripping my waist, pulling me flush against him.A sharp breath left me as his lips ghosted over the shell of my ear. “You don’t know how long I’ve waited for thi
Olivia’s Point of ViewLeonard’s fingers moved swiftly over his phone as he recalled the number. I could barely breathe as the call connected. My hands trembled, my chest rising and falling in shallow, uneven breaths.A gruff voice answered almost immediately. “Time’s ticking, Leonard Crawford, What’s it gonna be?”I felt the air leave my lungs. My knees nearly buckled, and before I could stop myself, a broken sob ripped from my throat.“No! Please,” I begged, gripping the edge of Leonard’s sleeve. My voice was raw, desperate. “Don’t kill him! I will do anything. Please!”Leonard didn’t even glance at me. His jaw flexed, his grip on the phone tight, but his voice….oh God, his voice….was pure steel. It was terrifying, cold and sharp all at once. “Enough with the threats,” he said, his tone unwavering. “I’ll pay off the debt.”I gasped, my lips parting as I looked at him, wide-eyed. Just like that. He said it like it was nothing. Like one million dollars meant nothing to him.Silenc
Olivia’s Point of View“How? How in God’s name are you owing someone one million dollars?” My voice cracked as I clutched the phone, my hands shaking so violently I could barely hold it. My entire body was trembling, my heart hammering against my ribs like it was trying to escape. “Father… how? What did you do with that much money?”I was already sinking, my knees giving out as I collapsed onto the floor. My breathing was shallow, my vision blurred. A million dollars. It wasn’t a small debt. It wasn’t something I could fix with my savings, or even a miracle. It was too much. Too damn much.My father’s broken sobs filled the line. “Olivia… my daughter… please, forgive me,” he choked out. “I….I used the money for gambling.”I froze. My fingers tightened around the phone as nausea surged in my stomach. No. No, this can’t be real.“What?!” My voice shot up, raw and strangled.“I just…..I just thought I could win more.” His breath was uneven, each word coming out like it hurt. “I never
Olivia’s Point of ViewI took a shaky breath, my chest rising and falling as I stared up at my husband, the man I had loved for so long, the man I had given everything to.And yet, I had nothing left. I lifted my hands, cupping his face gently, my fingers trembling against his skin. My vision blurred with unshed tears, my throat tightening as I looked into his eyes.“Oh, my dear Leonard. My dear husband.” My voice was barely above a whisper, heavy with pain. “How much I love you. But I can’t anymore. I am doing this. I am done, Leonard.”His breath hitched, his hands tightening around my wrists, holding me in place, as if he could stop me from leaving. As if I wasn’t already gone.“Can’t you see it?” My voice wavered as I searched his face, begging him to understand. “The love you show her? It’s in your actions, Leonard. It’s always been there.”He shook his head quickly, his grip firm, but I continued.“If we were both at gunpoint, you would pick her. I know it. Your actions have al
Leonard’s Point of ViewThe last thing a man expects after a long, exhausting day at work is to come home to two women tearing each other apart over him.But here I was.Again.“Elena. Olivia.” I ran a hand down my face, my patience hanging by a thread. “What on earth is wrong with you both? What the hell is going on here?”It was always something. If I left them alone for even a second, it was like they couldn’t breathe without wanting to rip each other apart.Before Olivia could speak, Elena moved first.As if on cue.Her small hands clutched my shirt, trembling slightly, her head ducked, tears falling like she had just been through a war.“Oh, Leo, you’re here,” she whispered, her voice breaking as she sniffled.I sighed. Here we go.“I didn’t mean to upset her,” she continued, stammering, her voice soft, weak, delicate.She burrowed herself into my chest, shaking slightly as I instinctively brought a hand up to stroke her hair.“I was just….” she sniffled, her fingers curling into
Olivia’s Point of ViewI had held it in for too long.The pain. The heartbreak. The silent screams trapped inside my chest. It was suffocating me, clawing at my insides, eating me alive. But not anymore.I was done.I had picked up the shattered pieces of myself, dusted my feet, and made up my mind. This marriage was over. This prison I had been trapped in,I was finally walking away.My hands trembled as I zipped up my last suitcase, my heart hammering inside my chest. I took a deep breath, gripping the handle.One step.Two.I was almost out of the room when. I collided straight into her.A familiar scent. A familiar presence. One that made my skin irk. Elena.I barely had time to move before she tapped her cane against my suitcase, her lips curling into a knowing smirk.“Uh-uh. What’s going on here, Olivia? Where are you taking all these suitcases? Sending them to the dry cleaners? Or… are you off on a little vacation?”Her cane tapped against the suitcase again, a hollow sound th
Leonard POV“Dude, that’s some messed-up shit going on in your life right now. Like, bro….” Lincoln exhaled, shaking his head as he leaned back, watching me with a mix of disbelief and pity. “What the actual fuck, man?”I let out a bitter laugh, one that didn’t hold an ounce of humor. “You think I don’t know that?” My voice was rough, strained, like I had been screaming all night. Hell, maybe I had. “I don’t know what to do anymore, man.”I ran a hand through my hair, pacing the damn room because sitting still felt impossible.“Last night was fucking insane.”Lincoln’s gaze sharpened. “What happened? What did she do?”I stopped pacing, gripping the edge of the counter like it was the only thing keeping me grounded. “She came in asking for a divorce.”The words sat heavy in my mouth, like they were trying to choke me from the inside out.Lincoln’s eyes widened. “She actually said the words?”I let out a shaky breath. “Word for fucking word, man. I. Want. A. Divorce. That’s what she sai