CHRISTIAN My hands were gripping the edge of the dining table as I watched everything play out. I thought my grandfather would give up the moment Olivia mentioned that a board member was a witness to our intimacy. But I was wrong. There grandfather was, dialing Mr. Parker to confirm the story. This was more than my heart could take at the moment. Sighing, I leaned back into my chair and loosened my tie a bit. I couldn't help but feel like I'd fucked up. I should have handled this whole thing the way I'd initially planned. And now everything had fallen apart. I resisted the urge to exhale loudly. I really thought I would be able to attend this dinner, execute my plans and put Michael in his place. But the moment I walked in and saw the sitting arrangement, it all came rushing back to me. The past had gripped me so hard that I could hardly speak. I lost my composure, just sat there staring and struggling to remember how to breathe. It was such an awful thing that it almost hurt to
OLIVIAI glanced sideways at Christian for the umpteenth time and still he pretended not to notice me staring. We were in the car en route to my house, and a million questions were still roaming in my mind about the dinner. I didn't understand why Christian wasn't saying anything. He didn't even acknowledge the fact that everything we planned had almost gone south today.All because of him.Even a simple explanation would have sufficed. But apparently that was too much for him. I mean, why would the city’s most eligible playboy and billionaire explain himself to Olivia? I scoffed, resisting an eye roll. He just sat there, his usual stoic self as he stared out of the window. Meanwhile, I was still struggling to figure it out myself. Was that freeze-up a part of his plan? Was it some kind of test to figure out if I was up to the task?I seriously doubted that, considering how important this was to Christian. I didn't think he would put it all on the line like that for the sake of a
OLIVIA I stepped into the lecture hall, clutching my laptop and bag in both hands as I made my way to an empty spot. I could hear the shady whispers behind me as I walked past my classmates, their curious and mocking gazes stabbing into my back. And for a short, delusional moment, I decided to believe those whispers weren’t about me. But they were in fact, about me. My classmates were all staring at me. Every. Single. One. Of. Them. What was it about this time? What fresh gossip about me were they enjoying? As usual, I ignored them, sliding into my seat and setting down my bag and laptop. One would think that as final year students, they would be more mature. But they were really only as childish as it could get. They’d treated me the same way since our first year here, seeing as I didn’t come from money, and most of them were children of men and women that belonged to the elite class. This was basically a school for elites, because every one of my classmates owned luxury cars
OLIVIA I stood at my school’s parking lot, waiting for my driver, the wind blowing in my tear-streaked face.Christian had texted that my driver and personal assistant were coming to get me, and that he wanted to see me. And ever since I received the text, I’d been wondering why. Why would he want to see me?I sighed, running my fingers through my hair in frustration. I shouldn’t have left the hall, missing out on the lecture. But it couldn’t be helped. I hated how Miss Elowen looked down on and humiliated me constantly.It wasn’t the first time she’d made me her subject of mockery and each time, it was worse than the last. “Olivia,” A familiar voice called out from behind me, and my stomach knotted in painful twists. Something about that voice nauseated me each time I heard it. I turned slowly to see him standing there. The one person I hated the most in this world. Jaxon.His eyes roamed feverishly over my body in a way that made me feel sick to my stomach, that made my skin craw
OLIVIAThe familiar scent of leather and musk hit my nose as I walked into the office. And I was briefly reminded of the intoxicating moments I’d shared with the imposing man behind the desk, in this office.His eyes were fixed on the screen of the desktop before him, his brows furrowed together. And after a full minute, he looked up at me, his eyes boring uncomfortable holes into me as he loosened his tie.That simple action sent my heart racing, heat rushing to my face. Why was he loosening his tie? Why did he have to do it now that I was here? Were we about to have sex again?A hundred more questions raced through my mind as I stared at him, most of which I had no answers to.I managed to get a grip amidst it all, shaking myself back to logic. I deserved an apology from him, for being a total dick the last time we were together.I took a stubborn stance then, land crossed my arms over my chest, making sure my face was properly squeezed into a frown. “Why did you want to see me?”H
OLIVIAWe arrived in Dubai a few hours later, and I instantly fell in love.I’ve heard stories about Dubai being a nice and beautiful city, but now I was actually in Dubai, I realized that the stories did no justice to how good this city looked.It was a lively city illuminated with lots of lights, and as we drove through the streets, I plastered my face against the windscreen of the car to get a good look at the glistening billboards and malls.I whipped out my phone and aimed at a fish-tank-designed billboard that had the videos of a really pretty woman floating around in 3D style.It was such a catchy sight.“We’ll be arriving at the hotel soon,” Christian said from beside, interrupting my little sight-seeing session. “Stop that and put away the phone,” He ordered, a stern look on his face, “Makes you look like a bush rat.”The last few words caught my attention, and I whirled sharply to face him, forgetting about the 3D display for a minute.“What?” He asked after a while of glari
CHRISTIANI tightened my grip on Olivia’s wrist, dragging her through the crowd in Zaydan’s mansion. I could feel the nervous and anxious energy coursing through her veins as we walked. And I despised it. What annoyed me most about Olivia was her lack of confidence. She had no idea how beautiful she was—how much power she could wield if she only realized it.As we moved through the crowd, heads turned, admiring the striking couple we made. Yet beside me, she trembled like a wet puppy, completely unaware of the attention she commanded.“Stay close to me,” I ground out in a whisper, “And stop panting like a dog.”She glared at me, challenging me with her eyes, her usual way of reacting to me, because she was too scared to actually utter a word.Well, except for that one night. After the family dinner. She’d looked me in the eyes and uttered the cruelest words ever. I shouldn’t forgive her so easily.“Ahhh. Christian, my old friend!” Someone exclaimed from behind me, and I turned aroun
OLIVIA The moment we stepped into the suite, the anger I’d been bottling up burst free like a dam breaking. “What the hell were you thinking?” I snapped, kicking off my shoes and tossing my purse into the corner. “Why would you do that?!” “Well, I should be asking you that, Olivia!” Christian shot back to my surprise and slammed the door shut. I blinked, caught off guard. “W-what? What do you mean?” My voice wavered as confusion crept in. “One word!” He yelled again, “A simple instruction, Olivia. Smile. That was all I asked you to do,” He threw his hands in the air, his eyes boring into me with anger, “You disobeyed me. You decided to go ahead and show Zaydan your beautiful dentition. You’ve done well.” The words cut me like a sharp knife, and I took a step back. I couldn’t believe he was saying this. How could he? “But I…I was only trying to help,” I stammered, watching him carefully. “And did I ever ask for your help?” He shot back immediately. “Did it ever occur
Olivia’s POV“You need to see my grandfather before you leave.”Nodding, I followed closely behind Christian, completely numb.The nerve he has, putting his hand on my body, after dancing so passionately with that bitch only minutes ago.As we walked over to Mr. Blackwood, his eyes fell on me, and they sparkled.“Olivia,” he called, his tone affectionate, “I hope you enjoyed the ball.”“It was very remarkable, Mr. Blackwood,” I replied, forcing a smile on my face, “and I was glad to be a part of such a phenomenal event.”He nodded, his lips stretching further in a proud smile. “I’m very happy you honored the invitation,” he replied, then slid his gaze to Christian who stood quietly behind me, and back to me. “Are you leaving already?”I nodded, pressing my lips together. “Yes sir. I have a slight tummy ache, so I can’t stay any longer.”“Okay, alright,” he nodded, his brows furrowing in concern. “You have to rest, anyway. Take care of yourself, and if you need anything, let me know.”
Olivia’s POVI yawned as my eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the light, taking in my surroundings.This room looked unfamiliar…I sat up in a flash, really scanning the room now, my fists clutching the sheets as it dawned on me.Yes… Last night. Christian’s room…The fragments of my memory pieced together, and it all came back to me. My steamy first time.I had eagerly given up my virginity to Christian Blackwood, joining the long list of women who had been intoxicated and enraptured by his looks, and had toppled into his bed.I closed my eyes, a flush creeping up my cheeks as I remembered how I had begged him to take me, groping and yearning for him.“Ugh!” I groaned, hitting my arms and legs against the sheets, kicking them away.What had come over me? How could I have been so easy? Giving myself to him so eagerly? Begging to be devoured like my life depended on it?This was next-level embarrassment.I sighed, my mind drifting back to the previous night. My first time had been bett
Olivia’s POVI tried to blend in with these sophisticated women in the game room, holding my head high in the same way they did, pretending to check out the exhibits like they were doing.I was very aware of how I carried myself.In the process of pretending, I actually started to really enjoy looking at the exhibits, captivated by the details being displayed on the large screen.Somewhere along the line, I caught Christian’s name in the conversations going on a few feet away from where I stood, and listening carefully, I heard a familiar voice rising from there.Turning my head to the side, I saw Lydia standing there, in the midst of other sophisticated women, lost in whatever conversation they were having.I was tempted to go over there and listen in, and no matter how much I tried to dissuade myself from going, trying to convince myself that whatever it was Lydia was saying was of no concern to me, I still found myself gravitating towards them.I shouldn’t have gone over there…As
OLIVIA The night carried on, and I watched as people waltzed across the dance floor, moving to the music with bright smiles and laughter. To my surprise, even Mr. Blackwood was dancing, with a woman around his age, no less. A small smile rested on his face as he led her across the floor. So he did things like this? I assumed the Blackwoods were all too serious for fun. I glanced away and spotted Michael dancing with his wife a little farther away. They didn’t look happy together, moving stiffly to the soft music. Meanwhile, Christian and Ophelia were deep in conversation with a group of guests at a table far from ours, caught up in whatever they were discussing. That left just me and Lydia at this table. She kept staring at me, not even bothering to hide it. I ignored her, but the longer it went on, the more annoyed I felt. What gave her this sort of confidence to harass me constantly? Was it the fact that she once dated Christian? If you asked me, she was clinging to the past
OLIVIA As the car pulled into the parking lot of Blackwood Hotel, I took in the sight before me, excitement bubbling lightly inside. The building stood tall, decorated beautifully, its windows glowing warmly. The engine quieted, and before I could move, Christian stepped out and opened my door. He held out his hand, his expression calm. “Here,” he said softly. Even though I had promised myself not to let my guard down, I found myself smiling. He had made an effort tonight—the dress, the sweet note. And while my heart still twisted at the thought of his so-called favorite ex, I had agreed to come with him. If not for Christian, then at least for Ophelia. She’d worked too hard on this event, and she would have been disappointed if I hadn’t shown up. Placing my hand in his, I lifted my dress slightly and stepped out. We walked toward the entrance, my gaze drifting over the decorations. If the exterior looked this enchanting, the interior had to be even more spectacular. At the doo
OLIVIA I lay on my back in my room, twirling my phone between my fingers, debating whether or not to follow through with the thought that was stuck in my head. Ever since the car ride with Christian, my mind hadn’t settled. His vague answer about Lydia only made things worse instead of calming me. Who was she to him really? And why wouldn’t he just tell me the truth? He clearly had no problem sharing my secrets with her—about me, about my brother, while lying in bed with her, no less. So why did he suddenly go vague when the topic was about her? I tapped my screen, then let it go dark again. I couldn’t decide. My fingers itched to act, while my brain warned me to stop. I even considered throwing the phone across the room and going to sleep. But curiosity is a dangerous thing, and today, it won. I pulled up my browser and typed in the name I swore I’d never search: Christian Blackwood and Lydia. The moment the results loaded, my heart dropped and I forgot all about self-control.
OLIVIA I sighed for what felt like the thousandth time, sitting in the lecture hall. Voices buzzed around me—conversations, laughter, whispers but none of it mattered. I couldn’t bring myself to care about anything they were saying. The truth was, I didn’t care about much these days. I felt like everything was spiraling beyond my control, like my life had suddenly changed completely. Even the smallest things felt exhausting now, like tasks I’d normally handle without a second thought. Maybe that’s why I hadn’t gone to see Mr. Sylas yet about the 30% he gave me on my project. He claimed it looked like I used AI, but I just didn’t have the strength to defend myself, not when everything else felt so tiring. I’d spent all of yesterday in bed, replaying Lydia’s words over and over in my head. “Is your brother okay?” “Christian had to shove me out of his bed…” I scoffed under my breath, biting down on my lower lip. What had I been thinking? That Christian Blackwood, the same man wh
OLIVIA I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection, searching for any signs that my body had changed since I found out I was pregnant.I still looked the same. Deep down, I knew this restlessness was just paranoia. It had only been a few days since I found out. What difference could several hours really make? Still, the weight in my chest had only grown heavier. The thoughts in my mind, the nervousness, it all seemed to get worse with every passing hour. A beep from my phone pulled me out of my thoughts. I glanced down at it on the dresser and saw a new email notification. It was an invitation to the Blackwood Annual Event, scheduled for three days from now. I sighed and picked up the phone, opening the email. The theme caught my eye right away: “A Night of Masks and Mystery – Gatsby Masquerade Ball.” A small smile tugged at my lips. I remembered talking to Ophelia about it, wondering how she planned to turn such a big, flashy idea into reality and now, I could see
MICHAEL A knock sounded on my office door, followed by a slight creak as it opened. I glanced up from the computer screen to see my secretary standing in the doorway. “What is it?” I asked, already irritated. “There’s a Miss Lydia here to see you.” I nodded. “Send her in.” Moments later, Lydia stepped into the room, a scowl tugging at her features. “What’s with the face?” I asked, eyeing her as she moved across the room. “I went to see your sister,” She said flatly. “Ophelia?” She shot me an angry look. “Do you have another sister I don’t know about?” With that, she dropped onto the couch, clearly annoyed. “Is that why you look like you’ve just been slapped?” She crossed her legs and leaned back, attempting to appear composed. “She was rude,” she said simply. “Exceptionally rude. Ugh, I hate how she makes me feel.” I exhaled, dragging a hand over my face. “I can’t say I’m surprised,” I said, my gaze drifting to the window. “She’s on Christian’s team and she must have