Olivia's POVDr. Zoe’s office smelled faintly of lavender, a calming scent that failed to ease the storm raging in my chest. The soft hum of her air purifier filled the silence as we took our seats. Ryan sat beside me, his posture as straight and commanding as ever, while I sank into the chair, trying to gather the scattered pieces of my composure. Dr. Zoe’s eyes flickered toward Ryan, her surprise evident. She bowed her head respectfully. “Alpha Ryan, it’s an honor to have you here. I wasn’t aware you were involved with Olivia.”My heart clenched, and heat rushed to my cheeks. “He’s—he’s my new boss,” I interjected quickly, my voice steadier than I expected. “He’s just here to ensure everything’s alright.”Ryan’s sharp gaze turned to me, his expression unreadable. Dr. Zoe’s shoulders relaxed, and she gave a small nod of understanding. “I see. Well, that explains your presence.” Her tone lightened, but the weight of her next words lingered in the air. “Olivia, I’d like to speak with
Olivia POV The corridor outside Doctor Zoe’s office felt suffocating. I needed air, or at least a moment to gather myself before returning to face reality. Layla’s life was hanging by a thread, and I could feel every ounce of weight pressing on my shoulders. Desperation clawed at my chest, but I couldn’t let Alpha Ryan see how broken I truly was.I slipped down the hallway, my steps unsteady but determined, until I found the hospital restroom. With a trembling hand, I pushed open the door, grateful to find it empty. The cold, sterile air hit me, and I moved quickly to the sink, turning on the faucet. The sound of rushing water filled the quiet space as I cupped my hands, splashing the cool liquid onto my flushed face.Looking up, I caught my reflection in the mirror. My face was pale and drawn, my eyes red-rimmed and swollen from crying. I looked utterly wrecked, a far cry from the strong front I tried to put on in front of Ryan. Layla’s face flashed in my mind—her warm smile, her li
Olivia’s POVThe stall door rattled violently against my back as Emily’s high-pitched voice echoed through the restroom.“Get out here, Olivia! Or are you too much of a coward to face me?” she screeched, her fists pounding on the door.My breathing was shallow, my chest heaving as I pressed myself harder against the cold metal, as if it could somehow shield me from her rage. My palms felt clammy, and I clenched them into fists to stop them from trembling.“Do you seriously think hiding in there will save you? You’re pathetic, Olivia! Always have been.” Emily’s laugh was sharp, a knife slicing through the silence. “You think you’re better than everyone just because you’ve got that tragic little face and those pitiful doe eyes. Newsflash: you’re nothing. Less than nothing.”The words stung, but I forced myself to swallow the lump rising in my throat. She was baiting me, trying to draw me out, but I couldn’t afford to react—not now. I had too much to lose. My hand instinctively moved to
Olivia POVJust a few steps from the restroom was Layla’s room. As I exited earlier, the sound of a muffled cry caught my attention. It was coming from her room. My chest tightened and I had hurried down the corridor to the room.When I opened the door, my heart sank. Johnny, Zoe’s youngest son who was Layla's best friend, was perched on the edge of the bed, his tiny frame shaking as he cried. Layla, pale and fragile, lay unconscious on the hospital bed. Dr. Zoe, his mother, knelt beside him, whispering soothing words.“It’s okay, Johnny,” Zoe murmured, stroking his hair. “Layla’s strong. She’ll pull through.”Johnny turned as he heard the door creak open. His teary eyes met mine, and before I could say a word, he ran toward me and wrapped his small arms around my waist.“Olivia,” he sobbed, his voice cracking. “Is Layla going to die?”The weight of his question hit me like a punch to the gut. I knelt down, meeting him at eye level, and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.“No, J
Emily's POVI slammed the door to my room, my chest heaving with frustration. My nails dug into my palms as I tried to control the rage boiling inside me. Ryan. Ryan. His name echoed in my head, each repetition stoking the fire in my chest. How dare he reject me? After everything I’ve done, after all the years I’ve been by his side—or at least in his orbit—this is how he repays me?The walls of my room seemed to close in, the pink-tinged decor suddenly suffocating. I grabbed the first thing I saw—a framed photo of myself from last year’s gala—and hurled it across the room. The glass shattered on impact, shards scattering across the hardwood floor.“No,” I whispered harshly, pacing the room like a caged animal. My voice rose with each word. “No, no, no! This wasn’t supposed to happen!”I turned to the vanity, catching a glimpse of my flushed face in the mirror. My carefully applied makeup now felt like a mask, one I wanted to rip off. With a frustrated groan, I swiped the perfumes, bru
Olivia POV The lingering warmth of the roast lamb on my tongue hadn’t yet faded when I noticed something odd. The staff member, who had been answering Ryan’s question about deliveries, kept stealing glances at me—no, not at me, at my stomach. My cheeks burned, and I fidgeted with the hem of my sweater, hoping he’d stop. But his gaze kept darting between Ryan and me, his expression a mixture of curiosity and excitement.Then, as if to confirm whatever assumptions he’d made, he straightened up and said, “Of course, subscribing to our online service means you’ll also receive recommendations for the latest maternal and child products every month.”Maternal and child products? What on earth?I froze, unsure whether to laugh, correct him, or disappear into the floor. Before I could decide, Ryan nodded coolly, as if the comment was perfectly normal, and added a few more lamb chops to the shopping cart.“Let’s try something else,” he said, steering the cart away without acknowledging my wide
Olivia's POVSteam curled around me as I stepped out of the shower, my hair wet and clinging to my shoulders. The cool air of Alpha Ryan’s room hit my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. I grabbed the soft towel he’d left for me and wiped my face, then let it drape over my shoulders as I took in the space around me. His room was exquisite—modern yet warm, with a hint of masculinity in the dark wood furniture and deep blue accents. It smelled of him, a mix of cedar and fresh air, a scent that was both calming and unsettling.The large mirror above his dresser caught my reflection, and I tucked a damp strand of hair behind my ear, sighing softly. For a moment, I debated whether I should sleep in this room as Ryan had suggested. It felt too personal, too intimate, even though he had made it clear he’d be working in the study all night.“If you can’t sleep,” he had said earlier, his tone steady but kind, “there’s a TV in the living room. Call me if you need anything. And don’t forget to
Olivia's POVI sat on the edge of the couch, staring at my phone, the glow of the screen burning my eyes. Emily’s face was impossible to ignore. The picture made it seem like Ryan was holding her close, as though they were more than just acquaintances. A shiver ran through me, not from the coolness of the air, but from the sudden chill that seized my heart. I could barely breathe as the words under the image clawed at me, calling Emily Ryan’s chosen surrogate. The very thought of it made my stomach churn.How could this happen? I barely had time to process the information before my mind was flooded with flashes of the hospital toilet, Emily’s voice echoing in my head. "You will never be anything. I’ll be the one to carry Alpha Ryan's child. I'll be Luna." Those words felt like a slap across my face, reminding me that the truth was clear—there was no place for me in Ryan’s life. Not really. Not in the way that mattered. My head spun, my hands clammy as I scrolled through the endless c
Ryan POVI waved my hand, dismissing the murmuring crowd as their chatter began to rise again. The weight of their gazes lingered on me, but I didn’t have the energy to respond. My attention was focused on Olivia. I turned my body slightly to face her, and that’s when I saw her.She was pale, her face stricken, eyes wide, and lips trembling slightly as though trying to hold back words she couldn’t find. My chest ached at the sight, and I closed the distance between us, steadying her as her legs wobbled under her.“Hey,” I said softly, my voice low and steady as I placed a firm hand on her arm. “You’re okay. Trust me.”Before I could even take another breath, Ric appeared at my side. His presence was calm and steady, and I quickly gave him an order before he vould say anything.“Ric,” I said, my voice sharp and unwavering. “Go get the sorceress. Stephanie. Now.”He nodded without hesitation and disappeared as quickly as he appeared. I stayed by Olivia, my eyes scanning her face. She lo
Olivia POVThe crowd fell silent, all eyes on the laptop, tension thick enough to cut with a knife. My heart pounded in my chest as I clung to the faint hope that whatever was on that screen might save me.And then the moment hung, suspended in unbearable suspense.Ryan’s eyes, sharp and calculating, moved over Matt. “Is there anything wrong with your explanation?” His voice carried a quiet authority that made even the most brazen shudder.Matt flinched, the sweat starting to bead on his forehead. His throat bobbed as he swallowed hard, but he managed to shake his head. “No, Alpha. My explanation… it’s the truth. She texted me last night. I met up with her and she forced herself at me.”Ryan’s lips twitched, not quite a smirk but enough to show he wasn’t buying it. “Funny,” he said, his tone deceptively calm. “There are hidden cameras in this camp. One of them caught everything.”A gasp rippled through the crowd. My heart skipped a beat, and I felt every muscle in my body tense. I tur
Olivia's POVRyan’s arm remained firmly around me as he turned toward the hallway, his voice sharp with authority. "You're safe now, Olivia. Just breathe."I wanted to reply, to thank him, to explain, but my mouth felt glued shut, my body trembling with aftershocks of fear. My heart raced like it was about to burst, and I clutched his shirt as if it was the only tether keeping me grounded.The sound of Matt’s heavy steps echoed in the hallway, and my breath hitched. He wasn’t far. I could see his shadow elongate against the walls before he appeared, disheveled, his face twisted with fury. Blood seeped from his hand, staining the sleeve of his shirt where I had stabbed him with the pen.“You,” Ryan growled, stepping forward and partially shielding me with his body. I quivered behind him, unable to meet Matt’s gaze, my mind replaying his earlier words and actions in a cruel loop.Ryan’s tone was calm but menacing. "You need to back off. Now."Matt smirked, his expression dripping with m
Olivia's POV Matt’s grip on my arm was like an iron shackle, his fingers digging into my skin. I tried to yank my arm free, twisting and pulling with all the strength I could muster, but he only tightened his hold.“You’ve really sunk that low, huh?” he sneered, his words sharp and cutting like a blade. His breath was hot and heavy against my face, his tone drenched with venom. “Going after old men to pay your father’s debt? That’s pathetic. It’s disgusting, Olivia.”The words hit me hard, more than I cared to admit. My lips parted, but no words came out at first. How dare he? The audacity of this man to stand here and assume he knew anything about my life!“That’s not true,” I spat, finally finding my voice. “I don’t have some… sugar daddy, or whatever sick thing you’re imagining. You don’t know what you’re talking about, Matt!”He scoffed, his eyes narrowing as his mouth curled into a smirk that only fueled my anger. “Oh, really? Then explain why everyone keeps saying it. Why else
Ryan's POV The morning’s work was long and tedious, but my thoughts constantly drifted to Olivia. I tried to focus, yet the idea of her at the camp reunion gnawed at me. I wasn’t worried for her safety; Ric was with her. He was the best warrior I had, and I trusted him implicitly to protect her. But there was something unsettling about the idea of her being there, surrounded by her past, while I was here.Needing a change of scenery, I decided to head to the training camp. Maybe I could convince myself it was just routine inspection, but deep down, I knew it was more than that.As I stepped out of my car at the campgrounds, the crisp air filled my lungs, bringing with it a wave of memories from my own time here. The hum of activity from trainees and instructors echoed around me, but being in this environment only intensified my yearning to see her. I shook my head, pulling myself together. The superintendent of the camp and his staff rushed to greet me, their voices full of reverence
Olivia POVThe air felt stifling as I stared at Matt instead of giving him an answer to his request. I hadn’t expected to see him tonight, not after everything that had happened. A part of me had convinced itself that whatever fragile thread still connected us had been severed long ago.“Olivia,” Again, his voice was soft but carried a weight that made my chest tighten. “Can we talk? Just for a moment. Alone, please.”I wanted to say no. The words were right there, ready to escape my lips, but they caught in my throat when Zara gripped my arm and leaned close, whispering, “You should go. He looks like he really needs to talk to you.”I shook my head, panic bubbling beneath my calm facade. “Zara, I can’t—”“Of course, you can,” she interrupted, her tone light but firm as she began nudging me toward the door. “Don’t make the poor guy wait. Besides, it’s obvious he cares about you.”If only she knew the truth.I glanced back at Zara, trying to convey my desperation without words, but her
Olivia's POVThe moment I reached the far end of the hallway, I let the tears flow freely. My chest heaved with suppressed sobs, and I clutched the straps of my bag tightly to steady myself. My flat shoes echoed faintly against the tiled floor as I hurried, my vision blurred from the salty sting of tears. I just needed to get away—from the disappointment in Professor Susan’s voice, from the lingering questions I didn’t want to answer.“Olivia!” Zara’s voice rang out from behind me, her hurried footsteps closing the distance. She grabbed my arm and pulled me to a stop. “Why are you crying? What’s wrong?”I wiped my cheeks roughly, refusing to meet her eyes. “It’s nothing, Zara. Just… let it go.”Her silence was unnerving, and when I finally glanced up at her, her expression was a mixture of frustration and concern. She folded her arms, her jaw set. “Let me guess. Alpha Ryan’s been mistreating you, hasn’t he?”I blinked at her, startled by the accusation. “What?”Zara nodded to herself,
Olivia’s POVZara grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief as I teased her about her heavy padded jacket. “What are you hiding under there?” I asked, folding my arms and raising an eyebrow.With a dramatic flourish, Zara unzipped the jacket and shrugged it off, revealing a stunning outfit that made me gasp. She wore a sleek black halter top that hugged her figure perfectly, paired with a high-waisted leather skirt that flared just enough to make her look effortlessly stylish. Her boots, knee-high and laced, added an edge to the ensemble. Zara twirled playfully, the fabric catching the light and shimmering slightly.“This,” she announced with a proud smirk, “is my real outfit. Perfect for the send-off party tonight.”I tilted my head knowingly. “And this wouldn’t have anything to do with Loren, would it?”Zara’s smirk turned into a wide grin, and she leaned in conspiratorially. “Okay, fine. Maybe it has everything to do with Loren. I considered it and confessed my love to him first.”
Olivia POVHer question hung in the air, and I struggled to find the words, my heart pounding as the weight of her assumptions pressed down on me.The rack of elegant clothes loomed in front of me, every gown, dress, and jumpsuit shimmering under the soft glow of my room’s light. Emma, clearly proud of her display, stood expectantly, her eyes practically sparkling with excitement despite my rejection. My heart raced as I looked from the rack to her and back again."Well, Olivia?" Emma asked, holding up an emerald gown that sparkled with an almost otherworldly brilliance. "This would look divine on you. Imagine the heads you'll turn at the reunion!"I bit my lip, trying to form a coherent response. The truth swirled in my mind, too complicated to put into words. This party wasn’t some grand occasion; it was a casual farewell for my boot camp class. Showing up in a gown meant for a royal gala would be ridiculous.“I don’t think…” My voice faltered. “I mean, the party’s mostly for regula