Sebastian Massimo leaned back in his plush leather chair, the glow of his laptop screen casting sharp shadows across his chiseled features. The numbers on the spreadsheet blurred together, meaningless. Another late night, another silent office. The clicking of the clock was his only companion. This was his life—a successful business built from nothing, yet nothing to show for it but loneliness. At thirty-six, Sebastian had everything a man could desire: wealth, power, and influence. But his sprawling villa in Florence felt like a gilded cage. Until her. He had first seen Olivia at a business seminar in Milan. She wasn’t meant to stand out; just another face in the sea of suits and polished shoes. But the moment she walked into the conference room, Sebastian’s world tilted. She wasn’t like the others. Her demeanor was gentle, her presence understated, yet magnetic. Sebastian watched her from across the room as she nervously adjusted her glasses and tucked a strand of hair behind h
The rain poured mercilessly, drenching the streets in a glossy sheen. Sebastian moved swiftly, carrying Olivia’s unconscious form in his arms. Her face was pale, her lips trembling from the cold. He ignored the water soaking through his clothes and darkening his hair; his only focus was getting her to safety. The ride to his luxurious mansion was silent except for the rhythmic drip of water from his coat. The luxury elevator’s polished mirrors reflected his composed yet intense expression. Once inside his mansion, he placed Olivia gently on the velvet couch in the center of the living room. The room was expansive, illuminated by soft, golden lighting that reflected off the marble floors and modern furniture. With precise movements, he removed her damp shoes and tucked a blanket over her, ensuring she was warm. Sebastian picked up his phone and dialed a number. The voice on the other end greeted him, but he cut to the point. “Dr. Moretti, I need you at my residence immediatel
Morning light filtered through the soft drapes, casting a golden glow across the unfamiliar room. Olivia stirred awake, her lashes fluttering as she blinked against the brightness. For a moment, she felt weightless, caught in the haze of waking from a dream. But as she turned her head, reality began to set in. This wasn’t her room. The bed was far larger and more luxurious than her simple one-bedroom apartment could afford. The room was pristine, with an understated elegance. A single abstract painting dominated the far wall, its muted colors blending seamlessly with the cream and beige decor. A glass door led to a balcony, where sunlight spilled onto the floor in soft, inviting pools. Olivia sat up, clutching the comforter to her chest as unease rippled through her. The events of the previous night were fragmented, flashes of rain and heartbreak mingling with the sense of falling into nothingness. She remembered leaving Alexander’s penthouse, her body trembling with anger and hu
Sebestian's POV I closed the door to her room gently, letting the faint sound of the latch echo in the quiet hallway. For a moment, I stood there, my hand still gripping the doorknob, unsure if I should go back in. The image of her lying there, so small and broken, burned into my mind. She had barely spoken, yet her silence said enough. Turning away, I walked down the hall. My footsteps felt heavier with each step. The soft glow of the rain outside spilled through the windows, streaking shadows across the floor. The storm outside matched the one inside me. I couldn’t stop seeing her face—her tear-soaked cheeks, the way she flinched when I tried to calm her like she expected even my kindness to come with a blade. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. She deserved better than this world. Better than him. Dropping into the chair in the sitting room, I leaned forward and rested my elbows on my knees. My head fell into my hands a
Sebestian's POV She’s here.The thought echoed in my mind as I sat in the dim stillness of my study, staring blankly at the tumbler of untouched whiskey on the desk before me. Olivia. After all these months of watching her from afar, she was finally within my reach. Not through my careful planning, but through a twist of fate.I should be elated. She was safe, under my roof, where no one could harm her. No one, especially not him. Alexander. My jaw tightened at the thought of that man—his arrogance, his cruelty. She trusted him, gave him her heart, and he crushed it without a second thought. If only she knew the things I’d seen him do, the depths of his deceit. He didn’t deserve her, but then, who did?Certainly not me.I pressed my fingers to my temples, trying to silence the thought. I’d wanted to protect her for so long, to be the person who could shelter her from the world’s cruelty. Yet here I was, lying to her by omission. She didn’t know who I really was, what I’d done. If she
Sebastian’s mansion was as grand as Olivia remembered from the night before, though she had been too disoriented to truly take in the details. The spacious living room, adorned with modern art and minimalist furniture, exuded an air of elegance. Floor-to-ceiling windows allowed the moonlight to pour in, casting silvery shadows across the polished floor." Umm, do you want a coffee?" Sebestian offered with a hope to spend more time with her. Thinking for some moments, Olivia finally agreed because she was also tired of resting. Sebestian left with a genuine smile, which he doesn't do often. Sebastian returned to the room carrying a tray with two steaming cups of coffee. He placed them on the low glass table in front of the plush couch where Olivia sat.“I thought we could talk here,” he said, settling into the chair opposite her. His Italian accent softened his words, making them feel deliberate and careful.Olivia picked up her cup, the warmth seeping into her hands. “Thank you,” sh
The morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains of Olivia’s bedroom, casting golden hues over her modest but cozy room. The faint hum of life outside—cars passing, birds chirping, neighbors starting their routines—was a gentle reminder that another day had begun. Olivia stirred under her blanket, her eyes fluttering open. For a moment, she stared at the ceiling, feeling the weight of everything that had happened pressing down on her chest. The betrayal, the humiliation, and now this confusing chapter of her life—her thoughts swirled like an endless storm. She sighed deeply, her fingers brushing strands of hair away from her face. How did it all come to this? she wondered. Alexander’s face flashed in her mind, quickly followed by the memory of Sebastian’s intense gaze. She didn’t know what to make of him yet. He had helped her when she was at her lowest, and while she appreciated it, she couldn’t ignore the peculiar feeling he stirred in her—a mix of gratitude and unease. Pullin
Olivia sat curled up on her couch, a soft blanket draped over her legs. The faint glow of the television illuminated her living room as the familiar soundtrack of her favorite series played in the background. She took a sip of her hot chocolate, trying to push away the swirling thoughts about her new job. Working for Sebastian’s company felt like a new beginning, but it also filled her with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. As she tried to lose herself in the show, her phone buzzed on the coffee table. Olivia frowned. It was an unknown number. She hesitated for a moment, debating whether to pick it up. What if it’s work-related? she thought, reaching for the phone. “Hello?” she answered, her voice tentative. “Olivia,” came the familiar voice on the other end, dripping with mockery. “So, you finally resigned. I have to say, I saw this coming.” Her chest tightened. It was Alexander. “I wasn’t sure you’d actually have the guts to walk away,” Alexander continued, his tone lace
Sebastian leaned back in his chair, a rare moment of serenity washing over him as he glanced at the clock. It was finally time for lunch—an excuse to steal a few precious minutes with his wife. He turned his gaze toward Olivia’s cabin, where she was immersed in her work, oblivious to his plans. Smirking to himself, he reached for the intercom and pressed the button to call her. Olivia picked up without looking at the caller ID. “Hello?” she said, her voice distracted but soft. “It’s time for lunch,” Sebastian’s smooth voice replied. “So?” she retorted, not bothering to mask the mild irritation in her tone. He chuckled quietly, a teasing edge creeping into his words. “Can I get my wife now?” At that, Olivia glanced up, her eyes meeting his through the glass wall separating their offices. A slight blush crept up her cheeks, but she quickly tried to compose herself. “I’m not hungry,” she said, hoping to deflect him. Sebastian’s smirk widened, his tone firm yet laced with affection
After breakfast, Sebastian led Olivia to the car. The ride to the office was quiet but charged with unspoken tension. She gazed out the window, trying to calm her nerves about the day ahead, while Sebastian occasionally glanced her way, a faint smile playing on his lips. As they entered the office building, the atmosphere shifted. Heads turned as they walked through the spacious, marble-floored lobby. Conversations paused, and whispers spread like wildfire. Olivia could feel the weight of everyone’s stares, a mix of curiosity, admiration, and jealousy in their eyes. Sebastian, unfazed, walked with his usual air of authority. Olivia, however, kept her gaze forward, her cheeks flushing faintly. She wasn’t used to being the center of attention. When they reached the top floor, he led her to a glass door beside his office and pushed it open. The cabin inside was stunning—sleek, modern furniture, a large mahogany desk, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the ci
Olivia woke slowly, the soft light of morning peeking through the window. She was in an unfamiliar room, though it felt like the one she'd spent the night in. She turned her head and saw the bed was untouched beside her. Sebastian had given her privacy, sleeping in the room next door. She sat up, the heaviness of last night still lingering. She remembered everything clearly—the marriage, his cold ultimatum. You can go back to work, but on one condition: you’ll get special treatment, as my wife. The words echoed in her mind as she swung her legs off the bed and stood up. Her feet met the plush carpet, and she walked to the window, looking out at the sprawling grounds of his mansion. She could feel the weight of his condition pressing down on her. She didn’t want to accept it, but she had no choice. Special treatment, she thought bitterly. The idea of being treated like a trophy at work, her position tied solely to her marriage, didn’t sit well with her. But she needed to work. Sh
They heard the doorbell rang, their attention got diverted to it leaving Olivia's request " It must be the food delivery, I ordered your favorite. let's continue this discussion on the dining table" Sebestian said, making Olivia nod. Olivia entered in the dining room and settled on one of the chair of dining table, Sebestian also came after sometime taking the delivery. Olivia stood and served them both. The dining room was steeped in tension, every clink of cutlery against the plates amplified in the silence. Olivia sat stiffly, her gaze fixed on the table as she tried to summon the courage to speak."I need to go back to work," she said finally, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.Sebastian, seated across from her, raised his head slowly, his dark eyes narrowing slightly. He took his time setting his coffee cup down, studying her with an intensity that made her stomach twist."You can," he said, his voice calm yet commanding.For a fleeting moment, relief fluttered in
Sebastian walked into the living room, his footsteps soft against the hardwood floor. The glow of the television illuminated the otherwise dim space, casting flickering shadows on the walls. He immediately noticed Olivia, curled up on the couch, a blanket loosely draped over her. She had fallen asleep there, her head resting against the armrest, her body relaxed in a way that betrayed her exhaustion. The television played the final scenes of her favorite series, the familiar dialogue now a muted background hum. Sebastian paused, taking in the scene. Her face was serene, her features softened by sleep. A stray lock of hair framed her cheek, catching the faint light from the screen. She looked so peaceful, a stark contrast to the turmoil he knew she had been enduring. He moved closer, his eyes lingering on her. There was something utterly disarming about seeing her like this, so unguarded. She clutched the edge of the blanket as though it were a shield, a subconscious act of seeking
I leaned back in my chair, letting the memory of the morning replay in my mind. It hadn’t gone as planned, not at all, yet somehow, it felt perfect.I had wanted to surprise her with breakfast—her favorites, of course. I’d envisioned her sitting down, her guarded expression softening as she saw the effort I’d made for her. But instead, I’d ended up with burnt toast, overcooked eggs, and a kitchen filled with smoke.She had walked in just as I was waving a towel to clear the air, her eyebrows raised in surprise. For a moment, I thought she might laugh, but instead, she tilted her head, studying me like I was an unsolvable puzzle. Then, to my surprise, she’d suggested we cook together.I hadn’t expected her to offer, but the idea of working side by side with her was too tempting to refuse. So, I stepped back, letting her take the lead. She seemed more at ease as she moved around the kitchen, instructing me on how to whisk eggs properly and how much seasoning to add.Her movements were s
Sunlight poured through the oversized windows of the bedroom, casting golden patterns across the plush duvet. Olivia stirred, the soft glow of morning nudging her from sleep. Her lashes fluttered open, and she instinctively reached for the other side of the bed, but her hand met cool, undisturbed sheets. Frowning slightly, she sat up, her fingers brushing her hair out of her face as she glanced around the room.The elegant bedroom, with its neutral tones and luxurious touches, was eerily quiet. Usually, she would hear faint noises—the distant hum of staff going about their morning routines or the clinking of dishes from the kitchen. But today, there was only silence, save for the faint rustling of trees outside.Curiosity tugged at her. Where was Sebastian? It wasn’t like him to leave without a word.She slipped out of bed, her bare feet sinking into the soft rug. Walking over to the wardrobe, she chose a simple light-blue summer dress, its soft fabric brushing gently against her skin
The grand doors of the mansion opened, and Sebastian gently guided Olivia inside. She still wore her wedding gown, her fingers clutching the edge of her veil. Her eyes darted around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings of the place that was now supposed to be her home. “You must be exhausted,” Sebastian said softly. “Let me take you to our room.” Olivia stiffened slightly at his words. Her nerves showed in the way she adjusted her grip on the veil, but she nodded. “Alright.” He placed a hand on the small of her back, leading her up the wide staircase. The mansion was eerily silent, the soft click of their footsteps echoing in the vast space. At the end of a long hallway, Sebastian opened a door and stepped aside for her to enter. Olivia hesitated on the threshold, her eyes sweeping over the enormous room. A canopy bed draped in luxurious fabric dominated the space. The dim, golden light of the chandelier cast a warm glow over dark wood furniture and a faintly flickering fi
The hall was resplendent, decorated in hues of gold and ivory, with hundreds of candles casting a warm glow over the ornate floral arrangements. Guests mingled, their chatter and laughter blending with the soft strains of a string quartet playing in the corner. Olivia stood at the far end of the room, dressed in an elegant white gown that shimmered faintly under the light. The intricate lace detailing hugged her frame delicately, and the veil pinned in her hair cascaded like a waterfall down her back. Her heart pounded, but not from the occasion. She glanced at the man beside her. Sebastian was immaculate in his tailored suit, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room. His hand rested lightly on her waist, a gesture that made her both uneasy and tethered. As the evening unfolded, Sebastian guided her through the crowd, introducing her to important faces she didn’t know, smiling and conversing with calculated ease. Olivia’s focus wavered as she tried to keep her