The morning sun painted Olivia's small apartment in soft gold as she stood in front of her mirror. Her blazer was crisp, her pencil skirt fitted perfectly, and her hair neatly tied back in a bun. Yet, her hands trembled slightly as she adjusted her collar. Today was her first day as an assistant to Sebastian Massimo—a man whose charm and poise both intrigued and unsettled her. Her phone vibrated on the table. A message from Mia lit up the screen: "Good luck today! You’ve got this! Call me if you need a pep talk!" Smiling faintly, Olivia replied, "Thanks, Mia. I’ll let you know how it goes." She picked up her bag, took a deep breath, and stepped out of her apartment. --- Sebastian sat at his desk, his eyes locked on the monitor in front of him. The screen displayed a live feed of Olivia’s assigned desk, the angle discreetly capturing her workspace and the immediate surroundings. The camera was seamlessly hidden within the desk lamp he had personally arranged for her. He le
Sebastian sat alone in his expansive study, a place of quiet power and meticulous order. The soft patter of rain against the window added a rhythmic undertone to the heavy silence. A single lamp illuminated the room, casting long shadows that seemed to dance in response to his thoughts. In front of him lay a pristine glass of wine, untouched and forgotten, much like the moral boundaries he had long since discarded. His mind, sharp and calculating, was fixed on one name: Alexander. Alexander’s actions had been unforgivable. He hadn’t simply hurt Olivia; he had humiliated her, broken her spirit, and left her to face the aftermath alone. The thought of her tear-streaked face, her trembling voice as she recounted her pain, stirred something dark in Sebastian. He wasn’t a savior by nature, nor was he noble. But Olivia’s anguish had ignited a fire in him—a fire that now burned solely for revenge. Sebastian leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he let his thoughts coalesce
Sebastian adjusted his cufflinks as he entered the Grand Conference Room, his every move precise and deliberate. The room was designed for deals of magnitude—its polished mahogany table stretched the length of the space, while the walls were lined with understated art pieces that whispered power rather than shouted it. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcased the city skyline, the bustling streets below seemingly insignificant from this vantage point. He glanced at the sleek clock on the wall: 2:50 PM. He always arrived early, ensuring everything was prepared. Today was no exception. On the table in front of him were several leather-bound folders containing the finalized terms of the deal. Every clause had been analyzed, every potential loophole meticulously closed. Sebastian sat at the head of the table, his posture straight, his demeanor calm. This wasn’t just another business meeting—it was the execution of a carefully laid plan. He opened one of the folders, his sharp eyes scanning t
Sebastian adjusted his cufflinks for the third time that evening, glancing at his reflection in the sleek glass of his car window. His tailored black suit and crisp white shirt exuded power and elegance, but none of it mattered. His mind was consumed with anticipation as he waited outside Olivia's house.When the door opened, and Olivia stepped outside, Sebastian’s breath hitched. She was stunning. The red silk gown hugged her figure perfectly, with a neckline that was bold but not overly revealing. Her hair was pinned up, allowing soft strands to frame her face, and her minimal jewelry only emphasized her natural beauty. The crimson hue of the dress seemed to set her aglow in the evening light.Sebastian quickly composed himself, stepping out of the car. "You look..." He trailed off, searching for words. Beautiful wasn’t enough. Neither was stunning. "Extraordinary," he finally said, his voice low.Olivia’s cheeks flushed, and she looked away shyly. "Thank you. You’re looking sharp y
The room buzzed with the mingling of laughter and the clink of champagne glasses. Olivia clutched the edge of her gown, her eyes darting uneasily around the opulent ballroom. Alexander’s piercing gaze was fixed on her from across the room, his smirk sending a chill down her spine.Sebastian, standing beside her, noticed her discomfort instantly. His sharp blue eyes followed her line of sight, landing on Alexander. His jaw tightened, the tension in his body palpable. He leaned closer to Olivia, his voice low but firm. “Don’t let him rattle you. He’s not worth it.”Olivia nodded faintly, but her hands trembled at her sides. The memory of Alexander’s cruel words earlier haunted her, and his presence seemed to suffocate her.Alexander, holding his wine glass with practiced arrogance, sauntered toward them. His tall date followed closely, though his attention was solely on Olivia.“Well, well,” Alexander drawled, stopping a few feet away. “Olivia. You look stunning tonight—though I must sa
The morning sunlight filtered through my curtains, but it didn’t bring the usual warmth. It felt sterile, cold even, as if the world had conspired to rob me of comfort. Sitting at the edge of my bed, I stared blankly at the floor, replaying last night’s events over and over in my head.Alexander’s words still stung, but it wasn’t his cruelty that lingered the most—it was Sebastian. The way he had intervened so seamlessly, as if he had rehearsed every line, every gesture. For a moment, I had felt safe in his presence, but now, in the harsh light of day, I couldn’t shake the strange unease that had settled over me.With a sigh, I forced myself out of bed. I had a job to do. Routine was my only solace.---The office was alive with its usual buzz of activity, but I felt like I was moving through a fog. I made my way to my desk, nodding absentmindedly at my colleagues’ greetings. The familiar surroundings brought a flicker of comfort, but it was fleeting.I tried to lose myself in work, c
I sat in the darkened study, my fingers steepled beneath my chin as the silence closed in around me. The dim glow of the city’s lights seeped through the cracks in the heavy drapes, but it was nothing compared to the storm raging within me. Olivia. Her name wasn’t just a sound; it was a tether, binding me to a reality I couldn’t bear to lose. Yet, something was wrong. I had felt it for days now, an unmistakable shift in her demeanor. She was pulling away, retreating behind a wall I hadn’t seen coming. Was it possible she knew? The thought twisted my stomach into knots. I had been meticulous, careful. Every message, every glance, every encounter was designed to seem accidental, harmless. I had built my presence in her life like a puzzle, each piece falling into place without her realizing. But Olivia was sharp. If anyone could figure it out, it was her. I clenched my fists against the armrests of my chair, the leather creaking beneath my grip. The idea of her knowing—of her seei
The airport was bustling with activity, the echoes of announcements mixing with the chatter of travelers. Olivia stood outside, clutching her suitcase as the cold night air bit at her skin. Her heart was pounding. She checked her phone for the umpteenth time, confirming her cab’s arrival time. The minutes dragged. Every second felt like an eternity as her mind raced with thoughts of the past few weeks—of the humiliation, the pain, the suffocating obsession that had clung to her life. She shook her head, forcing herself to focus. This was her chance to leave it all behind, to start over. The headlights of the cab finally pierced through the darkness. The driver rolled down his window, asking, “Ms. Brooks?” She nodded and climbed in, her suitcase placed neatly in the trunk. The driver adjusted the rearview mirror, giving her a quick look of reassurance, but Olivia remained silent, staring blankly at the passing streetlights. Her phone buzzed in her lap. She hesitated before flipping
The day’s work finally draws to a close, a quiet relief settling over the car as it glides steadily along the dimly lit road. Olivia sits quietly in the passenger seat, her gaze fixed intently on the rain-slicked streets outside, where reflections of streetlights shimmer like small stars in a darkened sky. The soft, rhythmic hum of the engine fills the air, mingling with the distant sound of raindrops pattering against the windshield. In this cocoon of muted sounds, Olivia becomes lost in her thoughts, a tangle of reflections swirling in her mind. Sebastian, seated behind the wheel, steals occasional glances at her from the corner of his eye. He feels a familiar knot of tension in his stomach, his fingers tightening around the steering wheel. The weight of the silence between them hangs thick, filled with unspoken words that seem to echo louder than the rain. He shifts uncomfortably in his seat, a subtle dance of nerves and determination as he tries to conjure up something—anythin
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