The afternoon sun dipped low, casting warm hues over the college campus. Students were slowly trickling out of the main building, their chatter fading as they went their separate ways. Olivia pushed through the last of her textbooks, glancing at the time on her phone. Finally, her day was done. She slipped her books into her bag and made her way out, savoring the quieting atmosphere, hoping the cool air would clear her mind.Just as she stepped outside, she noticed a familiar figure standing by the courtyard fountain—a tall, sleek figure, impeccably dressed, his gaze directed toward her with unsettling intensity. It was Alexander."Olivia," he called out, his voice smooth and controlled, carrying easily over the emptying courtyard. He raised a hand in greeting, and she felt a pang of surprise.She hadn’t expected to see him here again, especially not so soon after their initial encounter during his guest lecture last week. She hesitated, then gave a small smile and walked over to wher
The restaurant is exactly what Olivia had imagined a night out with Alexander would look like: dimly lit with elegant decor, soft jazz playing in the background, and a quiet hum of conversation filling the space. She takes a deep breath before stepping inside, glancing around until her eyes find him. He’s seated at a corner table, watching her, and the moment she locks eyes with him, he stands and gives her a small smile.She feels the faintest shiver under his gaze. His presence is somehow both inviting and intimidating.“Right on time,” he says, his voice smooth and steady. “For a moment, I thought you might not come.”Olivia laughs, a little more nervously than she’d like, and shakes her head. “Not a chance. I wouldn’t miss this.”He steps closer, pulling out her chair with practiced ease. The small gesture of him helping her sit feels old-fashioned, yet in this setting, it feels oddly right. Once seated, she allows herself a quick, admiring glance at him; his tailored suit, the co
OLIVIA'S POVI step into my room, my heart still racing from the night. The date. The kiss. I can’t stop smiling, even though it’s late. The adrenaline from being with Alexander lingers in me—his smile, the way his hand felt against the small of my back when he walked me to my door. I should feel more embarrassed about how easily I let him in, but all I feel is excitement.I kick off my heels, feeling the release of tension in my feet as they hit the soft carpet. The first thing I do is glance at my phone. A part of me hopes to see a text from him, though I know it's still early. There's nothing. I feel a strange tug of disappointment, but I quickly brush it off.I set my purse down on the desk, take a deep breath, and pull my hair out of the tight bun that’s been sitting on the back of my neck all evening. The loose strands fall around my face, and for a moment, I just stand there, thinking back to how he looked at me. His eyes were different tonight. Like there was something between
The light from her phone pierced the early morning dimness, drawing her from sleep into a new wave of unease. There it was again. Another message. She stared at the screen, hoping, somehow, it might be different this time. But the words cut sharp and familiar: “Pretty today, even in that simple little pajama. Did he like that look too?”Her heart thudded in her chest, cold and heavy. She clenched her jaw, tossed the phone aside, and forced herself out of bed. She wouldn’t reply—couldn’t reply. It felt like giving up a piece of herself just to respond, just to acknowledge… whoever this was.The morning routine grounded her, if only barely. She showered, dressed in her sharpest blazer, and applied makeup with a firm hand, as if creating a mask to hide every sliver of fear that lingered under her skin. She repeated her usual, simple affirmations under her breath as she combed her hair, but they felt hollow today.The walk to the office was longer than usual, every sound seeming amplified
Olivia sat at her desk, barely able to focus on her work. Her phone was beside her, screen dark, but she could still feel its weight, a reminder of the last disturbing message she’d received. Every small sound around her felt amplified, and her nerves were frayed.Out of habit, she glanced out the window. Across the street, a figure lingered—a tall man with his hat pulled low, seemingly watching her. Her chest tightened, and she quickly looked away, convincing herself it was just a passerby, but her heart kept pounding.Just then, Alexander entered her office, catching her off guard. He was observant, and today, he didn’t miss her tense posture.“You don’t look like yourself today,” he remarked, giving her a long look. “Are you sure everything’s okay?”Startled, Olivia managed a faint smile. “Yeah… just a lot on my mind.”Alexander’s gaze lingered on her, and he reached out to rest a hand on her shoulder—a touch that was meant to be comforting but instead felt oddly possessive. “You’r
The office is dimly lit, and the usual buzz of activity has faded. Olivia finishes typing, glancing at the clock. It’s late, and everyone has left for the day. She gathers her things, slipping on her coat and moving toward the door. Just as she reaches for the handle, she hears the rain—a downpour, relentless and heavy against the windows. Olivia sighs and stares out, her heart sinking as she realizes she has no umbrella. The rain is so intense she can barely make out the street below. Resigned, she turns back to wait it out. Olivia makes herself a cup of coffee in the small lounge. The sound of footsteps behind her makes her jump. She turns to see Alexander approaching, his hands casually in his pockets. " Didn’t expect to see anyone else still here" Alexander said. "Same here. I didn’t know you were still working" Olivia said. Alexander glances at the window and smiles, nodding toward the rain. " Looks like we’re stuck. Quite the storm" Alexander said. They exchange a loo
The office was eerily quiet as Olivia typed away at her laptop, her fingers moving slower than usual. She was nearly done with her work, but her focus had been scattered all evening. The harsh fluorescent lights buzzed above her, and the faint sound of rain against the windows only added to her sense of isolation. A glance at the clock showed it was nearly 10 PM.Her phone sat on her desk, screen dark, but its presence loomed over her like a weight. The anonymous messages had stopped, for now, but their lingering threat echoed in her mind. “See you soon, Olivia.” She shivered at the memory and shook her head, trying to focus.“Burning the midnight oil again?”The voice startled her. Olivia looked up to see Alexander leaning casually against the doorway, his suit jacket slung over his arm. His tailored shirt was slightly unbuttoned, revealing just a hint of his chest. He smiled, and the room seemed to shrink around her.“I didn’t expect anyone else to still be here,” Olivia replied, he
The morning sunlight streamed through Olivia’s curtains as she got ready for her outing with Alexander. The casual yet polished outfit she’d chosen felt just right—neither too much nor too little. As she fastened her earrings, her phone buzzed with a message.Alexander: “Outside your door, sunshine. Take your time, though. I’m enjoying the morning breeze.”She smiled, shaking her head. Stepping outside, she found Alexander leaning against his sleek car, dressed in a crisp white shirt and jeans that seemed tailored just for him. He opened the door for her with a small bow.“You look radiant,” he said, his voice warm and genuine.“And you’re over-dressed for an amusement park,” Olivia teased.He chuckled. “You’ll thank me when we hit the photo booths.”The drive to the park was lighthearted. Alexander played a mix of old-school jazz and upbeat pop, their laughter punctuating the music as they traded stories about childhood amusement park memories. Olivia was struck by how effortlessly h
Sebastian leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed tightly over his chest, watching Olivia as she tried to reach for a fallen book on the floor. Her pregnant belly, now prominent at six months, seemed to make even the simplest of tasks a formidable challenge. He could see the frustration etched on her face, a mix of determination and exasperation.“Olivia, please stop that,” he said firmly, pushing himself away from the door and stepping closer.She let out an annoyed huff, her fingers straining to grasp the book just out of reach. “Sebastian, it’s just a book. I can pick it up myself,” she insisted, her tone a blend of stubbornness and pride.Not willing to let her continue, he knelt down, his knee creaking slightly as he bent. He swiftly grabbed the book and set it on the table with a deliberate motion. “You’re not supposed to bend over like that, especially now,” he said, concern lacing his voice.Olivia looked at him, her brow furrowing slightly. Despite his protective instincts
Olivia sat cross-legged on the well-worn couch, the soft fabric of the cushions cradling her as she anxiously fidgeted with the edges of a small, white gift box that was delicately wrapped in a pale blue ribbon. The afternoon sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow on her surroundings and illuminating her nervous fingers that kept tracing the ribbon’s neat bow. After hours of deliberation, she had finally settled on a way to share her exciting news with him. It was simple yet deeply meaningful—she wanted it to capture the essence of this new chapter in their lives. Inside the box lay a tiny onesie, perfectly soft to the touch, with the cheerful words “Daddy’s Little Sidekick” printed across the front in playful letters. The onesie was so small that it fit snugly in her hands, and even just the sight of it sent a wave of warmth and anticipation coursing through her. She closed her eyes for a moment, imagining their future baby adoringly dressed in it, giggling and reac
Sebastian’s arms were enveloped around Olivia as he slept soundly, his face nestled against the soft curve of her neck. There was a sense of safety in his embrace, an instinctual tightness that conveyed his fear of losing her, even in slumber. Olivia couldn’t help but smile at the sight of him, her fingers gently trailing along his strong jawline. A year ago, she would never have envisioned this—living a life filled with genuine happiness alongside a man who had once instilled fear in her heart. The obsessive, possessive Sebastian she had initially known had transformed, evolving into someone she now couldn’t imagine living without.As if sensing her unyielding gaze, Sebastian stirred, instinctively tightening his embrace. His lips brushed lazily against her shoulder, and through the thick veil of sleep, he murmured in his deep, husky voice, “Watching me again, little bird?”Olivia stifled a soft laugh, feeling warmth spread through her chest. “Maybe.”His dark, expressive eyes flutt
The morning sun poured through the sheer curtains, casting a warm, golden glow that danced softly across the walls of the cozy bedroom. Olivia, still wrapped in the delightfully smooth silky sheets, stretched lazily, her limbs comfortably entangled with Sebastian’s. It had been a month since they exchanged their feelings, yet each morning felt like a new, exquisite page in a never-ending dream—one she never wanted to awaken from.A strong, familiar arm tightened around her waist, pulling her irresistibly closer to the comforting warmth of her husband’s body. She could feel his breath, warm and gentle, brushing against the nape of her neck as he buried his face in her hair, inhaling the scent of their shared intimacy.“You’re awake,” he murmured softly against her skin, his voice still thick with the remnants of sleep.She smiled, her heart lightening at the sound of his voice, and turned to face him, their bodies mirroring the curve of the morning light. “So are you,” she replied pla
The air between them hung thick with unspoken words and raw emotions, charged with a tension that had been simmering beneath the surface for far too long. It was as if the very atmosphere crackled with the weight of what they had both avoided acknowledging until this pivotal moment.Olivia’s vision blurred, tears welling up as she gazed at him, truly seeing him for the first time. Every line of his face, every subtle shift of his expression, resonated with the depth of his feelings. She had always sensed the intensity of his obsession, the relentless devotion that seemed to bind him to her. Yet, standing before him now, everything crystallized into sharp focus; she understood something profound and undeniable.A small part of her had been in denial, fiercely resisting the emotional pull he had on her heart. But as she observed his chest rising and falling unevenly, the sweat glistening on his brow, and the way his hands clenched tightly at his sides—straining against the urge to bridg
The car rolls to a stop, and an enveloping silence descends around them, punctuated only by the gentle rustling of leaves in the soft breeze. The hum of the engine dies away, leaving a tranquil stillness in its wake. He exits the vehicle first, the cool air brushing against his skin, and strides purposefully to her side.With a practiced elegance, he opens the door, his hand extending toward her like an unspoken promise. “Come,” he invites, his tone laced with a calm authority.For a brief moment, she hesitates, the weight of uncertainty hanging in the air between them. But then, drawn by an inexplicable trust, she places her hand into his, feeling the warmth of his grip as he gently guides her out. The world around them is alive with the sweet whispers of nature, the faint floral scent wrapping around her like a delicate shawl. Yet, before she can fully take in the vibrant hues of the blooming landscape, he produces a silky blindfold from his pocket.“Trust me?” His voice is smooth,
Olivia blinked awake, her senses gently stirred by the delicate touch of soft rose petals fluttering onto her skin, each one whispering a sweet allure of morning. As she sat up, her surprise turned to wonder, watching in awe as deep red petals cascaded gracefully from the ceiling fan above, twirling like dancers in slow motion. A small, delighted smile bloomed on her lips—this unexpected shower of roses felt ethereal, intimate, almost as if she had stumbled from the realm of dreams into a waking fantasy. Her gaze wandered to the bedside table, where a meticulously arranged tray awaited her. The warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked croissants wafted through the air, mingling harmoniously with the rich scent of her favorite coffee, still steaming in a beautifully crafted mug. A bowl of perfectly sliced fruits—vividly colored strawberries, succulent oranges, and plump blueberries—sat invitingly, a feast for both the eye and palate. Yet, what truly captivated her was the elegant note res
Her heart swelled with a surge of emotion that took her completely by surprise. In that moment, standing before him, she realized she’d never imagined he was capable of such profound thoughtfulness, doing something so special just for her. Overcome with gratitude and joy, she lunged forward and enveloped him in a tight hug, her arms wrapping around him as if to shield the moment forever. The force of her embrace caused him to shift the cake slightly to the side, but in that instant, he felt as if nothing else mattered. As she clung to him, he could feel the warmth and weight of her presence against his chest. It took him a beat to realize that her unspoken happiness had given way to tears, and they were now slowly soaking into the fabric of his shirt. The salty droplets mingled with the sweetness of the moment, a testament to the deep connection they shared. Gently, he set the cake aside, its rich frosting glistening under the soft glow of the overhead lights. With a tender touch, h
Olivia sat beside Sebastian, arms crossed tightly over her chest, her gaze fixed on the television screen, yet her mind drifted far from the laughter echoing from the characters on Friends. As the familiar theme song played, she felt the weight of disappointment pressing down on her, an insistent reminder of the day’s unspoken truth. He forgot my birthday. The thought twisted in her mind like a thorn, sparking a tangled web of frustration. She stole a sidelong glance at him, noting how effortlessly he immersed himself in the episode. His eyes danced with mirth, and a faint smirk crept across his face whenever Chandler delivered one of his trademark sarcastic jabs. How could he be so utterly relaxed? So blissfully unaware of the significance of today? It was as if they were living in two parallel worlds—his filled with humor and lightheartedness while hers was clouded with disappointment and a sense of overlooked importance. Olivia felt a surge of hurt wash over her, the kind that l