Chapter 04 Simple rules

***Olivia's POV***

I clutched my heels against my chest, my heart hammering a frantic rhythm against my ribs. It was 5:00 AM. I just needed to get to the front door.

Drake was waiting at the end of the driveway from the estate, his car probably parked in the dark.

I reached the bottom of the grand staircase. I was halfway across the living room, creeping towards the foyer.

"Going somewhere?"

I gasped, nearly dropping my shoes.

Chandler was sitting in the shadows of a single sofa, his elbow on the arm rest and his chin on his fist. He wasn't wearing his formal wear anymore. His white shirt was unbuttoned at the top which showed a bit of chest and chest hair.

"I—I was just..." I trailed off, suddenly nervous that I was caught.

"Sneaking out," he finished for me.

He didn't sound angry. He sounded... amused.

"I'm surprised with how much you've changed in just five years. You used to be so..." he paused, looking for the right word to describe me.

"Compliant? A good girl?" I asked with a huff. "I'm a grown woman, Chandler, I can make my own decisions and choices. God, I should've known you'd be waiting in the dark, spying on me like a creepy stalker."

I sighed, dropping the heels on the floor so I could wear them as I waited for the lecture.

Instead, I watched him look at me from toe to head, caressing the stubble of his jaw.

I was wearing a red crop top and a denim short skirt with fishnet stockings, I could almost hear him criticizing my choice of clothing, just like how my Dad would have.

"I'm not going to yell at you, Olivia," he said, softer than I anticipated.

"You're... you're not?" I was confused.

"No. Come sit with me for a bit." He looked at the large couch in front of him.

I hesitated, searching his face for a trap, but he looked almost harmless right now. I obeyed, sitting down but keeping my arms crossed tightly over my chest, raising an eyebrow at him.

"Actually... I wanted to apologize," he said.

I blinked, completely thrown. "What?"

"I am sorry for your loss, Olivia. Truly. I'm sorry I wasn't here when it happened."

The words hit me like a physical blow. The air left my lungs as the image of my father flashed in my mind. Chandler’s expression softened, the hard lines of his face relaxing into something that looked like genuine empathy.

"I know I was harsh last night," he continued, letting out a soft sigh. "Your father was my bestfriend and he trusted me to take care of you, so I only wanted what's best for you. I hope you understand that."

I stared at him, my throat tightening. For a second, I almost believed him.

But then I saw the way he was looking at me... not like a grieving friend, but like a predator who had just changed his tactics on how to capture his prey.

Too nice. Too sudden.

"You want to leave? Go."

I blinked again, confused. "You're letting me go?"

"With rules."

Of course, what did I expect?

I rolled my eyes, I huffed a disbelief laugh while shaking my head. I never despised someone in my entire life until him.

"Simple ones," he assured.

"Get on with it."

He nodded, resting his back on the sofa while he still caressed his chin, his eyes slightly narrowing.

"First, you are never to bring that boy, or anyone else, in my property. This is my home, and I like to maintain my peace and privacy. Two, when I text you, you answer. Within five minutes."

I waited for him to continue, but the silence took over.

"That's all?"

"For now."

Okay, that's reasonable, and not what I was expecting.

"And Drake? You’re not making me break up with him?"

The corner of his lips tugged and I frowned. "No," he said.

I played with my fingers on my lap, unsure if I could trust him with his words. I opened my mouth to speak, to bid my goodbye and run to Drake and seek for his comfort.

"You'll break up with him soon enough on your own," he suddenly said, the little respect for him that sparked a little vanished instantly. "You'll realize that a boy who waits in the shadows for you to sneak out like a child isn't a man who knows how to keep you."

He stood up and I didn't like how I was looking up at him so I followed, though it didn't do much difference.

"Go," he commanded softly. "Have your fun. But remember, Olivia... I’m the one who’s letting you go. And I’m the one you’ll have to come home to by the end."

Then he was leaving to go upstairs.

I stood there for a second, my heart racing. I should have felt good with the setup, it was reasonable. But he was wrong if he thinks I'm gonna break up with Drake.

But as I turned to walk toward the door, I felt like I was walking right into a trap he hadn't even finished setting yet.