PART- 5

[ Olivia ]

Two years later…

“Thank you, Mrs. Bobby for again agreeing to look after Emma.” I said with gratitude to the elderly neighbor, who happily proposed her help to look after my precious girl, who was throwing her arms at me to pick her up.

“Oh, it’s not a problem, dear. I love this little girl who fills my day with happiness and I love to take care of her.” The old woman waved her hand and picked Emma from her stroller.

“If I don’t have to go for an outdoor meeting, I would have taken her with me. I don’t know how long it will take for me to return. Please, call me if you need anything.” I said.

“Sure, you can go without a worry. Emma is a quiet girl as long as her tummy is full.” She said and I kissed my baby’s head.

She smiled widely at me and my heart skipped again. She had the same eyes as her father even if she resembles me.

“Mumma is gonna miss you, Emmy. Be a good girl to Grandma.” I kissed her chubby cheeks and it made her giggle even more.

“Mum..Mumma.” She said in her wobbly voice which sent a sting in my heart.

Life would have been different if Stephan was with us. My little girl was deprived of her father’s love.

A text notification snapped me out of my sore thoughts and I waved my last bye to them before slipping inside my car and drove to my office.

The first year was the hardest phase of my life. I was pregnant and working without a break to make sure my baby wouldn’t lack anything and I could deliver her in a healthy environment. It wasn’t easy at all but the love I had for my baby kept me motivated.

My marriage with Stephan was annulled automatically as I failed to serve the purpose of the marriage. I received a mail from their legal team a week after I left Stephan. I was legally free from the marriage which took everything from me.

My boss and my new friends were also very supportive. They were with me when I was all alone.

I’d never forgive Vivienne Fisher and the Hamiltons for destroying my life and depriving my baby from her father’s affection.

When I reached at office, I sighed in relief because I made it on time despite being stuck in the traffic.

I directly made my way to my boss’ office to brief him on the meeting. I knocked at the door and waited patiently for his permission to walk in. When I heard his deep voice, I made my way into the cabin.

“Good morning, Boss.” I wished him.

“Good morning, Miss Scott. You look like you have run a marathon early in the morning.” He joked looking at my state.

“Yeah, kind of. I forgot to pay the bills and today was the last day.” I said and placed my laptop on his desk, “But I have briefed everything for you, Sir. You can take a look before we proceed with the meeting.” I said.

“You don’t need to be formal here, Liv.” He raised his brow at me.

“Ethan, please have a look and tell me if you want me to add something or revise it.” I said with a smile.

He read my report thoroughly and then closed it.

“You are always flawless with your work, Liv. There’s reason you are my favourite employee.” He said giving the laptop back to me.

“Let’s go or we won’t make it on time due to the route diversion and traffic, Ethan. This deal must be ours. We have proposed a reasonable bidding but there are many competitors. We need to be more discreet.” I said.

He rose from his chair and adjusted his blazer.

“This deal is ours, Olivia. No one will win it except us. I heard a few new contenders are also coming to the bid. We have to be ready.” Ethan, my boss said.

“I hope so.” I nodded and followed him out.

“How is Emmy doing? I promised to take her to the amusement park on Sunday.” He said.

“I am sure she’s gonna love it.” I smiled.

I had wonderful people around me who loved Emma.

We reached at City Centre where the government bidding was scheduled and all the major construction companies were participating to grab the project which would profit them in billions and we were among the many.

“It looks like we’d have neck to neck fight with all your competitors, Boss.” I said when I saw familiar business giants.

They were all business sharks.

“Be confident, Olivia. We have prepared for months.” He said.

We made our way to our table. I was feeling nervous because I was the one doing research on the project as the head of the Strategy and Planning team. I took this job two years ago and since then I never failed in my job.

“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. As we all know that this project is our government’s priority and we only want the best and most trusted company to be our partner in building this mega project. We received many applications and we shortlisted all of you who are present here. I’d like everyone to present their ideas and convince us.” The government spoke person said.

“Relax, we’re on number four so we’d have the chance to hear the first three companies’ ideas.” Ethan said who had kept a keen attention on everything.

We heard the first two companies and their ideas were brilliant.

“Now, we have a new company who is stepping into construction business but they have great reputation in hotel and resort building. Mr. Stephan Hamilton, please insight us with your ideas,” The spoke person said.

My blood froze and I felt like I misheard him.

He just mentioned Stephan’s name. Could it be the same Stephan Hamilton?

My fear was answered in the next moment when the man whom I had loved unconditionally walking up to the podium. The same aura, cold and tough exterior but the most handsome man with a blank expression. He navigated all attention on him.

My heartbeats rose and breathing became heavy. It couldn’t be possible. After two years, in a different city, I came face to face with my past.

My ex-husband.