Olivia gasped loudly as Sebastian’s fist landed on Desmond’s jaw. She watched as blood trickled down from Desmond’s lips. Olivia knew how much damage Sebastian’s fists could do, she had been struck by them for years. Desmond in turn, pushed Sebastian onto the table full of glass and cutlery, then punched him in the gut. The two men struggled, landing punch after punch on each other while people watched. The hall was in absolute chaos. Everyone wanted to get a glimpse of the two billionaires fighting like animals and the woman they were fighting over. Eventually, Sebastian and Desmond were successfully separated and escorted out of the hall by security. Their faces were covered with cuts and bruises. Olivia followed them out of the hall, and so did a stream of reporters and curious guests who wanted to witness and record more of the fight. “You bloody bastard!” Sebastian cursed. “I will destroy you!” Desmond chuckled confidently. “You don’t know
Olivia felt someone's lips brush against hers. She opened her eyes to see Desmond smiling at her. She sat up immediately, trying to recall everything that had happened the previous night. She had never had a one-night stand before, so she felt strange waking up beside a man she barely knew. "What's wrong?" Desmond asked. "I have to go." Olivia said, gathering her clothes. Desmond stared at her, admiringly. "Do you have to leave so soon?" "I have to get home before my husband notices my absence." Olivia replied, while dressing. Desmond frowned. "Same husband who's having an affair?" Olivia did not recall telling him that. "Alcohol makes you say things." Desmond stated. She hoped she had not revealed too much information to a man she probably would not meet again. Desmond continued. "We should hang out. There's this really great---" Olivia cut him short. "I can't. No one can find out about this." "I won't tell a soul, trust me." Desmond said hastily. Olivia had
"What is she doing here?" Olivia asked angrily. An hour after Laurel left, Sebastian's mistress arrived. "Caroline's spending the summer with me." Sebastian replied casually, with Caroline sitting on his lap. Olivia, already saddened by her daughter's departure, left them alone, choosing to spend the rest of the day in isolation. For the first time since she got married, Olivia contemplated a divorce. She never considered it before because she wanted Laurel to grow up with a father, but she was starting to realize that her sanity was more important. Additionally, Olivia was a housewife. Divorcing Sebastian would mean starting her life afresh. Olivia took her time to dress for the party, wearing a red mini dress and designer shades. Sebastian and Caroline were in his bedroom, so nobody saw her leave. Her driver took her to the Gambinos, where she was allowed entrance after showing the bouncers her invitation. The party was at its peak when Olivia walked in. Everyone lo
“Laurel will be staying with my mother in the countryside this summer.” Sebastian announced. “No.” Olivia immediately protested. “Absolutely not.” Sebastian frowned. “I knew you wouldn’t like it but---" “I won’t allow it.” Olivia insisted. “Laurel’s the only reason I’m happy, you can’t send her away.” Sebastian scowled. “Perhaps I did not make myself clear: I’m not asking.” “Your mother hates Laurel because she is not a son! Laurel would be miserable!” Olivia cried. Sebastian seized Olivia’s arm. “Laurel is a Gilbert! She needs to learn how to live up to the family name---" Olivia cut him short. “She’s five! She needs her mother, not that wicked witch, Priscilla.” Olivia did not know where she got the courage to challenge her husband, but she would not back down. Sebastian pushed her against the wall, then started choking her. “How dare you insult my mother?” Olivia fought to unwrap his hands from her neck, but Sebastian had an iron grip. “I—I can’t breathe!
A captive in her own home, Olivia watched from the windows of her bedroom as a familiar black Benz pulled up in the driveway. Goosebumps of anxiety covered her skin. Sure, she sometimes grew lonely in the afternoons after her daughter had gone to school, but she would choose loneliness over the visitor's company, any day. She went downstairs to welcome the unwanted guest. Priscilla Gilbert, Olivia’s mother-in-law, walked in like the queen of the mansion. "Welcome, Priscilla." Olivia greeted the woman, who did not even spare her a second glance. "Home sweet home!" Priscilla sighed as she walked past her daughter-in-law. She took a seat on her favorite couch and crossed her legs. "Laurel! Laurel!" The older woman called for her grandchild. "She's in school, Priscilla.” Olivia informed her mother-in-law. "Come here, Olivia." Priscilla called. Olivia walked up to the woman, with anxious feet. "Yes?" Priscilla glared at Olivia. “Oh, you ugly little thing. How have