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 me, Sebastian Gilbert.” He wiped the blood off his lips with the back of his hand. “I will wait.” Sebastian suddenly turned to Olivia, glaring at her with bloodshot eyes. He was beyond furious. “You.” He scowled. “I’m going to end you and that useless daughter of yours!” Sebastian made his way to his Rolls Royce, instructing his driver to drive off without Olivia. Olivia was conflicted. Following her husband home seemed like a fool’s mission, but that was the only option she had if she wanted to see her daughter again. Laurel was still with Sebastian’s mother, Priscilla. Olivia shuddered at the thought of her little girl growing up under the care of Priscilla Gilbert. “Blondie.” Desmond called, interrupting Olivia’s thoughts. He walked up to her, ignoring the reporters who were watching and filming them. “Are you alright?” Olivia nodded. “He didn’t touch me.” Olivia turned to leave but Desmond stopped her. “Where do you think you're going?” He asked. “Home.” She sighed, defeated. Desmond raised a brow, confused. “Are you crazy? You heard him, he will hurt you.” “I have a daughter, Desmond.” Olivia stated. “I’m going back for her.” Desmond scoffed. “This is crazy.” He stepped closer to Olivia, cupping her face in his hands. “He could kill you. When will you ever put yourself first?” Olivia felt her temper rising. How dare Desmond act like he cared about her wellbeing after putting her in a difficult position? “None of this would be happening right now, if you didn’t broadcast those pictures and videos for everyone to see!” She accused. Desmond frowned. “I did not.” Olivia scoffed, not believing him. “I swear to God, I did not. How would I have access to Colbert Industries’ systems?” Olivia searched for signs of dishonesty in his stunning blue eyes, but found none. No, Desmond would not do that to her. She could tell that he really cared about her. “It has to be Miranda Colbert.” She concluded. “She hates me because Sebastian ruined her plans by marrying me instead of her daughter.” Olivia said. It made sense that Miranda would try to destroy Sebastian and Olivia’s marriage. What the woman did not know was that the marriage had been in shambles for a long time. This was just the last straw for Sebastian, who cherished a good, clean public image. “Let me come with you.” Desmond suggested. “I want to be there to protect you.” Olivia was touched by his words, but she knew that she had to face Sebastian alone. “You’ve done enough.” She walked away, leaving Desmond outside the hotel, confused and worried. Olivia took a cab back home, rehearsing the words she would say to her husband. Undoubtedly, he would kick her out of their home, but she would demand that Laurel would be brought home first. The front door was wide open when Olivia got home. She walked into the living room , avoiding the pieces of broken glass and ceramics on the floor. She knew that Sebastian, in his rage, had thrown and shattered several cups and vases. “You!” Olivia heard him yell from the kitchen. Instinctively, she crouched to the floor as a mug was thrown across the room. Sebastian walked towards her. “You stupid wench!” He grabbed her by her arm, pushing her against the wall. “You have the nerve to cheat on me? And with Desmond Wrightwood of all people!” He shouted. Olivia winced. Her back was aflame with pain after Sebastian slammed her against the wall. “You’ve been disloyal for much longer.” She argued. “I didn’t think you had it in you.” Caroline, who was sitting and watching the couple, laughed mockingly. “You look and act so innocent. What a hypocrite.” Olivia ignored her. “The only hypocrite I see here is you, Sebastian.” Sebastian’s eyes darkened. He grabbed Olivia by her neck, lifting her off her feet and choking her. “You’ve embarrassed me in front of all those people!” He shouted whilst Olivia struggled to unwrap his hands from her neck. “My business associates! Rivals! The public! They’re all laughing at me!” Olivia was choking, but she was determined to speak. “Wait until they find out all you've done to me.” Sebastian immediately dropped her, confused. “What are you talking about?” Olivia was gasping for air for several seconds. She looked up at her husband with absolute hatred in her eyes, wondering how she had ever loved the monster he was. “I have pictures of my bruises as well as recordings of your abuse.” She rose to her feet. “They are safely tucked away and would be released if any harm comes to me. You might be granted a bail, but Gilbert Technologies would never recover from the controversy.” Sebastian took a few steps back, shocked. He wiped the beads of sweat that were gathering on his forehead. “You wouldn’t dare.” He managed to say. Olivia smirked as she watched her husband and his mistress exchange nervous looks. “Try me.” She challenged. “I want Laurel back home tomorrow, husband. Or the world will see the monster you really are.” Sebastian stared at Olivia like he was seeing a new person. He had never seen her speak and act so boldly before. Satisfied by the look of defeat on her husband's face, Olivia started walking up to her room, majestically. This time, she held all the cards. Sebastian’s brutal reign over her was over. Olivia stopped in her tracks, realizing that she had one more thing to do. She had to make sure it was done for good. She turned to look at her husband and met the cold green eyes of the man she had fallen in love with so many years ago, the man she had loved for most of her life. “I want a divorce.” She stated firmly. Olivia watched Sebastian’s eyes widen in shock. For the ten years of their marriage, she had never suggested a divorce. Yet here she was, demanding for one. Sebastian knew Olivia was an orphan with no real family or home to return to. He and Laurel were the only family she had and for so many years, he had been absolutely certain that no matter how badly he treated her, she would never want to let go of their family. “You’re bluffing.” Sebastian said. “I’ll call the lawyer.” Olivia fired back, then continued her walk up to her room. Olivia did not know where she got the courage, but she was glad she finally initiated a divorce. The marriage was over a long time ago anyways. Olivia stayed awake till dawn, thinking and preparing for life after a divorce. Would she move to another country? The divorce settlements she would receive would be more than enough for her to start up a new life with her daughter. She did not exit her bedroom till noon, when she watched from her window as a small convoy pulled up in the driveway. It was Priscilla Gilbert’s convoy. Olivia hurried downstairs, eager to welcome her daughter. Sebastian and Caroline, who were standing by the front door, glared at her as she appeared. “Laurel’s home.” Sebastian said through gritted teeth. Olivia stood by the door, a few steps away from her husband and his mistress. Excitement grew within her as she watched Priscilla and Laurel make their way towards the mansion. She could not wait to take her daughter far away from the Gilberts and never return. Laurel’s footsteps quickened the moment she saw her mother. “Mother.” Sebastian greeted Priscilla, who hugged him tightly in return. Olivia frowned as she noticed that Laurel wore a scarf, knowing that her daughter never liked scarves. Olivia pulled her daughter into an embrace, but quickly realized that something was wrong. Laurel's body felt like a bag of bones. She had lost a considerable amount of weight and was running a high temperature. “Are you okay, sweetheart?” Olivia asked. She studied her daughter’s face. The little girl looked pale and sickly, with visible dark circles. “I feel sick, mummy.” Laurel slurred before closing her eyes and falling against her mother’s body. She started bleeding profusely from both nostrils. Olivia's heart sank in fear. “Sebastian!”Olivia settled in the car beside Laurel. They were both dressed exquisitely for the anniversary event. The much anticipated day had finally come. “How do you feel, sweetheart?” Olivia asked Laurel. Laurel was adequately prepared for the event, with enough medication and a nurse who would tend to her medical needs. “I am okay. I want to see daddy.” Laurel said. Olivia adjusted the scarf wrapped around the little girl’s head. “You will see him tonight. In fact, Mr. Desmond is also going to be present tonight. Would you like that?” Laurel grinned. “I will like that very much, mummy.” The little girl rested her head on her mother’s arm. “Thank you, mummy.” “Why are you thanking me, darling?” Olivia asked. “For making me see daddy and Mr. Desmond again.” Laurel answered. Olivia smiled at her daughter. “I cannot take the credit for that, my love.” She spoke softly. “They returned because they wanted to see you. Your daddy and Mr. Desm
Olivia felt victorious. She had managed to convince Desmond to show up for Gilbert Technologies’ anniversary event, a feat she never imagined she would achieve. Although she had unfairly used the retraining order against him, it was a win nonetheless. She had a second task to perform; she had to inform Sebastian of her plans. While having Desmond attend the anniversary event was in the company’s best interest, Olivia doubted that Sebastian would be excited by the idea of hosting his half-brother. Olivia led Desmond into Laurel’s hospital room, where Sebastian was seated. “We need to talk.” Olivia said, the moment she walked in with Desmond following her reluctantly. Sebastian sighed. “If it involves this scumbag, I would rather not.” “You need to stop calling each other names.” Olivia said. “Especially since we are going to need to convince the public that you are not enemies.” “What are you talking about?” Sebastian asked, confused. Olivia started explaining her
Olivia silently prayed that convincing Desmond would be easy. “I assume you know how publicity works.” Olivia started slowly. “Publicity can build or break a firm. The right publicity can make any product or firm skyrocket. The wrong one can break a firm. Just like the divorce and the charges of domestic violence and child neglect levied against Sebastian.” “Again, that was completely his fault.” Desmond chided. “Gilbert Technologies needs great publicity and I have a brilliant plan.” Olivia said. “I’m listening.” Desmond urged her to continue speaking. “Gilbert Technologies’ anniversary is in exactly four days. They planned to launch a device on that day, but---" “Obviously it would flop in the markets.” Desmond said, completing her sentence for her. “Precisely.” Olivia agreed. “But not if they have the right publicity.” Now, Desmond was really interested. “What do you have in mind that could possibly make people look upon the co
Olivia watched Sebastian closely as he sat, processing the information he had just received. She let him think about it for half an hour without interruption. “Hey.” She said as she joined him on the couch. Desmond had excused himself long ago, not thrilled by Sebastian’s sulky mood. Sebastian simply nodded in response. His hands were clasped together and his head was bent solemnly. “Are you okay?” Olivia asked. “I just found out that my biggest enemy is my half-brother. Do you think I’m okay?” He retorted. Olivia sighed. “I understand. It’s not the greatest news.” “Is that why he has been opposing Gilbert Technologies at every turn? Competing with me? Was his way of exerting some sort of revenge?” Sebastian asked. Olivia nodded in response, prompting him to continue. “That is crazy. Do you not see how evil and unhinged he is?” Olivia immediately sprang to Desmond’s defense. “Your mother started the fire that destroyed his home.”
Sebastian stared at Olivia with the photograph in his hand. “This is my father.” He stated. “And if I am not mistaken, the child in this picture is Desmond Wrightwood.” He spoke, eyes wide with shock. “Are you certain?” Olivia asked, in an attempt to deny it. “I have seen pictures of Desmond Wrightwood at every different age, on the news and on the internet, so don't even try to deny it.” Sebastian said. Obviously, denial was no longer an option. Olivia could not find the right words to say. “How did you get that picture?” She finally asked, after several moments of absolute silence. “From the pocket of your jeans.” Sebastian answered. “What aren’t you telling me?” Olivia’s heart was thumping rapidly in her chest. Her palms were clammy and trembling. What could she possibly do or say? She had never imagined what would happen if Sebastian found out the truth and she had never planned to be the one to reveal it to him. “It is not m
After the Sebastian and Desmond had agreed to tolerate each other and co-exist for Laurel's sake, Desmond asked to speak with Olivia privately. She agreed, following him out of the room, to a secluded balcony. “What do you think you are doing?” Desmond queried as soon as they were out of earshot. “What do you mean?” Olivia asked, confused. “What do you think you are doing by letting Sebastian back into your life?” Desmond asked. “I am giving Laurel the opportunity to bond with her father one last time.” Olivia stated. “If you are not okay with that, I suggest you leave.” Desmond stared at her set jaw for several seconds, then realized that she was serious. “I guess I have no choice.” He spoke. “I just hope you will not allow yourself to be manipulated by him ever again. You know who he is.” Olivia exhaled. “Sebastian is a changed man.” The shock on Desmond’s face was evident as he swiftly removed his hand from hers. “What are you talk