The Scandal

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 stopped trusting people a long time ago. "Last night was great." She admitted.

"It was." Desmond moved close to her. "I still don't know your name."

Olivia wanted to tell him, but she knew it was wiser to withhold her identity. "I can't tell you, I'm sorry."

Desmond was confused. "Are you a popular actress or something?"

Olivia laughed. "I wish."

Desmond removed his necklace. "I want you to have this."

Olivia smiled as he put the golden necklace around her neck. She turned to face him, flustered. The truth was, she did not want to leave either.

They stared into each other's eyes for several minutes until he kissed her lightly on her lips.

"Until we meet again, blondie." He said.

Olivia left the Gambinos, knowing that the chances of meeting Desmond again were slim. All she had of him was a gold necklace and as a married woman, that was all she was allowed to have.

When Olivia got home, a maid gave her a note from Sebastian, ordering her to be ready for an event before 7pm.

Olivia's thoughts strayed to Caroline, who was swimming in the pool. The young woman always made sure she showed Olivia who Sebastian really loved and wanted.

Olivia knew that if Caroline got pregnant, Sebastian would throw her and Laurel out. She could not just sit around and wait for the inevitable. She had nowhere to go if Sebastian divorced her. She had no family except her daughter.

She called Priscilla, hoping to speak with Laurel, but was told that Laurel was asleep. She had a bad feeling, but dismissed it. Priscilla was hateful, but she would never hurt her own grandchild.

With the help of a hairdresser and makeup artist, Olivia was ready for the event before her husband got home. Sebastian did not compliment Olivia when he saw her, unlike Desmond, who looked at her like she was the most beautiful woman in the world.

Before they left, Caroline French kissed Sebastian by the front door, for all to see, before going back inside to watch TV.

Colbert industries was celebrating its 70th anniversary in a grand hotel.

Sebastian was greeted by multiple people, as the CEO of Gilbert Technologies. Olivia and Sebastian posed for pictures together before walking up the stairs, holding hands.

In public, Sebastian was a completely different person. He was kind, charming and treated Olivia like a queen. They walked into the main hall, which was occupied by other billionaires and business moguls.

"Sebastian!" A shrill voice called. It was Miranda Colbert, wife of the CEO of Colbert industries.

The Colberts were an ancient family of multibillionaires, who only associated with fellow billionaires.

The middle aged woman hugged Sebastian, but ignored Olivia, who she strongly disliked.

"Let me show you your table, Sebastian." Miranda led them to a table of five, very close to the stage. "This is one of the best tables, only for exclusive guests." Miranda stated.

There were two other people seated; a makeup mogul and her oil magnate husband. Everyone who stopped at their table to greet the three billionaires showered Olivia with compliments.

"Your smile looks fake." Sebastian complained.

She rolled her eyes. "You should be grateful I'm doing this after you brought your mistress home."

"This is not the time nor place." Sebastian warned, still smiling.

"I want Laurel back."

Sebastian glared at her, annoyed.

"Here's your seat, Desmond." Miranda led a man to their table.

Olivia's heart almost flew out of her chest the moment she looked up. "Fuck."

Desmond's jaw dropped when he saw Olivia sitting beside Sebastian. He quickly regained composure, greeting the other couple first.

"I hope you don't mind the seating arrangements." Miranda said to Sebastian. "I hear there's some tension between your companies."

That was when Olivia understood what was happening. Desmond was Desmond Wrightwood, CEO of Wrightwood Technologies and Sebastian's greatest rival.

"Sebastian Gilbert." Desmond greeted.

Sebastian stood to shake Desmond's hand. "Desmond Wrightwood." He said.

Everyone in the hall watched the two men. Their rivalry was highly publicized. People often spoke about how the self-made billionaire, Desmond Wrightwood, was making moves that threatened the Gilbert empire.

"Meet my wife, Olivia Gilbert." Sebastian introduced.

Desmond's gaze settled on Olivia. "She's a beauty."

Olivia's heart was thumping wildly in her chest. She felt like she would have a heart attack. She quickly excused herself, to use the restroom.

Olivia did not feel guilty for sleeping with Desmond. Afterall, Sebastian was having sex with his mistress every night, in their home. But how could she have been so foolish? It had been obvious that Desmond was wealthy and she knew his first name. She never thought she would find herself in such a dilemma.

After her breathing steadied, Olivia stepped out of the restroom. She was surprised to see Desmond standing by the door. He led her to a corner in the hallway.

"You're Sebastian Gilbert's wife?" He asked, clearly surprised.

Olivia placed her hands on her hips. "Why didn't you tell me you're Desmond Wrightwood?"

"You didn't ask!" Desmond retorted. "At least I told you my first name, I didn't lie."

"Neither did I." Olivia shot back. "You knew I was married."

"To Sebastian Gilbert?" Desmond threw his hands up in the air. "This is messed up."

"If Sebastian finds out what happened between you and I, he would divorce me." Olivia stated.

Desmond raised a brow. "Doesn't he have a mistress?"

"The world will forgive the man, but not the woman." Olivia spoke the bitter truth. "The point is, no one can find out about this."

"I won't tell anyone, I swear." He said, bringing her closer. "You look stunning, blondie. You're wearing my necklace." Desmond observed, bringing his hand up to her chest to finger the golden pendant. He leaned in to kiss her, but she pulled away.

"No." Olivia said. "Last night was a-- mistake. I have a daughter, I can't risk her future."

Desmond stared at Olivia, feeling betrayed. "A mistake?" He removed his hand from her waist. "It wasn't a mistake on my part though." Desmond said, before walking away.

A few minutes later, Olivia returned to the hall. Desmond was already seated, discussing with the others. He would not meet her eyes.

Sebastian, being an excellent actor, adjusted Olivia's dress so she could sit comfortably.

"What took you so long?" He asked.

Olivia did not reply. She was not in the mood to pretend.

Miranda Colbert started speaking on the stage, grabbing everyone's attention.

"...It's an honor to commemorate this event with a short documentary about Colbert industries!"

The lights went out and people applauded, anticipating the documentary. When the noise died down, they turned on the large screen.

Olivia gasped when she saw her image on the screen. What did she have to do with Colbert industries? Sebastian glanced at her, equally confused.

Pictures and videos of her and Desmond at the party started appearing on the screen. Her heart dropped. There were HD videos of her and Desmond dancing, drinking and making out. Everything was on display for hundreds of some of the most important men and women in the world.

People watched in utter shock and silence. When the screen went off, the lights were turned on again, illuminating the hall. Reporters immediately started taking pictures. Everyone stared at Olivia, Sebastian and Desmond.

Sebastian turned to Desmond, mad with rage. "How dare you?"

Desmond chuckled confidently. "I dared."

Olivia was trembling in her seat when Sebastian turned to her. "You stupid, barren slut!"

She watched Sebastian form a fist, knowing what he was going to do. Olivia stood from her seat, shaking with fear. She had never seen him so angry.

Sebastian stood and swung his fist at Olivia, but somehow, Desmond appeared in front of her just in time to take the blow.