Olivia’s POV“Everything’s set for tomorrow, ma’am,” my secretary, Clara, said as she stood by my desk. Her clipboard was clutched tightly in her hands, her brow furrowed with concentration.“Run me through the details one more time,” I said, glancing up from my laptop. I’d been working nonstop the last two days, determined to keep my focus entirely on Nexus Global’s anniversary and, more importantly, away from Lucas.Clara nodded, flipping through her notes. “The event will start at 7 p.m. sharp. The ballroom is fully prepped—decorations, seating arrangements, and catering are finalized. The media has been briefed, and our PR team has confirmed attendance from key stakeholders and partners. The guest list is double-checked, and the commemorative speeches are scheduled for 8 p.m.”“And the presentation slides?” I asked, leaning back in my chair.“They’re ready,” Clara said confidently. “I’ve already sent them to the AV team for testing.”“Perfect,” I said with a nod. “And the staff un
Olivia’s POVI gripped the steering wheel so tightly that my knuckles turned white, the tension in my chest refusing to ease. The confrontation with Lucas replayed in my mind, each word cutting deeper than I wanted to admit. How could he accuse me of something like that? After everything…I took a deep breath, forcing myself to focus on the road. By the time I pulled into the driveway, the sky had shifted to a soft orange hue, the sun setting behind the sprawling estate. I parked the car and stepped out, the cool evening air brushing against my skin as I walked towards the house.Ethan was standing by the main door, scrolling through his phone. His head lifted as he heard my footsteps, a warm smile breaking across his face. “Hey, Liv.”“Hi,” I said curtly, brushing past him.Before I could make it inside, he grabbed my arm gently but firmly, pulling me back to face him. “Don’t let Lucas get to you,” he said, his voice calm yet resolute. “It’s obvious you guys got into an argument or s
Olivia’s POVThe day had finally arrived—Nexus Global’s third anniversary. This milestone wasn’t just about celebrating the company’s success; it was also a moment of personal triumph for me. Every ounce of my little effort, every sleepless night within the past few days, and every challenge I overcame had led to this day.Standing in front of my mirror, I took a deep breath as I admired my reflection. The navy-blue gown I had chosen hugged my figure perfectly. It was elegant and sophisticated without being overly flashy—just how I liked it. My curls fell naturally around my shoulders, soft and bouncy, and the heels I had been eagerly waiting to wear completed the look. I felt ready to face whatever came my way today.Descending the stairs, I found Ethan waiting for me in the living room, scrolling through his phone. He looked dashing in a sleek black tuxedo, his tie impeccably knotted. The moment he saw me, he put his phone down and stood up, a playful grin spreading across his face.
Lucas' POVI couldn’t take my eyes off her. Olivia was breathtaking tonight, and no matter how hard I tried to focus on anything else, my gaze kept drifting back to her. The navy blue dress she wore perfectly hugged her curves, leaving nothing to the imagination. Her hair fell in loose curls, framing her face and highlighting the soft glow of her skin. She walked with such grace and confidence that it was almost as if she owned the entire room.But I wasn’t the only one captivated. Everyone noticed her tonight. The board members, the guests, even the waitstaff—all eyes were on her. Yet, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy every time someone else admired her. She wasn’t mine anymore, and I had no right to feel this way.“Lucas.”Amelia’s voice cut through my thoughts like a knife. I turned to face her, trying to mask my irritation.“Why are you staring at her like that?” she asked, her tone sharp.“I wasn’t staring,” I replied flatly, though we both knew it was a lie.“Yes, you
Lucas’s POVThe hospital smelled sterile, the faint scent of antiseptic lingering in the air. Olivia sat on the hospital bed, looking more vulnerable than I’d ever seen her. Her ankle was propped up, wrapped tightly in bandages. The doctor’s words echoed in my head: Grade two ankle sprain. Hospitalized for two weeks.Olivia’s reaction was immediate. Her eyes widened, and she shook her head. “Two weeks? I can’t stay here for two weeks! I have a company to run. I can’t abandon everything!”The doctor remained firm, his tone professional but kind. “Ms. Smith, your health should be your priority. You need rest and care, or your injury could worsen. This is the best course of action.”I stayed silent, watching the conflict play out on her face. The new Olivia was nothing if not headstrong, and the idea of being confined to a hospital room for two weeks was clearly driving her mad.Just as she was about to argue again, the door burst open, and Ethan came rushing in. His face was painte
Olivia's POV"Liv, I think you should let the family doctor treat you at home," Ethan said as we sat in the back seat of his car. The plush leather seats felt oddly uncomfortable as I shifted, trying to ease the dull ache in my ankle.I frowned, glancing at him. "At home? Why? I mean, isn’t the hospital more equipped for this sort of thing?"He sighed, giving me one of those looks that made me feel like a stubborn child. "You hate hospitals. I could see it in your face back there. Besides, I’ve already arranged everything. You’ll get the best care, and you won’t have to deal with anyone prying into your life."I blinked, momentarily speechless. It always amazed me how Ethan seemed to think three steps ahead."You’ve really thought this through, haven’t you?" I asked, a small smile playing on my lips."Of course," he said with a shrug, his tone casual. "You’re my sister. Taking care of you is my job."I glanced down at my tablet, scrolling absentmindedly through social media. To
Lucas' POVI parked my car in the garage, my mind still swirling with thoughts of Olivia. The message she sent earlier replayed in my head: cold, distant, and completely unlike the Olivia I knew.“No, I’m fine, Mr. Preston. I don’t need any assistance.”Mr. Preston? When did I become just “Mr. Preston” to her? My grip tightened on the steering wheel, and before I realized it, I banged my hand against it in frustration.I sat there for a moment, staring out the windshield, trying to make sense of everything. This wasn’t the Olivia I fell in love with, the Olivia who used to light up at the sight of me. She was always warm, always kind. How could she change so much overnight?With a deep sigh, I stepped out of the car and walked into the house, hoping to find some peace. But as soon as I opened the door, I was greeted by the sight of my mother and Amelia sitting in the living room.My mother was the first to speak, her voice sharp. “Why are you just coming home now? And where’s Am
Olivia’s POVEarlier that day,The soft touch of a kiss on my forehead woke me gently. I blinked my eyes open and found Ethan leaning over me, a warm smile on his face. “Good morning, Liv,” he said, his voice as soothing as ever.“Good morning,” I mumbled, stretching lazily. I smiled up at him and pulled him into a quick hug.“You’re leaving already?” I asked, my voice laced with disappointment.“Yes,” he said, brushing a strand of hair away from my face. “I have to catch my flight. But I wanted to see you before I left.”I sat up and gave him a playful pout. “Have breakfast with me before you go.”He laughed softly. “I don’t have much time, but for you, I’ll stay.”We moved to the dining room, and over breakfast, Ethan’s concern surfaced again. “Are you sure you’ll be okay here all by yourself?” he asked, his brow furrowing slightly.I waved off his concern. “Ethan, I’m fine. You’ve already left me with a small army of maids and everything I could possibly need. What could g
Olivia's POV “You’re always everywhere Lucas is, and now he’s locked up for murder, and where are you? Nowhere to be found!”—echoed in my ears, a searing accusation that left my heart pounding, my hands trembling as I gripped the phone. My chest heaved, a mix of anger and guilt surging through me, the urge to defend myself, to scream that I hadn’t caused Lucas’s arrest, warring with the resolve I’d clung to for over a week—to stay away, to let him go. My throat tightened, tears stinging my eyes as I sat on the bed, Austin’s breakfast tray now cold beside me, the room heavy with the aftermath of his subtle manipulation, his suggestion of a trip to escape the “stress” of Lucas’s chaos. My breath was shallow, my mind reeling from the news of Lucas’s arrest for murder, his cuffed image still burned into my retina, and now Amelia’s call, her rage a fresh wound that threatened to unravel me.I swallowed hard, my voice shaking but firm as I responded, my heart racing with defiance. “Ame
Olivia's POV A week had passed since I’d seen Lucas’s text, its words—“Please visit again. I have something for you”—etched into my heart, a constant ache I fought to ignore. Each day was a battle to keep my resolve, to stay away from him, to honor the promise I’d made to Austin and myself to let Lucas go. The decision to cut personal ties, to limit our interactions to business, was a wound that hadn’t healed, a choice driven by the reality of Amelia’s pregnancy and his mother’s hatred, but it tore at me, a longing for his voice, his touch, that lingered like a ghost. My chest ached with the effort to move forward, my heart torn between love and duty, and I threw myself into distractions to keep the pain at bay. Austin, bless him, was my anchor, filling our days with outings and adventures—hiking trails, art galleries, quiet dinners—that brought a fleeting joy, his laughter a balm to my fractured spirit.That morning, I woke to the scent of coffee and pancakes, my eyes fluttering
Lucas's POV The hospital walls of the hospital room wall a prison, its sterile walls and incessant beeping a constant reminder of my fragility, my confinement. Over a week had passed since I texted Olivia—“Please visit again. I have something for you”—and the silence that followed was a weight crushing my chest. Each day without her reply deepened the ache, a mix of worry, longing, and confusion that gnawed at me. What was going through her mind? Had she given up on us, pushed away by Amelia’s pregnancy, my mother’s venom, or the chaos that seemed to follow me? My heart clung to the memory of our reunion—her tears, her hands steadying me, the warmth of her presence—but the lack of response felt like a door slamming shut, leaving me to wonder if I’d lost her for good. My body was healing, the fractures in my spine and shoulder less agonizing, the concussion’s fog lifting, but my spirit was battered, trapped in this room with the two women who made every moment a trial: my mother
Olivia's POV The kitchen was a quiet haven after Dad’s departure, the clink of dishes was a gentle rhythm as Austin and I stood side by side at the sink. My hands moved mechanically, scrubbing plates, rinsing mugs, but my heart was a storm of emotions—gratitude for Austin’s steady presence, guilt for the unanswered question about our marriage, and the raw ache of letting Lucas go. Dad’s directive to cut ties with Lucas echoed in my mind, a confirmation of my own resolve, but it didn’t ease the pain, the longing for a love now out of reach. Austin’s stunned reaction to Dad’s mention of meeting his father lingered, a puzzle I couldn’t solve, stirring an unease that gnawed at me. My chest tightened, my breath shallow as I focused on the dishes, hoping the task would anchor me against the turmoil threatening to spill over.Austin’s voice broke the silence, soft but piercing, catching me off guard. “Olivia,” he said, his tone cautious, his hands pausing in the soapy water, “why do yo
Olivia's POV The morning light filtered through the kitchen windows, casting a soft glow over the counter where I stood, the scent of sizzling bacon and fresh coffee filling the air. My hands moved with purpose, cracking eggs, flipping pancakes, arranging fruit on a plate, but my heart was a tangle of resolve and lingering pain. Last night’s decision to let go of Lucas weighed heavy, a choice that felt both necessary and devastating, like severing a piece of my soul. His face—his desperate hug, his whispered relief in the hospital—haunted me, but so did the reality of Amelia’s pregnancy, his mother’s hatred, the family he was building without me. I couldn’t be the mistress, the shadow in his child’s story, and that truth had solidified my resolve to step back, to protect my heart, to honor the marriage I’d made with Austin, even if it was born of convenience. My throat tightened, my chest aching as I stirred the eggs, the clatter of the spatula a distraction from the tears threa
Olivia's POV The car was a pressure cooker, the air thick with tension, Austin’s words—“You’ll end up a mistress, a second woman”—still burning in my ears, fueling a rage that pulsed through me like wildfire. My hands shook, my chest heaving with a mix of anger and hurt, my tears streaming down my cheeks as I glared at him, his profile rigid against the city lights blurring past. His accusation had struck a nerve, igniting a fury I hadn’t expected, a defiance against the idea that my love for Lucas could be reduced to something so degrading, so small. But beneath the anger was a gnawing fear, a whisper that he might be right, that my place in Lucas’s life was precarious, shadowed by Amelia’s pregnancy and his mother’s hatred. My throat tightened, my heart aching.The guilt of hurting Austin, and the stubborn love for Lucas that refused to let go.Austin’s hands gripped the steering wheel, his jaw clenched, but his voice broke the silence, low and sharp, pushing the tension higher.
Olivia's POV My heart pounded, my breath shallow, my eyes fixed on Amelia, crumpled on the floor, her hands curled around her belly, her sharp cry echoing in the sterile corridor. Lucas was on his knees beside her, his face pale with guilt and panic, his trembling hands reaching to lift her despite his own weakness, the IV line swaying precariously. My chest ached, torn between the love that had surged during our brief, stolen moment—his arms around me, his lips on my forehead—and the crushing guilt of witnessing this fallout, the chaos my presence seemed to ignite. My throat tightened, tears stinging my eyes as I stepped forward, instinct driving me to help Lucas, to steady him as he struggled.“Lucas,” I said, my voice trembling, my hands gripping his arm, supporting his weight as he tried again to lift Amelia, his breath ragged, his eyes wild with fear. But Victoria’s hand shot out, shoving me back with a force that made me stumble, her glare venomous. “Stay away!” she spat,
Lucas's POV “She’s a married woman, she doesn’t belong to you”His statement hung in the air, a cold reminder of the boundaries I’d crossed. My chest tightened, a mix of embarrassment and defiance flooding me as I realized the scene we’d made, my arms around Olivia, my lips on her forehead, all under the hospital’s fluorescent glare. Faces turned our way—nurses, visitors, their eyes curious, judgmental—and I felt heat rise to my cheeks, a flicker of shame for letting my emotions override caution. My body ached, the IV line tugging at my hand, the pain in my spine and shoulder a constant throb, but it was nothing compared to the ache in my heart, the desperate need to hold onto Olivia, to keep her close after nearly losing her.I pulled back, my hands dropping from her face, my voice low, apologetic. “I’m sorry,” I said, my eyes flicking to Austin, then back to Olivia, my throat tight with regret. “I didn’t mean to… I just—I thought you were gone, and I couldn’t—” My words falter
Lucas's POVThe hospital room felt like a cage, its sterile walls closing in, the incessant beep of the heart monitor a mocking reminder of my fragility. My body ached—my spine and shoulder throbbed with every breath, my head pounded with the lingering fog of the concussion—but the real pain was in my chest, a raw, searing ache that came from Amelia’s words: “Olivia’s dead. She died in the explosion.” The memory of her venomous lie, the way it had shattered me before I lost consciousness, haunted me, a wound that refused to heal. I lay propped against the pillows, my hands clenched, my heart a battlefield of grief, doubt, and a stubborn flicker of hope that Olivia was still out there, alive, despite Amelia’s cruelty. The room was a prison, and the two people in it—Amelia and my mother—were the most unbearable company I could imagine, their presence a suffocating weight that made me dread every moment.Amelia sat in a chair by the window, her arms crossed, her face a mask of sullen