MASKS AND ILLUSIONS

Los Angeles is a city filled with opportunities, dreams, and illusions. For Olivia, it was the backdrop of her fashion empire.

Olivia stood in her office, a glass encased room at the top floor of the skyscraper building. She was staring out into the city.

A knock came in.

“Sorry to bother you, ma'am. Mr. Page is here.” Ana, her secretary, said from the doorway.

Olivia didn't turn away. “Send him in.”

Theo stepped into her office.

“Mr. Page, I trust your day is going well.” she said, walking towards her table, sitting down and adjusting her glasses to look at him properly.

“Hmmm.” He nodded as a fake smile appeared on his face.

“I have reviewed your proposal,” she kept staring at him as if waiting for a reply, but Theo didn't blink. “If you're investing in 70% of the company's shares, that makes us business partners.”

“Think of it like, I'm buying 70% of your company and you have 30% because you're making a relevant contribution that would enhance the growth of the company. You can call it whatever you want.” He leaned back into his chair with his legs crossed. Olivia tried to read him, but it was useless. As though he had no emotions.

“But why? I mean, I've checked my records, and you've only ever purchased a suit from the company 16 months ago. Is there anything I'm missing out on?” Olivia asked out of genuine curiosity. A man who has only ever gotten one suit from the company wants to invest into it, a 70% investment? Nah, there's more to it.

Theo stood up from his seat, walked over to her seat, and raised her chin up to look at him. Olivia's heart raced in her chest. “You have a reputable talent.” A smile spread across her face, and something tinged in her tummy. Theo walked over to her window and stood there, staring at the amazing view. “Plus, it's a good investment. My money can take you to higher places and you'd gain popularity. And I get to spend time with you.”

“Mr. Page, I'm sorry to burst your bubbles, but I would love nothing more than a work related relationship with you. I have a man.” The words fell out of her mouth, and it felt as though she didn't believe them herself, but she wasn’t ready to show Theo her vulnerable side.

He turned and stared at her. “Who said anything about that?” He moved closer and whispered in her ear. “I'm looking forward to working with you, darling.” He gave her a kiss on her cheek and left.

As soon as the doors closed behind him, Olivia finally took a deep breath. She didn’t know how to feel, ‘darling’? she questioned in her mind. She tried not to overthink it by occupying herself with new designs, but her conversation with Theo kept replaying in her head.

She picked up the telephone and dialled a number. “Mr.David, please get the car ready. I'll be out in 10 minutes.”

“Okay ma.”

Olivia arranged her things back into her bag and left her office.

“Miss, is everything okay?” Katie, her secretary, asked her when she saw her leaving.

“Yes, Katie. Thanks for your concern.” Olivia faked a smile as she walked into the elevator.

—

Ding. The doorbell rang.

“Coming.” A voice came from inside the house.

The door pulled open, and a blonde, 5’ 3, blue-eyed lady was standing behind it.

“Something happened.” There was a sparkle of excitement in the blonde's eyes and a large smile on her face. She stepped aside, and Olivia walked into the house.

“What’s tea?” Ella, her best friend, asked as she closed the door and sat beside Olivia.

“I told you about the proposition Theo made to me, right?” Ella nodded in approval. “Well, he came by my office today and kissed me.”

“What?” Ella squealed in excitement. “Yes! Thank God! Something exciting has happened in your life. Finally!” A little smile appeared on Olivia's face seeing her friend's reaction.

“It was on the cheek.” She chuckled. “Plus, I'm worried about what Alex would say once I tell him.” The happiness on Ella's face turned into irritation immediately.

“You know I don't fancy the man. He's very annoying, and I hate the way he treats you. You've been with him for three years now, and he has never paid rent or done anything. He hasn't even taken you out ever since your first date.” Olivia started picking her fingers. “I know you use glasses, but are you that blind to see this man is nothing but a waste of time?” Ella said with frustration and irritation written all over her face.

“Don’t say that.” Olivia replied, still picking her fingers.

“I'm sorry, but the truth hurts.” Ella said. Deep down, Olivia knew Ella wasn't lying. She doesn't deserve to be treated how Alex is treating her, but she loves him. It was the most embarrassing thing she ever felt, loving a man who couldn't care less about you.

“Enough of the bitter talk. I don’t want to overthink it, Theo is known for his flirty behaviour plus, he's a fucking slut. I'm pretty sure he has hooked up with 85% of the females in this city.” Olivia said as she rolled her eyes and started thinking of him again.

“Maybe, maybe not. We can't be sure. Just keep playing along.” Ella said casually, fully aware of the kind of friend she has. Olivia is very straightforward so, instead of playing along, she would ask questions.

Ding.

Olivia picked up her phone to check the text that came in

Unknown number.

There's a dinner party tomorrow evening.

Be ready by 7.

Olivia stated at the message, fully aware of who sent it. No greeting, question or even a name. Just instructions.

“He just texted.” Olivia said as she extended the phone towards Ella.

Ella raised her brows, amused as she read the text. “He's demanding your attention, it's sexy.”

Olivia furrowed her brows in irritation. “Huh?”

Ella clapped her hands together. “You’re going.”

“No, I'm not.”

“I wasn't asking either.” Ella laughed and gave Olivia back her phone. “Get up, we're going shopping.”

—

The next evening – 6:59 p.m.

The sound of heels echoed through the hallway of Ella's house as Olivia made her way down the stairs. Her black dress clings on her curves, her hair pinned up with loose curls and a red lip gloss gave just the right amount of everything she needed.

A sleek black Bentley waited outside the house.

A well dressed young man, likely in his thirties opened the door for her. “Miss Olivia.”

“Thank you.” She slid in.

The car pulled in and drove for twenty minutes into a private estate. The gates opened, revealing an elegant modern mansion.

As she stepped out, cameras flashed at her, paparazzi.

Theo was standing at the entrance in a black tuxedo. He turned, saw her and smirked.

“Olivia,” he said, taking a step forward. “You clean up nicely.”

She gave a little smile and brushed past him.

He guided her through the crowd with his right hand on the small of her back.

“What are we doing here? What am I doing here?” Olivia asked dryly. She looked around to see nothing special happening, it was just a social gathering for the elites.

“You’re here to have fun. Mingle. Drink.” Theo smiled as he gulped a full glass of champagne at once.

Olivia rolled her eyes and just kept observing the room.

“Come, I want you to meet a friend of mine.” Theo pulled Olivia away towards a man in a black suit, tall, lean. The posture looked familiar to Olivia but she didn't want to overthink it, there are a lot of people with the same lanky build.

“Olivia, darling,” Theo said softly. “this is my friend, Alex.”

The man turned slowly, a charming smile already on his face until his eyes met Olivia's and then realisation hit.

The smile vanished.

“Alex?”