Chapter 6- Game Day.

Olivia.

Amelia had helped me choose the perfect outfit for today—a pastel lavender pantsuit with a tailored blazer and slim-cut trousers. Underneath, I wore a simple white camisole that showed just enough confidence without trying too hard.

Around my neck rested the gold necklace my mother had given me years ago. On my wrist was the Movado Noah had surprised me with for my birthday. I slipped into a brand-new pair of nude pumps and caught my reflection in the mirror.

I smiled.

I looked confident.

Whether I actually felt that way...

was a different story.

I had worked too hard for this presentation to let Monica intimidate me now. Mr. Lewis had said it best: Let the best woman win. That was exactly what I intended to do. If I earned the promotion, it would be because I deserved it. And if I didn't, at least I would know I'd given it everything I had.

Right?

"Morning, gorgeous." Levi's cheerful voice greeted me the moment I stepped into the office. A grin spread across his face as he held up a large iced coffee. "Ready to kick Monica's ass today?"

I laughed, instantly feeling some of the tension melt away.

"Thank you so much, Levi. You're the best."

"I know," he teased with a dramatic wink. "Now drink your liquid courage. We've got a promotion to win."

His confidence was contagious.

We spent the next forty-five minutes putting the finishing touches on our presentation. Every member of the team had a specific role, and I wanted each of them to feel prepared.

"Remember," I said, looking around the room, "our body language is just as important as the information we're presenting. We have to convince them that our campaign is the strongest one in the room. We have visual aids to support us, but if anyone freezes or gets nervous, just give me a signal and I'll jump in. We've got this."

Everyone nodded.

I could tell they were nervous.

Truthfully...

So was I.

My team and I walked to the conference room, arriving a few minutes before everyone else. The room was quiet, giving us one last opportunity to collect our thoughts before the presentations began.

Monica and her entourage arrived shortly afterward. They walked past us without so much as a glance, as though we didn't exist.

And that was fine.

We didn't need their acknowledgment.

I wasn't about to let Monica—or anyone else—steal the confidence I'd worked so hard to build that morning. Nothing was going to stand in my way.

Even if she kept staring at me like a starving vulture circling its prey.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen," Mr. Lewis greeted as he stepped into the conference room. "Is everyone ready?"

Monica and I exchanged a brief nod.

Judging by the tightness in her expression, I wasn't the only one feeling the pressure.

"Our guests should be here any second," Mr. Lewis said, glancing toward the door. "They were just getting off the elevator."

A moment later, the sharp click of high heels echoed across the marble floor.

Mr. Lewis straightened his jacket and walked over to greet them.

Then she walked in.

She was absolutely stunning.

Tall.

Elegant.

And effortlessly poised, she carried herself with the kind of confidence that turned every head in the room.

"Good morning, everyone," she greeted warmly.

"Good morning," we replied in unison.

Mr. Lewis welcomed the guests before giving a brief introduction to the company. He spoke proudly about its history, explaining how his grandfather had founded the business decades earlier. His father had later taken over before passing it on to him nearly ten years ago.

Their history was beautiful.

Listening to him reminded me why I loved working there.

This wasn't just another corporation focused on profits. Customer service was at the heart of everything they did, and those values had remained unchanged through every generation.

"With that said," Mr. Lewis continued, "I'd like to invite Monica and her team to present their campaign."

I watched as Monica confidently walked to the front of the room...

Alone.

Her team never moved from their seats.

I can't say I was surprised, but it bothered me more than I expected. She had no intention of sharing the spotlight. Every bit of recognition belonged to Monica—and Monica alone.

I opened my notebook and began taking notes as she started her presentation.

Presenting after her had one obvious disadvantage. If any of our ideas happened to overlap, it could easily look as though we'd borrowed them from her campaign.

Thankfully...

We couldn't have been further apart.

Every strategy she presented was completely different from the direction my team and I had chosen.

"I have compiled a list of exclusive models who would beautifully showcase your designs. I also propose launching your clothing line during New York Fashion Week, using The Fashion Runway as the official platform for your debut."

My eyes widened.

Our presentations weren't even remotely alike.

This could either be a complete disaster...

Or it could work completely in my favor.

"Launching your brand on such an exclusive platform will immediately position it as a luxury label," Monica continued confidently. "It will allow us to target an upscale clientele, justify premium pricing, and maximize profitability from the very beginning."

She clicked on the next slide.

"As you can see, the estimated cost of the campaign is approximately four hundred and twenty thousand dollars. Based on our projections, we anticipate a twenty-four percent return within the first month alone."

Oh, boy.

I glanced at my team.

Nobody said a word.

I couldn't tell if they were intimidated... or simply as surprised as I was.

Monica answered a few final questions with quick, confident responses. She never hesitated. Every answer was precise and rehearsed.

She finished well ahead of the allotted time.

"There you have Monica's presentation," Mr. Lewis said. "She'll email everyone a copy of the PowerPoint along with the supporting data. Now..."

His eyes landed on me.

"...let's hear from Olivia."

I stood and smiled.

"Good morning, everyone."

I waited until I had everyone's attention before continuing.

"We're excited to present the campaign my team and I have created for you today. Our approach is very different from Monica's, and that's exactly what makes today's presentations so exciting."

I turned toward my teammates.

"I'd like to invite my team to join me. Every person in this room played an important role in developing this campaign, and they deserve to present the ideas they worked so hard to create."

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Monica staring at me.

There it was again.

That smug little smile.

I had to fight the urge to throw one of my pumps at her.

Then I noticed something else.

Her entire team was watching us.

Not her.

Us.

Maybe they were surprised that I wanted my team standing beside me instead of sitting quietly in the audience.

Or maybe...

They were realizing what it felt like to finally be seen.

"Unlike Monica, I believe your next campaign should feature aspiring models rather than established names."

I glanced toward our guest.

"If I'm not mistaken, during your interview on The Fashion House, you mentioned that one of your company's missions is to empower women."

I nodded toward Chris, who immediately played a short clip from the interview on the screen.

The room fell silent as everyone watched her own words play back.

When the video ended, I smiled.

"Your vision inspired our entire campaign."

I took a step forward.

"By selecting local, up-and-coming models, you'll do more than showcase your clothing—you'll launch careers. You'll be giving talented women an opportunity they may never have otherwise."

I paused, allowing the idea to settle before continuing.

"Financially, it's also a smarter investment. Working directly with modeling agencies instead of hiring individual high-profile talent reduces costs by nearly forty percent."

I clicked to the next slide.

"We also recommend a more organic approach for the runway itself."

"We also recommend a more organic approach for the runway itself."

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Monica shift in her seat.

Her confident expression had begun to fade.

Good.

"Hosting your launch during New York Fashion Week certainly offers prestige," I continued, "but it also places your brand among dozens of established designers competing for the same attention."

I let the comparison hang in the air.

"Your collection deserves to be the main event—not just another name on the schedule."

I advanced to the next slide.

"Instead, we propose hosting the launch right here in Washington, D.C."

Images of the proposed venues appeared on the screen.

"We'll create an event focused entirely on your brand while attracting both local and national media coverage. Not only does this significantly reduce travel expenses, but it also gives us complete creative control over the experience."

I nodded toward Levi.

"Levi is going to walk you through three possible venues."

As he presented The Watergate Hotel, The International Spy Museum, and Woodrow Wilson Plaza, I studied the expressions around the room.

They weren't simply listening anymore.

They were imagining it.

Once Levi finished, I stepped back to the front.

"Your designs are bold, distinctive, and beautifully original."

I smiled.

"So why limit them to one definition of beauty?"

I let the question linger.

"Our campaign celebrates women of every shape, every skin tone, and every background. Fashion should inspire people to see themselves in your designs—not convince them they have to become someone else first."

Several people around the table nodded.

Even some of Monica's minions.

"Targeting only an upscale market can certainly be profitable," I continued, "but the middle class remains the largest consumer group in this region. By creating a campaign that speaks to a broader audience, you'll not only increase your reach—you'll create more opportunities, more visibility, and ultimately, greater long-term profitability."

I caught another glimpse of Monica.

The tiny muscle beneath her eye twitched.

I almost smiled.

Just wait until she saw our projected marketing budget.

Levi, Max, Justine, and Chris handled their portions flawlessly. Watching them present with confidence filled me with pride.

This wasn't my presentation.

It was ours.

We still had time on the clock...

And I wasn't even finished yet.

"Justine," I said, "would you please hand out the cost and profit projections?"

She walked around the room, placing a copy in front of everyone—including Monica and her team.

I waited until the last page had been passed out before speaking again.

"Our proposed marketing campaign comes in significantly below Monica's budget. We estimate the total cost at two hundred eighty-nine thousand dollars—nearly forty-five percent less than the competing proposal."

I paused, letting everyone absorb the numbers.

"Based on our research and projected market reach, we anticipate tripling the return on investment within the first four months."

Silence.

Complete silence.

For several long seconds, no one said a word.

My pulse quickened.

Mr. Lewis hadn't taken his eyes off me since the presentation began. His expression was impossible to read, and that only made me more nervous.

Was he impressed... or was he picking apart every mistake I'd made?

I forced myself to smile.

"Mr. Lewis, thank you for giving us the opportunity to present our campaign today. We'd be happy to answer any questions you or our guests may have. If anything comes to mind later, I'll gladly email over any additional information."

Mr. Lewis looked around the conference table.

"Does anyone have any questions for Monica or Olivia?"

The room remained quiet.

Then Lidia Roberts smiled.

"This has been a very impressive presentation," she said. "Clarence and I already have a strong idea of the direction we'd like to go. We just need a little time to discuss a few remaining details before making our final decision."

I nodded politely, even though my heart was pounding.

That's a good sign... isn't it?

"Thank you both," Mr. Lewis said, looking between Monica and me. "You did an excellent job. You will have a well deserved break."

Only then did reality come rushing back.

Thanksgiving.

My stomach dropped.

I had been so consumed by the presentation that I'd completely forgotten to call my dad. I still hadn't told him whether I was driving home or spending the holiday with friends.

Crap.

My team gathered beside me as we shook hands with Lidia and Clarence before leaving the conference room.

Everyone smiled.

Everyone looked relieved.

We had done everything we possibly could.

Now...

All we could do was wait.

Monica and her team walked out right behind us.

I pressed my lips together, resisting the urge to say something.

But what?

Good luck?

May the best campaign win?

Great presentation?

Every polite response crossed my mind, yet none of them felt right.

Besides...

Monica didn't look like someone who wanted congratulations.

She looked irritated.

I quietly walked back to my office and sent Noah a text.

Then I sent one to Amelia.

"Oh, Darling. Mr. Lewis is looking for you," Levi's voice echoed at the doorway in my office.

There was a silent exchange between us after that. Why would he be looking for me?

A couple of ideas flooded my mind immediately — but it was impossible.

I was lost in my own thoughts.

A few minutes later, my phone buzzed.

I smiled...

Until I saw the screen.

Amelia.

Of course.

She worked at the Pentagon, where cell service could be hit or miss, so I honestly hadn't expected her to reply before Noah.

Normally, whenever we argued, Noah was always the first one to reach out. He'd check on me even if he thought I was the one who had overreacted.

Today...

Nothing.

Amelia: OMG! How did it go?!

Me: This has to be your fastest response ever. 😂

Amelia: Girl, I was invested in that presentation too! 😉

Me: Thank you! 💛

Amelia: Have you talked to Noah?

I stared at her message for a second before typing my reply.

Me: Not yet. Should I call him... or just stop by his office and make peace?

Amelia: James said they'll both be at the office all day. He's expecting to get home a little late tonight.

That settled it.

Me: Okay. Mr. Lewis is looking for me. I'll text you later!

I slipped my phone back into my purse without waiting for her response and headed straight for Mr. Lewis's office.

I knocked lightly.

"Mr. Lewis? Levi said you wanted to see me."

"Yes, come in," Mr. Lewis said.

I stepped into his office, suddenly feeling more nervous than I had during the presentation itself.

Throughout the meeting, I'd caught him watching me more than once. I still couldn't tell whether he had been impressed... or simply evaluating every move I made.

He motioned toward the chair across from his desk.

I sat down a bit nervous.

"I was wondering if you'd be free to have lunch with me tomorrow."

I blinked.

"Oh..."

This had taken me by surprise.

Totally unexpected.

"I actually promised my team I'd take them to lunch today to celebrate. But..." I smiled apologetically. "You can still have lunch with Monica."

The words were out of my mouth before I realized how ridiculous they sounded.

Mr. Lewis laughed.

"No," he said, still smiling. "I was asking you."

Heat rushed to my cheeks.

"Oh...I see."

I scratched the palm of my hand.

Then I laughed nervously.

"I'm sorry. I thought you meant both of us."

"Tomorrow?" he asked again.

"Of course."

His smile widened.

"You did an outstanding job today, Olivia. I was genuinely impressed."

My shoulders relaxed.

He was inviting me to lunch to talk about my presentation. Right?

"Thank you, Mr. Lewis."

Hearing those words meant more than I cared to admit. Not because I'd done it alone...

But because our team had poured weeks of work into that presentation.

"Was that all?" I asked.

"That's all," he replied. "Just don't forget—we have lunch tomorrow."

I smiled, thanked him again, and headed back to my desk.

I went back to my desk and buried myself in the projects waiting for me. When lunchtime came, I kept my promise and treated Levi, Max, Chris, and Justine to lunch.

It was the least I could do after everything they'd poured into our presentation.

We spent the hour laughing, replaying the meeting, and trying to guess which campaign would win. For the first time all day, I allowed myself to relax.

Before I knew it, the workday was almost over.

Just one more day.

Tomorrow was Tuesday, and then I'd be off Wednesday and Friday for Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving...

I still hadn't told my dad whether I was coming home or staying with Noah.

I reached for my phone.

Talking to Noah would make the decision easy.

Me: Hey, handsome! Are you free tonight?

I smiled as I hit Send, fully expecting my phone to buzz within a few minutes.

It didn't.

I tried to distract myself by answering a few client emails, but every couple of minutes my eyes drifted back to my phone.

Still nothing.

When I finally looked at the clock, it was already 5:13 p.m.

A knot formed in my stomach.

I'd even sent him another text around 3:49.

More than enough time had passed.

If Noah wanted to answer...

He would have.

I got into my car and called Noah one more time.

Straight to voicemail.

Then I remembered what Amelia had told me.

James said they'd be at the office until late today.

Maybe Noah had simply gotten caught up in work.

I started the car and headed toward his office.

About ten minutes into the drive, I called James just to make sure they were still there. Rush-hour traffic around the city could be unpredictable, and I didn't want to drive all the way there only to miss him.

"Hey, Liv!" James answered. "Yeah, we're still here. Come on up. Noah's in his office."

"Perfect. Thanks."

I ended the call and smiled to myself.

I'd been looking forward to seeing my handsome boyfriend all afternoon.

More than anything, I wanted us to move past our argument.

I was ready to apologize...

Even though a small part of me still wasn't convinced I'd done anything wrong.

But that's how my mother had raised me.

She always said that if you wanted peace in a marriage, you had to learn which battles were worth fighting.

I had carried that advice with me for years.

Maybe this was one of those moments.

If Noah wasn't ready for us to move in together...

Then we'd take things at his pace.

Relationships were about compromise.

Weren't they?

By the time I pulled into the parking garage, the sky had begun to fade into shades of orange and blue.

I rode the elevator up to the ninth floor.

The office was unusually quiet.

Only a handful of people were still working.

I smiled politely as I walked past them and headed straight for Noah's office.

My heart beat faster with every step.

I hated when we argued.

I hated the distance.

All I wanted was for things to go back to normal.

I reached for the doorknob...

Completely unaware...

That my life was about to change.

Little did I know.