Chapter 4

After the introduction, Lucas instructed Olivia to show Maddie to her new workspace. "Follow me," Olivia said, trying to maintain a professional tone.

Maddie trailed behind her, a knowing glint in her eye. She was aware that Olivia's mind was buzzing with questions, and she was more than happy to provide all the answers.

As they reached the office, Olivia gestured to the spacious room. "This is your office, and the files you need to sort out are on the table. They're fairly straightforward, but if you have any questions or need clarification on anything, don't hesitate to let me know."

Maddie smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You don't have to sound so professional with me, you know," she said, her voice laced with warmth.

Olivia raised an eyebrow, choosing to ignore Maddie's teasing comment. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming to work here?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Maddie shrugged, a hint of apology in her voice. "I had told Lucas earlier about me wanting to work here. He told me to send my qualifications to his email, but he didn't reply. I sent in everything he asked and finally, yesterday, he told me to start work. I wanted to secure the job before I told you. I was going to fill you in yesterday, but it wasn't exactly the right moment."

Olivia's eyes narrowed slightly. "Why didn't you text or call me then?" she asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and mild reproach.

Maddie's expression turned slightly somber. "I did call you, Olivia. I called you three times last night because I wanted to catch up and tell you about the job. But you didn't pick up, and you didn't call back."

Olivia's face softened as she checked her phone, realizing that she had indeed missed Maddie's calls. After the events of the previous day, she had put her phone on Do Not Disturb mode and hadn't had a chance to check it thoroughly. "Oh, sorry. My bad," she said, feeling a twinge of regret for not being more available.

It’s fine, no problem,” she replied.

Olivia went back to her workspace, and the rest of her day went smoothly.

As the day drew to a close, Olivia headed home, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She walked into the house, greeted by the warm aroma of dinner wafting from the kitchen. Maltida, her loyal maid, was busy preparing the evening meal, her hands moving deftly as she chopped vegetables and stirred pots.

"Welcome, ma'am," Maltida said, looking up from her work with a warm smile. "How are you, dear?" she asked, her eyes filled with concern.

Olivia smiled, feeling a sense of comfort at the familiar routine. "I'm fine, Maltida. Just a long day at work," she replied, dropping her bag onto the floor.

Maltida nodded sympathetically. "I'm preparing dinner, ma'am. It'll be ready soon," she said, her voice reassuring.

Olivia nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Maltida. "Okay, no problem," she replied. "I'll just freshen up and change. Let me know when dinner is ready."

After changing into comfortable clothes, Olivia settled onto the couch. She picked up her phone, noticing the messages from Maddie. But one particular one caught her attention.

“I am coming to your place now.” The text popped up. Okay, but why? It's late already, she thought.

A few minutes later, Maddie came into the mansion.

“Bestie, how are you doing?” Maddie asked, smiling.

“I am fine, thank you for asking. But what are you doing in my place by this time?” she asked.

"I have to tell you, bestie, I've been planning this for a while," she said, her voice low. "I've been looking for a way to get closer to Lucas, to figure out what's going on between you two."

Olivia's eyes widened in surprise. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Maddie smiled, her eyes sparkling with determination. "I've been watching from the sidelines, and I have to say, I'm not impressed with how Lucas has been treating you," she said. "I figured the best way to help you would be to get inside, to see what's going on."

Olivia's mind was racing. "So, you came here to help me?" she asked, her voice filled with emotion.

Maddie nodded. "Yes, I did. And I have to say, I'm excited to be here. I'm going to do everything in my power to help you, bestie. Let’s figure this out together."

Olivia knew something was off, but she tried to brush it off, attributing her unease to her already frazzled nerves. When Maddie asked to stay over for the night, Olivia agreed, happy to have her best friend's company. The two friends spent the evening catching up, and Olivia felt a sense of normalcy wash over her.

The next day, Olivia arrived at work, determined to tackle her tasks with renewed focus. She spent the morning compiling files, her mind concentrated on the task at hand. Once she finished, she gathered the documents and headed to Lucas's office.

As she approached his door, she felt a familiar knot in her stomach. She had been avoiding him ever since their confrontation, and the thought of facing him again made her anxious. She prayed that he wouldn't be in his office, hoping to avoid an awkward encounter.

But fate seemed to have other plans. As she reached the door, she heard Lucas's voice, low and husky, speaking into the phone. His door was slightly ajar, and Olivia's curiosity got the better of her. She hesitated for a moment, wondering if she should knock or wait until he finished his call.

As she stood there, frozen in indecision, she heard Lucas's words more clearly. "I love you, baby," he said, his voice filled with affection. Olivia's heart skipped a beat as she heard the feminine voice on the other end of the line respond, "I love you, too, my love."

The voice sounded eerily familiar, and Olivia's mind began to reel. Who was Lucas talking to? And why did the voice sound so hauntingly familiar?