005 — The Glass Floor

Olivia's POV.

I walked back to my seat, moving really slow. My mind clouded with thoughts.  

“Who is this guy?” I screamed in my head as I sat down.  

The brown bag still sat on the corner of my desk like it was watching me. The paper looked ordinary, but it felt heavy with everything it meant. I really thought he would ask for money like someone of his status or character would after helping someone who coincidentally turns out to be rich. I’m willing to pay any sum rather than go on a date with a thug.  

I bent my head down to my desk, losing it and trying to compose myself. My fingers pressed hard against the table. I just can’t stop thinking as I’m so sure he has ulterior motives. The fear from earlier still sat cold in my stomach, mixed with anger that refused to settle.  

“Olivia—”  

I lifted my head up from the papers I was reviewing. My heart skipped a beat.  

Victor stood in the doorway. His tie was slightly loose. His eyes looked tired but soft when they found me.  

“You should be at home, resting.”  

I stood up as he walked towards me, smiling softly. The familiar scent of his cologne reached me first—warm and clean, the same scent that used to make me feel safe.  

“I’m fine,” I said in hushed tones, as I fixed his tie. The silk felt smooth under my fingers. “Besides, with the gala coming up, I can’t just be at home. I have to help you.”  

“You could have stayed at home and let the board handle this.”  

He said, his voice so rough that I could tell that he was holding himself from being pissed. Maybe he hates that I pushed myself too hard.  

“Don’t worry. It’s no hassle.”  

I kissed him light on the lips, my two hands crossed on his shoulders. His mouth was warm. For a second the empty place inside me felt a little less sharp.  

He sighed then pulled my hands off him, held them closely. He kissed them, melting my heart. His lips lingered on my knuckles.  

“Ok then. But I will be staying out tonight with the Board.”  

He said, his words made my mood change. Even though I understand how busy he is at times like this, I need him even more. He’s the reason why I am pulling through my miscarriage.  

“Please, rest early.”  

He said, touching my face. His palm was warm against my cheek.  

“I love you.”  

I smiled warmly.  

“I love you too.”  

With that, he took off. I watched him leave, so happy that I have him as a husband. The door closed softly. I just can’t imagine my life without him.  

“And that’s why I’m so crazy to go on this date.”  

I bit my lips hard, running hands through my hair. The strands felt tangled between my fingers. I unwrapped the box and saw the card. Thick cream paper. Clean black letters.  

I paused right there as I saw the location.  

“Thorne’s Elite Suites.”  

“Wow!”  

I exclaimed out loud, my mind back to wondering who this man really is. I don’t think he’s that rich to even have access of entry to the hotel. I saw the time and immediately grabbed my bag, realizing that I have no time.  

——— —

-- Inside the Thorne’s Elite Suites --

I paused as soon as I saw him seated at his table.  

He looked so hot that I lost my breath. I was just as captivated as I was this same morning when I saw him in his robes. But now he was in a suit. Black, perfectly cut, the kind that sat sharp on his shoulders and narrowed at the waist. The white shirt underneath was open at the collar just enough to show the edge of the tattoos on his neck. He looked expensive. And dangerous.  

I blinked, looking sideways as he lifted his head up.  

“Shit—"  I cursed myself for even admiring him. I can’t believe I just find him so handsome as a man.  

I cleared my throat, turned to face him. Our gazes locked at the same time when I turned.  

I walked slowly. The soft music of the lounge mixed with the low murmur of other voices below. He stood up, walked around and adjusted my chair.  

I scoffed, dazzled by his character as I sat down, watching him go to his seat. The chair felt cool against the back of my legs.  

“You’re beautiful and so—”  

“How did you secure a seat like this here?”  

I asked, cutting him off.  

Our table sat high above the main floor. Thick glass stretched beneath us. From up here I could see other people at their tables below on the ground floor, the soft lights, the quiet movement of staff. The air smelled of expensive perfume and chilled champagne.  

I looked around and back to him.  

“I admit your suit is wearable. Still, you don’t look like someone who can afford to come here.”  

I scanned him through, so sure about that but still, his whole attitude is so questionable that there might be more to it than meets the eye.  

“I have my ways.”  

He said, dismissing that like he doesn’t want to talk about it. Not like I’m interested in that more than the reason I’m even here.  

“Tell me— Why are you wearing a ring to our date?”  

He asked with a frown, cutting me off, arching a brow.  

“Oh this—”  

I raised my gloved hands up.  

“In case you have any nasty thoughts, this should keep you at arm’s length, just a reminder that I'm someone else's.. ”  

I dangled my hand, showing my wedding ring off, not understanding his frown. I smirked low as the diamond caught the light.  

“You’re—”  

“Why are you doing this to me?”  I asked, cutting him off.  

“Relax.. The reasons will soon be here.”  

He looked at his watch, replying like he didn’t give a fuck.  

“I can’t believe I’m being toyed by a total stranger.”  I scoffed loudly, still finding the whole thing unbelievable.  

“Stranger?”  He blinked like he’s worth more.  

“What’s your name?”  

I asked, looking straight at him.  

“I’ll tell you if you survive tonight.”  

He smirked sharply.  

“You know what— I’m too busy for this. I’m leaving.”  I grabbed my bag, not wanting to waste another second with a psycho.  

“Look down.”  

He smiled, also looking down through the glass.  

“I’m sure you know the lady in red.”  

He said, smiling like he’d just won a lottery.  

I followed his gaze.  

A woman in a deep red dress sat at a table below. Long dark hair. Very elegant and familiar.  

“Yes, I know her. She’s married to a business mogul, the CEO of BW Group.”  

I said, looking back at him whose gaze is still down. I took a sip of my champagne. The bubbles felt sharp on my tongue.  

“Here comes the business mogul.”  

I turned back and saw him.  

The glass fell from my hands.  

It hit the table with a dull sound. Champagne spread across the surface and dripped cold onto my lap. I didn’t feel the wetness.  I didn't feel a thing.

I watched as he walked up to the woman in red. He smiled the same soft smile he had given me hours earlier in my office. Then he leaned in and kissed her.  

Not a polite greeting.  

A real kiss.  

His hand rested on her waist the way it used to rest on mine.  

I stood up. My legs felt like they belonged to someone else. I walked lifeless to the glass and pressed my palm against it. The surface was cold and smooth.  

Tears trickled down my eyes.  

No.  

Not him.  

Not after everything.  

My baby is gone. The only person I loved and trusted most my entire married life is standing down there with another woman.  

My mouth opened. No sound came out.  

Pain tore through my chest so sharp I couldn’t breathe. It felt like someone had reached inside and ripped something loose. Tears fell faster, hot and endless. They blurred the glass until Victor and the woman became soft shapes that still moved together. My throat closed. My heart felt like it was cracking open from the inside, piece by piece.  

I cried until the sound finally broke free—raw, broken, pulled from somewhere deep and wounded. My whole body shook. The cold glass under my palm was the only thing that felt real. My knees trembled. Salt water ran into my mouth. I could taste my own grief.  

“Victor…”  

The name left me in a whisper no one could hear.  

Why?  

After I lost our child. After everything we've been through together.. Was it all a lie?

My fingers slid weakly down the glass. The emptiness inside me expanded until there was no room left for air. My chest heaved with silent sobs that turned into broken gasps as I struggled to breathe.  

I can’t.  

I can’t hold this.  

My knees gave out.  

Everything went black.

I passed out