CHRISTIANI glanced at the screen of the laptop sitting on my desk, rubbing my jaw as thoughts raced through my head.We needed to improve production in every sector of Blackwood Enterprise that I managed, and to do that, I had to think about the workers too. Motivation played a big role in performance, so I had to use that. Would a five percent increase in salary help? Maybe I needed to throw in some incentives as well and it could go a long way.Letting out a sigh, I leaned back in my chair and pressed my thumb to the bridge of my nose. Now that all the fun with Olivia in Greece was over, it was time to get back to work. I was neck-deep in duties I’d ignored, and the pile of unfinished tasks wasn’t getting any smaller.I’d let myself enjoy the vacation a little too much. I got caught up in the moments with her, just relaxing, laughing, forgetting all the usual stress. It had been a good break. A necessary one. I spent so much of my time buried in work that I barely did anything els
OLIVIA My eyes fluttered open against the soft shine of morning sunlight streaming through the window above my bed. I lay there for a moment, staring at the ceiling, a lazy smile tugging at my lips. No lectures today. Which meant I could guiltlessly walk around and do absolutely nothing. Pure bliss. A whole day away from the emotional, mental, and physical chaos that school came with was magical. And honestly, I needed the break, especially after my last encounter with Miss Elowen. I sat up, letting out a long yawn as I stretched, then swung my legs off the bed and made my way to the bathroom. Reaching for my toothbrush, I squeezed out a blob of toothpaste and began brushing, glancing up at the mirror….and paused. Was that… extra weight I could see? And my chin? I tilted my head slightly. Yep, definitely a little rounder. How did that even happen? It’s not like I’d been over eating lately. Or… had I? Christian never stopped me from ordering whatever I wanted while we were
OLIVIA I staggered backward, a shaky breath leaving my lips as I stared at the test stick clutched between my trembling fingers. Two lines. That meant it was positive. My fingers trembled harder as the truth settled in—I was pregnant. I shook my head, eyes wide, and when I couldn’t bear to look at the stick any longer, I dropped it like it burned my fingers. I was really pregnant. It had happened for real. A second later, I rushed forward and picked it back up, my hand unsteady. I swallowed hard, staring at the lines again. Calm down, Olivia. You wanted this, you signed up for this and you knew it would happen. I exhaled, trying to calm myself. But how was I supposed to calm down? This wasn’t a walk in the park, I was pregnant. When I signed that contract with Christian, I knew this day could come. I wasn’t naïve. But knowing it could happen and actually living it were two very different things. I hadn’t expected to feel this overwhelmed and uncertain. With a sigh, I ste
CHRISTIAN I lifted the glass and downed the liquor in one go, the burn shooting straight to my eyes. I’d been drinking nonstop since Olivia told me she was pregnant. The moment she said it, I froze, too overwhelmed to speak, too stunned to process it even though I’d planned all these weeks ago. I saw the look on her face, the way she tried to smile through it, how her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. She was fighting to be happy, to keep it together. And I had no idea what to say. Instead of dealing with it, I shut down and bottled it all up. Now, I was chasing numbness with alcohol, trying to pretend I had it all under control. Slamming the glass down on the minibar counter, I grabbed the bottle and tipped it, only to realize it was already empty. Groaning, I got to my feet and stumbled over to the shelf lined with more bottles. I grabbed a new one, popped the cap, and took a long gulp before making my way back to the desk. Just then, my office door flew open. “Christian,
OLIVIA I yawned as I opened my eyes, the soft light coming through the curtains. I rolled onto my side, still under the warm sheets, and let out a heavy sigh. My hand reached out for my phone on the nightstand and when I found it, the screen lit up, too bright for my tired eyes. There was one message and it was from Grace. ‘Paycheck received from Mr. Blackwood. I will deliver it soon.’ I stared at the screen for a few seconds, then tossed the phone aside with a sigh. I had been excited to get my first paycheck, that was before I found out I was pregnant. I sighed again, rubbing my face. Five million dollars, for the baby growing inside me. At first, it felt like a good plan, when James was dying and I was desperate. It was easy back then to make the decision and I barely thought about the future. But now? It felt like I had made a bad trade with someone who didn’t care about me, like I had given away something too important. I sat up, groaning a little, and placed a hand
OLIVIA “Phew!” Ophelia said, flipping her hair back as we walked toward her office. “That was a great lunch, don’t you think?” She glanced at me, waiting for a response. I gave her a small smile and nodded. “Of course.” We had barely spoken during the meal, so I was a little surprised she was talking now. I figured the silence earlier was because we were around other people. Maybe she didn’t like being open in public. When we reached her office, she pushed the glass doors open and let out a deep sigh. “Damn,” she muttered, shaking her head. “I haven’t had lunch that big in a long time.” She rubbed her stomach and smiled. I let out a small laugh. That wasn’t true for me. I ate like that all the time. She walked around her desk and dropped into her chair, tossing her head back with another sigh. “Have a seat, please,” she said, motioning toward the chairs across from her. “Thank you,” I said, picking the one that looked softer and easing into it. Ophelia leaned forward, resting
MICHAEL A knock sounded on my office door, followed by a slight creak as it opened. I glanced up from the computer screen to see my secretary standing in the doorway. “What is it?” I asked, already irritated. “There’s a Miss Lydia here to see you.” I nodded. “Send her in.” Moments later, Lydia stepped into the room, a scowl tugging at her features. “What’s with the face?” I asked, eyeing her as she moved across the room. “I went to see your sister,” She said flatly. “Ophelia?” She shot me an angry look. “Do you have another sister I don’t know about?” With that, she dropped onto the couch, clearly annoyed. “Is that why you look like you’ve just been slapped?” She crossed her legs and leaned back, attempting to appear composed. “She was rude,” she said simply. “Exceptionally rude. Ugh, I hate how she makes me feel.” I exhaled, dragging a hand over my face. “I can’t say I’m surprised,” I said, my gaze drifting to the window. “She’s on Christian’s team and she must have
OLIVIA I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection, searching for any signs that my body had changed since I found out I was pregnant.I still looked the same. Deep down, I knew this restlessness was just paranoia. It had only been a few days since I found out. What difference could several hours really make? Still, the weight in my chest had only grown heavier. The thoughts in my mind, the nervousness, it all seemed to get worse with every passing hour. A beep from my phone pulled me out of my thoughts. I glanced down at it on the dresser and saw a new email notification. It was an invitation to the Blackwood Annual Event, scheduled for three days from now. I sighed and picked up the phone, opening the email. The theme caught my eye right away: “A Night of Masks and Mystery – Gatsby Masquerade Ball.” A small smile tugged at my lips. I remembered talking to Ophelia about it, wondering how she planned to turn such a big, flashy idea into reality and now, I could see
Olivia’s POVI felt a tingling warmth against my skin, and I peeled my eyes open, squinting them against the streak of sunlight that rested on my face.Deeply satiated, and feeling energized, I stretched against the sheets and yawned with my mouth wide open, the rich sound of Christian’s snores reaching my ears.I giggled softly, turning to his side to watch his peaceful expression as he slept.This was the first time I was hearing him snore, and interestingly enough, it still sounded topnotch sexy.Did he always snore?Smiling, I reached up and picked at his dark curls, and he shifted gently just then, his eyes flickering open just a wink.“Hey,” he croaked in a husky voice, turning fully towards me and pulling me in, burying his face into my chest.“Hey,” I returned in a soft voice, threading my fingers into his hair and massaging gently. “It’s past 9am. Time for work, right?”He shook his head slowly, his breath fanning my naked skin.“Coffee?” I asked, my tone suggestive, and he s
Christian’s POVMy cock throbbed even harder as I stared down at the green-eyed beauty that sucked the living daylights out of me, with half-lidded eyes, her pink tongue swirling around the tip.God, she would be the death of me.Groaning in pleasure, and unable to hold back anymore, I gently pushed her back on the bed, my cock jutting out like a sword as I straddled her.“How much do you want me, Olivia?” I demanded, my eyes running down her face, lingering on her nipples, as I stroked her clit with the tip of my cock.Slowly, I pushed in the tip, my jaw clenching with suppressed hunger and desire. “This much?”“No, a little more,” she breathed, her fingers gliding over my back.Taut veins bulging on the side of my neck, I pushed in a little bit further, her clit hugging my pulsating cock, and we both gasped as a tingling sensation washed down my skin.“This much?” I whispered in her ear, my arm snaking around her waist and positioning her perfectly underneath me.She nodded slowly,
Olivia’s POVI shifted gently on the bed, half asleep, as I reached for Christian on the other side of the bed.When my fingers don’t connect with his skin in the next few minutes, my eyes fluttered open, only to find he wasn’t there.Where was he?I ran my eyes over the room slowly, groaning, and eventually, they landed on him in the corner, a wine glass between his fingers, staring down at me intently.Fear zapped through me for a split second as I stared at him, and I fully opened my eyes and sat up gently in the bed.I pushed my fingers through my hair and rubbed my eyes. “Are you okay?”“Yeah,” he replied, nodding. “I just couldn’t sleep,” he continued, “so I decided to just watch you sleep, instead.”I swallowed, sticking out my tongue to lick my lower lip. His hot gaze followed the movement, darkening, and he immediately pushed himself off the wall, moving towards the bedside table to pour me a glass of water from the carafe.Still keeping his eyes on me, he inched forward and
Olivia’s POVI remained very rigid as Christian carried me into the car, gently placing me on the seat and leaning forward to strap on my seatbelt.I felt like a toddler, with the way he was carrying me, but I couldn’t even argue with him, because he was probably annoyed with me too.But how could I have refused his grandfather’s orders to appear at the hospital? It wasn’t like I could do that and not expect to face his wrath…Sighing heavily, I watched through the rearview mirror as Christian took the car key from the driver and dismissed him, walking over to the driver’s side.As he got in, I kept my gaze transfixed on him. More out of disbelief and curiosity.He jammed the key into the ignition, and the engine rumbled to life.“Why are you taking me home yourself?” I demanded in a loud voice, trying to get myself heard over the engine noise. “What about the driver?”Christian waited until the noise had died down, the engine still running, before he turned his gaze to me. “I sent hi
Olivia’s POVDespite my leg, when Mr. Blackwood demanded to see the entire family, including me, I had to be present.Although I’d been shocked I was even included in the list…But there was no time for questions because Michael was lying on a hospital bed right now.I scratched my arm, glancing across the hallways as I wondered where Christian was.Why wasn’t he here yet?Sighing, I turned towards Michael’s ward, staring a bit longingly as I wondered if his injuries were severe or extreme.We haven’t even seen him yet. It was just Mr. Blackwood with him in there, ever since we arrived, plus he had just come out of surgery an hour ago.I didn’t even care about Lydia, if she was alive. Or not.Was I being too harsh?I let out another huge sigh, throwing my head backwards and closing my eyes. I felt Ophelia sink in next to me then, and she threw an arm around my shoulders.I peeled my eyes open to see she looked as scared as I was feeling, despite trying to act strong.“He’ll be okay,”
Olivia’s POVI picked out the lettuce in my burger, staring at it with a scrunched up nose and twisted lips.I couldn’t understand why I wasn’t enjoying this very delicious-looking snack.What was it?Because I’d been in bed, alone, all day? Or it just wasn’t good, maybe only aesthetically pleasing?The constant ache in my heart was a sharp reminder that my mother and James weren’t around me. I missed them so badly, and I never even thought that would happen, and soon.And there was Christian, who was probably at work, snooping around and trying to find whoever had tried to kill me.I knew he was really into finding that out, because I’d overheard some series of calls he’d made earlier.I sighed, gently placing the burger down on the plate.I wanted him home with me, cuddling me, his presence reassuring me that I was safe. I was tired of being alone.Just then, my phone rang on the bedside table, and I sat up straighter, and excitedly leaned forward to grab it off the table.But the s
Christian’s POVMartha and the staff were already waiting downstairs, like I’d instructed, and as I pushed down the stairs, I sighed heavily, threading my fingers through my hair.I sunk into one of the couches as I got to the ground floor, gesturing towards Martha who stood to the side. “Please, sit.”She nodded and dropped into the couch opposite me, and I turned my attention to the other maids that stood to the side.“I’m sure you’re all aware I have a guest,” I started in a clear voice, linking my fingers between my knees and leaning forward, sweeping my gaze from one face to the other, and they nodded quietly.“As you know,” I continued, “I rarely bring anyone here, so she’s no ordinary guest.” I paused, my gaze straying to Martha. “She’s special.”“She’s my future,” I continued without missing a beat, “my home. So you must make sure she feels at home all the time.”I nodded as I spoke, pulling out my phone from my pocket. “Also, she’s pregnant,” I announced, “so you have to be c
OLIVIAIt was as if he sensed my shift in mood, and he moved closer. “You should think bad thoughts more often,” he said, his tone teasing. “Keeps your mind occupied.” Yeah, just like the doctor advised. He’d mentioned how common it was for accident victims to suffer from PTSD or depression, how they often spiraled by reliving the trauma. He’d encouraged me to focus on the present, to appreciate the people around me, and to learn to accept what had happened, no matter how difficult. It was complicated. But I knew Christian was trying to help me avoid those darker thoughts. Truth be told, I didn’t want them either, especially after the nightmares that had been haunting me for the past few days. “What bad thoughts?” I asked, focusing on him. “Remember our texts?” My face flushed instantly, the heat spreading like wildfire. “If you’re planning on staying in this room with me,” I muttered, “that’s… a really bad idea.” “Why?” he asked, as he casually began unbuttoning his shirt.
OLIVIA The car came to a stop in front of Christian’s penthouse, and I winced at the thought of getting out. My wheelchair sat beside me, its cold frame a reminder of just how much I’d have to rely on it for the next few weeks. My arms didn’t ache so much, but walking was out of the question. A large shard of glass had embedded itself in my thighs, the injury so close to making me fear the worst, that I’d lost the baby. My ribs were fractured, too, but the pain was muted, likely drowned out by the painkillers they’d pumped into me. I took a deep breath, mentally preparing for the struggle of getting out of the car. But before I could even reach for the handles, Christian was already at my side, opening the door. He moved without hesitation, setting up the wheelchair and lifting me into it with careful hands. “I told you not to bother with that,” he muttered, crouching in front of me and adjusting the footrest before standing to push me toward the building. I narrow