OLIVIA “So,” Liam leaned further into the table, his eyes bright, “I can tell you hate parties, but there’s this…” He paused, twisting his lips, “This dinner.” I raised a brow in response, curiosity piqued despite myself. He smiled in return, clearly pleased with my reaction. “My father’s birthday is tomorrow,” he continued, “And he loves to throw these big, elaborate parties. I was wondering if you’d like to attend.” I chuckled softly, momentarily at a loss for words. This was unexpected, and besides, we’d only just started talking. Showing up at his father’s birthday party felt strange, didn’t it? “I don’t know,” I muttered, shrugging. “I just don’t think—” “Before you say no,” he quickly interrupted, leaning in slightly. “I think you should know that a lot of people from our school will be there, so…” He lifted one shoulder casually, his smile a little more hopeful. Was that supposed to convince me? The idea that people from school would be there didn’t exactly make it more
MICHAEL The door to my office swung open. I looked up to see Lydia walk in like she owned the place, shoulders high and head held even higher. Slowly, I stood, my eyes locked on her as she crossed the room and sank into the couch without a word. “I know what you did,” I said, skipping any kind of greeting. She raised one perfectly shaped brow, pretending she had no idea what I was talking about. “What are you going on about?” “You went to my grandfather,” I said, my voice tight. “You asked him to bring you into Blackwood Hotel by promising an investment from your family, didn’t you?” She held my gaze in silence, like she was waiting for something. For a second, I wondered if I had it wrong. Then she let out a quiet breath, the corner of her mouth twitching like she found it all slightly amusing. “Oh,” she said quietly. “That.” My anger flared fast and I slammed my hand on the desk. “Why?” I yelled. “Why would you do that?” “Why would I do what?” she replied, her tone calm—t
OLIVIA I leaned back against the headrest, my eyes drifting past the tall buildings as we sped by. I tried not to think about Christian but the memories kept pushing their way in. Seeing him again yesterday had almost pulled me under. Those feelings I thought I’d buried came rushing back. For a second, I even questioned my decision about the party, until her name popped up again. This morning, I’d woken up with a clear head and a stronger sense of resolve. That part of my life, him, would not affect me anymore. Now, I was on my way to Blackwood Fashion with Greg and Grace to pick out a dress for the dinner party tonight. I sighed, letting my thoughts drift to what I might wear. It wasn’t like I didn’t already have options—I just needed an excuse to get out of my room because I was extremely bored. The car came to a stop in front of Blackwood Fashion. I stepped out, adjusting the flannel shirt I’d thrown on without thinking. As I walked toward the glass doors, I noticed a fain
CHRISTIAN “How do these damn binoculars work?” I muttered under my breath, frustration creeping in. Cursing again, I smacked it, trying to make sense of the device. Sighing deeply, I focused intently, eventually figuring out how to work the damn thing. What was I even doing here? Sitting in this car, staked out opposite this restaurant. What was I expecting to find? Lifting the binoculars to my eyes, I positioned them toward the glass fronts of Joe’s Bistro fast food restaurant across the street, leaning slightly back in the seat to avoid being spotted. And as I adjusted the focus, I froze, a jolt of shock running through me. So, Olivia was seriously here? And who was she with? That hair… Nicholas? I adjusted the binoculars again, unease spreading through me, which quickly turned into rage when I confirmed it was really Nicholas Sterling sitting there. I glared through the lens, my jaw tightening as I saw Olivia’s smile, my chest burning with jealousy. I yanked the binoculars aw
OLIVIA Nicholas led me down the hallway, and I couldn’t help but look around, taking in the calm, elegant atmosphere. Everything about this place felt peaceful. Working here would be both easy and healing. “We’re here,” he said, stopping in front of a clear glass door. A small smile played on his lips. “Your soon-to-be office.” He pushed the door open and stepped aside. “This is what it looks like.” My eyes widened as I stepped inside. I took in the space, stunned by how beautiful it was. Every detail, from the soft white walls to the stylish furniture, was perfect. It felt like walking into a dream. “Wow,” I whispered, moving toward the sleek desk near the floor-to-ceiling window. “This is… beautiful.” Behind me, Nicholas gave a polite scoff. “Right? And it only gets better from here.” Maybe it would. But honestly, this already felt like more than enough. I was beyond impressed. “So,” he said, clearing his throat, “do you like it?” Was he serious? I loved it. But the way he l
OLIVIA I stepped onto the terrace, my heels clicking softly against the stone floor as I glanced around at the guests streaming toward the entrance. This was clearly another high-society event—elegant, extravagant, and carefully planned. “Olivia!” I turned at the sound of Liam’s voice and saw him standing by the doorway, a bright smile lighting up his face. Smiling back, I lifted the hem of my dress slightly and quickened my pace. He met me halfway, his grin widening as he took my hand. “I’m glad you made it,” he said, his gaze sweeping across my face. “Thank you for inviting me,” I replied, smiling. “So, shall we?” I nodded, my eyes drifting over his casual outfit. He looked effortlessly handsome, wearing a fitted blazer over a plain white shirt. His dark jeans added a laid-back touch, and the slicked-back hair gave him a sharper look I hadn’t noticed before. “You look so beautiful, Olivia,” he whispered as we stepped into the softly lit lobby. A faint blush touched my c
OLIVIA I felt Liam step up behind me as I kept watching Ivy. She stood a few feet away, awkwardly adjusting the strap of her dress and smoothing down her hair over and over again. Those little movements told me just how uncomfortable she felt, and how hard she was trying to hide it. It was almost sad. Strangely, I wasn’t angry about the way she had snapped at me. I should’ve been because she humiliated me when I was only trying to be kind. But instead, all I felt was a mix of sadness and curiosity. “So,” Liam said, nudging me gently, “How’s the party? Having fun?” I shrugged, still half-distracted, my focus on Ivy. “It’s… okay. I’m not really used to these kinds of events. Not much of a party person.” He glanced at me, waiting for more. I shifted my attention away from Ivy to him. “Honestly,” I added with a small smirk, “It’s kind of boring. Maybe it’s all the old people but I feel like I walked into a retirement gala.” He laughed, a low, amused sound. “That’s fair.”
OLIVIA I forced a smile before he could catch on that I’d missed about 99.98% of whatever childhood story he’d just told. “I think—” “Liam!” a deep voice called from across the hall. We both turned toward it to see his father, waving him over. “I’ll be right back,” He said with a quick, apologetic smile, his fingers brushing my arm gently. I nodded and gave him a little wave. “Go on,” I muttered, silently grateful for the rescue. Any longer and I might’ve choked on my own attempt to fake interest. As soon as he walked off, I exhaled. My mouth felt dry. I scanned the room for a server, but none were in sight, so I slipped away and headed for the kitchen, hoping to grab a bottle of water. The kitchen was quieter than the sitting room, almost peaceful…..until I saw her. Ivy stood beside the marble counter with her back to the door, one hand fussing with her hair while the other rubbed at her bare arm. She looked smaller here, less put together. Sad, even. A flicker of
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
MICHAEL“So,” he said, drawing me out of my spiraling thoughts, “Are you ready to listen?”I bit back the urge to tell him to go fuck himself. My fists curled at my sides, my whole body burning with humiliation and rage.Still, I gave a stiff nod, betraying the violent thoughts in my head.“Listen,” Lydia cut in, as she stepped closer, “If you have a solution, then we need to hear it. Because Christian will start his investigations soon.” Cain shifted his stance, turning fully toward her. “It’s simple,” he said. “I’ll stage a similar accident. For you… and for Michael.”I blinked at him, stunned.What?“How the fuck is that supposed to fix anything?” I asked, barely keeping my voice level.Cain’s mouth twitched, like he was amused by how little we understood.“Another accident will make you both look like victims too,” he explained calmly, as if he was talking about staging a fucking birthday party. “This plan will shift suspicion. It’ll look like someone’s after your family and Oli