OLIVIA.Stepping into the building, a wave of uncertainty washed over me. Did I really want to be here? The thought nagged at me, but I pushed it aside. I was already here; there was no turning back now.Approaching the reception desk, I was met with a curious and a bit of familiar glance from the concierge. I racked my brain, trying to place where I might have seen her before, but nothing came to mind."Olivia?" the concierge asked, her voice tinged with familiarity.I nodded hesitantly, unsure of how I was recognized. Nevertheless, the concierge gestured for me to proceed.Making my way to the elevator that led to Dante's penthouse, I couldn't shake the feeling of doubt creeping in. Was I making a mistake by coming here? But I reasoned with myself - I was just here to talk, right?The elevator doors slid open, revealing Dante's living room bathed in natural light. I stepped out tentatively, glancing around the spacious and impeccably decorated space, unsure of what to do now that I
OLIVIAExiting the cab, I inhaled the crisp California air, absorbing the scenery unfolding before me-UCLA. This place holds my future."You're destined for greatness, Olivia," my dad's voice echoed.A smile tugged on my lips as I thought about the conversation we had before I left. My mum once told me when I was thirteen, "Be bold, Olivia. You've got the strength to conquer," and I've held on to those encouraging words even after she left. Now, those words echo as I face the uncertainty of this new chapter in my life.Turning to Emma, her presence reassured me. We'd come a long way together, and now we're stepping onto a new chapter-college. I sighed, stealing another glance at Emma, who also appeared to be sharing a moment."Well, here we are, college," she remarked."Is it strange to admit I'm terrified about what lies ahead?" I questioned, nervously rubbing my arms."Honestly, I believe I'm more terrified than you are.""Oh, hush. At least Aunt Stella's here. My dad is 2782 mile
OLIVIAStill sitted at Aunt Stella's Cafe, Izzy continued rambling about college life."Alright, let's dive into the juicy details about boys in college!" Izzy exclaimed, wiggling her eyebrows mischievously.Emma raised an amused eyebrow. "Oh, this should be interesting. spill the tea, Izzy.""Alright, listen up, my dear roomies. College boys come in different flavors. First, you have the charming heartbreakers who knows exactly how to make you swoon. Be cautious; they're smooth talkers. Then there's the mysterious artist-usually spotted with a sketchbook in hand. They're intriguing, but good luck figuring them out. And of course, the jocks, the scholars, and the free spirits - each with their unique appeal."Izzy leaned. "Now, if you're up for a challenge, there's the intellectual debate enthusiasts. Trust me, trying to keep up with their discussions feels like running a mental marathon. And, brace yourselves for the occasional awkward encounter with the 'campus celebrities.' They mi
OLIVIAThe class turned out to be more fun and interesting than I had expected. The professor explained the segment in a way that was more engaging than boring, and the class concluded after two long hours.As I tucked my notes back into my backpack, Matteo approached me."So, I didn't get your name," he said."I-It's Olivia, but you can call me, everyone does-uh, I mean, you can call me Olly, everyone does," I muttered in embarrassment."Okay, everyone does, I hear you," he teased, and I blushed in further embarrassment."So, mind if I get your number?"I shrugged, collecting the phone he stretched out and typing my number on it."Thanks," he gave me a boyish grin and left. "Stop hitting on my friends, Matteo!!!" Izzy's yell carried a hint of an Italian accentMy phone buzzed, and I glanced to find a message from an unknown number.Unknown: Nice meeting you, Olly."Looks like Olly was the first to pick her best flavor after all," Emma remarked, making Izzy snicker."Come on, I'll sh
OLIVIAI had just finished talking to my Dad and was about going to bed when Emma knocked on the door and opened it.I glanced up from my bed as Emma walked in, her usual spark dimmed by a heavy emotion I couldn't place. "Emma, what's going on?" I asked, concern lining my voice.She took a deep breath and then, after a moment's hesitation, spilled the weight on her shoulders. "My mum- she called me today."Surprise registered on my face before morphing into understanding. "Your mum? That's- unexpected. How do you feel about it?"Emma perched on the edge of my bed, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. 'Feelin' kinda confused, I guess? It's been years, Olly, and outta the blue, she hits me up. Talking 'bout she's in a better place now, tryna sort herself out. But it's just- it's tough, you know?'I moved from my position to sit beside her, wrapping my arms around her. "I can't even imagine, Em. That's a lot to process. How did the call make you feel?"She sighed, her voice
OLIVIA Spinning around, with a hint of irritation on my face, I shoot Em a look that shuts her up real quick. "Ease up, sourpuss; she's got car sickness," Izzy quips from her seat beside Em. I've got the shotgun seat, and guess who's at the wheel? Matteo. Anyway, Em and Izzy claim they despise the shotgun seat, but it's a total farce. Back when Dad used to drop us off at school, Em always claimed shotgun like it was her throne. And as for Isabella, it's crystal clear; she winked at me after her not-so-stealthy lie. I'm pretty sure Matteo saw through her act too. Back to the current situation, Emma has been groaning non-stop, but now I'm pretty sure she's doing it just to get under my skin. "So, Isabella, which one of your friends is coming over?" I inquire. Matteo snickers, and she shoots him a glare that promptly silences him. She mumbles some incoherent words, assuming I can hear her. "Huh?" "I never really had friends, well, I did have them, but that's by the wayside," sh
MATTEOThe morning sun pierced through my eyelids, a painful reminder of the night's escapades. Blinking away the haze of sleep, I found myself in my room at my family's mansion. The lingering scent of last night's revelry clung to the air.Dragging myself out of bed, the rhythmic thud in my head betrayed the previous night's excesses. Olivia's laughter echoed in my mind, a melody that had unexpectedly become a part of my memories. The mere thought of her smile left a warmth that almost countered the throbbing headache.Descending the staircase, the clinking of cutlery reached my ears, guiding me to the kitchen. My initial assumption of peace and quietness was shattered when I laid eyes on Dante. Impeccably dressed, a stoic facade, and sipping on black coffee as if he had it all figured out."What are you doing here?" I muttered, my voice hoarse, still tethered to the remnants of sleep.He continued typing on his phone without missing a beat. "Making sure the house is still standing."
OLIVIAThe morning sun filtered through the curtains, coaxing me out of my dreams and into the reality of a day filled with anticipation. The excitement of the getaway to Matteo's family villa lingered in the air as I stretched in bedJust as I was savoring the warmth of my cozy bed, the serenity shattered with the abrupt entrance of Izzy and Em. The duo burst into my room with infectious energy, their laughter echoing off the walls."Up and at 'em, sleepyhead! Today's the day!" Izzy declared, her enthusiasm contagious.Em added, "Let's shake off that beauty sleep; a weekend of luxury awaits!"Izzy laid out outfits on the bed. Em, with an energy level too high for this early in the morning, danced around singing tunes. They both pulled me out of bed, pushing me into the bathroom. Their laugh echoed behind me as they shut the door leaving me to go on with my daily business.Once freed from the bathroom, I surveyed the outfits Izzy picked.Opting for a casual but stylish look, I settled