Olivia sat curled up on her couch, a soft blanket draped over her legs. The faint glow of the television illuminated her living room as the familiar soundtrack of her favorite series played in the background. She took a sip of her hot chocolate, trying to push away the swirling thoughts about her new job. Working for Sebastian’s company felt like a new beginning, but it also filled her with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. As she tried to lose herself in the show, her phone buzzed on the coffee table. Olivia frowned. It was an unknown number. She hesitated for a moment, debating whether to pick it up. What if it’s work-related? she thought, reaching for the phone. “Hello?” she answered, her voice tentative. “Olivia,” came the familiar voice on the other end, dripping with mockery. “So, you finally resigned. I have to say, I saw this coming.” Her chest tightened. It was Alexander. “I wasn’t sure you’d actually have the guts to walk away,” Alexander continued, his tone lace
The morning sun painted Olivia's small apartment in soft gold as she stood in front of her mirror. Her blazer was crisp, her pencil skirt fitted perfectly, and her hair neatly tied back in a bun. Yet, her hands trembled slightly as she adjusted her collar. Today was her first day as an assistant to Sebastian Massimo—a man whose charm and poise both intrigued and unsettled her. Her phone vibrated on the table. A message from Mia lit up the screen: "Good luck today! You’ve got this! Call me if you need a pep talk!" Smiling faintly, Olivia replied, "Thanks, Mia. I’ll let you know how it goes." She picked up her bag, took a deep breath, and stepped out of her apartment. --- Sebastian sat at his desk, his eyes locked on the monitor in front of him. The screen displayed a live feed of Olivia’s assigned desk, the angle discreetly capturing her workspace and the immediate surroundings. The camera was seamlessly hidden within the desk lamp he had personally arranged for her. He le
Sebastian sat alone in his expansive study, a place of quiet power and meticulous order. The soft patter of rain against the window added a rhythmic undertone to the heavy silence. A single lamp illuminated the room, casting long shadows that seemed to dance in response to his thoughts. In front of him lay a pristine glass of wine, untouched and forgotten, much like the moral boundaries he had long since discarded. His mind, sharp and calculating, was fixed on one name: Alexander. Alexander’s actions had been unforgivable. He hadn’t simply hurt Olivia; he had humiliated her, broken her spirit, and left her to face the aftermath alone. The thought of her tear-streaked face, her trembling voice as she recounted her pain, stirred something dark in Sebastian. He wasn’t a savior by nature, nor was he noble. But Olivia’s anguish had ignited a fire in him—a fire that now burned solely for revenge. Sebastian leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he let his thoughts coalesce
Sebastian adjusted his cufflinks as he entered the Grand Conference Room, his every move precise and deliberate. The room was designed for deals of magnitude—its polished mahogany table stretched the length of the space, while the walls were lined with understated art pieces that whispered power rather than shouted it. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcased the city skyline, the bustling streets below seemingly insignificant from this vantage point. He glanced at the sleek clock on the wall: 2:50 PM. He always arrived early, ensuring everything was prepared. Today was no exception. On the table in front of him were several leather-bound folders containing the finalized terms of the deal. Every clause had been analyzed, every potential loophole meticulously closed. Sebastian sat at the head of the table, his posture straight, his demeanor calm. This wasn’t just another business meeting—it was the execution of a carefully laid plan. He opened one of the folders, his sharp eyes scanning t
Sebastian adjusted his cufflinks for the third time that evening, glancing at his reflection in the sleek glass of his car window. His tailored black suit and crisp white shirt exuded power and elegance, but none of it mattered. His mind was consumed with anticipation as he waited outside Olivia's house.When the door opened, and Olivia stepped outside, Sebastian’s breath hitched. She was stunning. The red silk gown hugged her figure perfectly, with a neckline that was bold but not overly revealing. Her hair was pinned up, allowing soft strands to frame her face, and her minimal jewelry only emphasized her natural beauty. The crimson hue of the dress seemed to set her aglow in the evening light.Sebastian quickly composed himself, stepping out of the car. "You look..." He trailed off, searching for words. Beautiful wasn’t enough. Neither was stunning. "Extraordinary," he finally said, his voice low.Olivia’s cheeks flushed, and she looked away shyly. "Thank you. You’re looking sharp y
The room buzzed with the mingling of laughter and the clink of champagne glasses. Olivia clutched the edge of her gown, her eyes darting uneasily around the opulent ballroom. Alexander’s piercing gaze was fixed on her from across the room, his smirk sending a chill down her spine.Sebastian, standing beside her, noticed her discomfort instantly. His sharp blue eyes followed her line of sight, landing on Alexander. His jaw tightened, the tension in his body palpable. He leaned closer to Olivia, his voice low but firm. “Don’t let him rattle you. He’s not worth it.”Olivia nodded faintly, but her hands trembled at her sides. The memory of Alexander’s cruel words earlier haunted her, and his presence seemed to suffocate her.Alexander, holding his wine glass with practiced arrogance, sauntered toward them. His tall date followed closely, though his attention was solely on Olivia.“Well, well,” Alexander drawled, stopping a few feet away. “Olivia. You look stunning tonight—though I must sa
The morning sunlight filtered through my curtains, but it didn’t bring the usual warmth. It felt sterile, cold even, as if the world had conspired to rob me of comfort. Sitting at the edge of my bed, I stared blankly at the floor, replaying last night’s events over and over in my head.Alexander’s words still stung, but it wasn’t his cruelty that lingered the most—it was Sebastian. The way he had intervened so seamlessly, as if he had rehearsed every line, every gesture. For a moment, I had felt safe in his presence, but now, in the harsh light of day, I couldn’t shake the strange unease that had settled over me.With a sigh, I forced myself out of bed. I had a job to do. Routine was my only solace.---The office was alive with its usual buzz of activity, but I felt like I was moving through a fog. I made my way to my desk, nodding absentmindedly at my colleagues’ greetings. The familiar surroundings brought a flicker of comfort, but it was fleeting.I tried to lose myself in work, c
I sat in the darkened study, my fingers steepled beneath my chin as the silence closed in around me. The dim glow of the city’s lights seeped through the cracks in the heavy drapes, but it was nothing compared to the storm raging within me. Olivia. Her name wasn’t just a sound; it was a tether, binding me to a reality I couldn’t bear to lose. Yet, something was wrong. I had felt it for days now, an unmistakable shift in her demeanor. She was pulling away, retreating behind a wall I hadn’t seen coming. Was it possible she knew? The thought twisted my stomach into knots. I had been meticulous, careful. Every message, every glance, every encounter was designed to seem accidental, harmless. I had built my presence in her life like a puzzle, each piece falling into place without her realizing. But Olivia was sharp. If anyone could figure it out, it was her. I clenched my fists against the armrests of my chair, the leather creaking beneath my grip. The idea of her knowing—of her seei
The party had gradually lost its energy, the once-enthusiastic music now fading into a soft, melodic hum that resonated in the background. The occasional clink of glasses echoed from the corners of the room where the remaining guests shared quiet laughter and tender farewells. A grand chandelier hung overhead, its crystal droplets casting a warm, golden shimmer over the polished marble floor, enveloping everyone in a soft, diminishing glow that mirrored the evening's waning spirit.Isabella stood near the entrance, the rhythmic click of her heels against the marble punctuating the tranquil atmosphere as she adjusted her elegant shawl, the fabric catching the light. Her face was composed, a carefully maintained mask of calm, but her eyes flickered toward the exit, filled with an unmistakable eagerness to leave the gathering behind. “I’ll go myself. It’s not that far,” she had insisted earlier, her voice gentle yet firm, a hint of determination woven through her words.However, before s
The soft hum of music enveloped the elegant hall, punctuated by the gentle clinking of crystal glasses, which resonated in the air like a symphony of celebration. Warm, golden lights hung from above, casting a soft glow over the intricately decorated room, accentuating the rich colors and delicate textures of the attire worn by the guests mingling below. Laughter resonated like a familiar melody, weaving effortlessly between clusters of friends and acquaintances, their glittering outfits sparkling as they moved.In the corner of the hall, Isabella stood, her soft smile reflecting the joy that surrounded her. She was engaged in conversation with Ethan, her laughter bright and unguarded, the kind that bubbled up spontaneously and filled the space with warmth. Her posture was relaxed, an unmistakable indication of the comfort she felt in the moment, and her eyes sparkled with a rare sense of ease, as if the weight of the world had momentarily lifted.A few steps behind stood Salvatore, h
After engaging in quiet conversation for a while, their intimate exchange was suddenly interrupted by the sharp, metallic click of the doorknob turning. Both Salvatore and Isabella froze mid-sentence, their gazes snapping toward the sound, hearts pounding in their chests. The heavy door creaked ominously as it slowly swung open, spilling a sliver of warm, inviting light into the otherwise dim and claustrophobic room.In an instant, they shot to their feet, a mix of relief and tension coiling tightly within them. Footsteps echoed softly through the corridor outside, punctuating the silence with a rhythmic cadence. It was then that Ethan appeared in the doorway, his brow furrowed in concern and his eyes scanning the room with suspicion.“What happened? Why were you locked inside?” he asked, his voice slicing through the heavy air, a hint of urgency in his tone as he glanced suspiciously around, searching for signs of trouble.Salvatore stepped forward protectively, instinctively placing
“I’ll call Ethan,” Salvatore said, his voice thick with growing concern as he extracted his phone from his pocket. Beside him, Isabella stood with her arms crossed tightly, her brow furrowed in worry, her normally bright eyes dimming under the weight of the situation. The room was enveloped in a dim glow from a single floor lamp in the corner, casting long, uneasy shadows that danced menacingly across the walls. An undercurrent of tension hung heavily in the air, palpable and suffocating, as Salvatore’s fingers swiftly navigated to Ethan’s contact.The phone rang once… twice… three times—still no answer.Salvatore’s jaw tightened, a muscle twitching subtly as he sighed heavily. Without breaking eye contact with the screen, he hit redial.Again, it rang. Each chime pierced the quiet, echoing through the stillness of the room, amplifying the unspoken worry that loomed between them. Four rings. Five. Voicemail.He lowered the phone, staring at the screen as if willing it to somehow light
In the far corner of the dimly lit room, partially obscured by a tall, cluttered shelf, sat a girl who seemed to exist within her own serene world. Her posture was unnervingly still, reminiscent of a statue carved from exquisite marble, yet there was an unmistakable aura of quiet intensity that surrounded her. She wore a form-fitting white bodycon dress that hugged her silhouette with delicate elegance, the pristine fabric untouched by the dust and grime of her gritty surroundings. Her hair tumbled down in soft, cascading waves, the strands catching the faint glimmers of light that managed to pierce the room's shadows—each one shimmering like spun silk.She appeared completely absorbed in her own thoughts, oblivious to the presence of others around her. With her head slightly tilted downward, her gaze remained fixed on the worn wooden floor, as if it held secrets only she could decipher.Not far away, hidden in the embrace of the room’s partial darkness, stood Salvatore. He felt his b
The bass thumped relentlessly through the walls of the dimly lit hall, its reverberations creating a pulsating heartbeat that matched the frenetic energy of the scene. Colored lights danced and flickered across the enthusiastic crowd of students, whose laughter mingled with the beats of the music as they swayed, twirled, and captured moments in selfies. The Fresher’s party was in full swing—a vibrant whirlwind that welcomed the new batch of students into the exhilarating world of campus life. Salvatore and Ethan stepped through the entrance, momentarily pausing to absorb the electric atmosphere. Salvatore exuded a confident air, his neatly styled hair and tailored outfit setting him apart from the casual crowds, while his amused smirk hinted at his eagerness to dive into the festivities. Beside him, Ethan adjusted his glasses, his eyes wide with a mix of trepidation and curiosity, clearly both enchanted and slightly overwhelmed by the chaotic interplay of music and conversation swir
It had been a week since college began, and the city buzzed with excitement—tonight was finally the night of the Freshers' Party, an event that promised to be a whirlwind of introductions and new friendships.Salvatore stood in front of the mirror, his heart racing as he carefully adjusted the collar of his navy-blue shirt. The fabric felt crisp against his skin, and the faint scent of his cologne—a fresh blend of citrus and cedar—lingered in the air, filling him with a sense of confidence. As he gave himself one final look, he ran his fingers through his hair, ensuring every strand was in place.From the kitchen, the soft clattering of pots and pans accompanied Olivia’s warm, encouraging voice as she reminded him not to forget his wallet. Her tone was nurturing, a blend of motherly concern and excitement for the night ahead. “You’ve got your wallet, right?” she called out playfully.“I’ve got it!” Salvatore replied, his voice eager. He grabbed the wallet from the desk, feeling its fa
The next day at school, Salvatore strolled through the bustling hallways with his usual calm demeanor, the noise of excited chatter filling the air alongside the faint, lingering aroma of cafeteria coffee. He scanned the crowd and soon spotted his friends—Ethan, Liam, and a few others—gathered near their lockers. They were animatedly discussing the upcoming Freshers party, their voices rising and falling in enthusiasm.“Dude, it’s next week!” Ethan exclaimed, practically bouncing on his heels, his eyes alight with anticipation. “The theme's gonna be epic! Just picture us strutting around in bell bottoms and flashy shirts!”“Or picture you embarrassing yourself on the dance floor again,” Liam retorted with a playful grin, the banter sparking laughter among the group.Salvatore chuckled softly at their banter as he approached them, feeling a sense of belonging. But the moment was interrupted by an unexpected sensation that made him pause.Across the hallway, near the staircase, Isabella
The dining table was set as it always was, exuding warmth with steaming dishes, gleaming cutlery, and the gentle flicker of candlelight casting playful shadows on the walls. Yet, there was an unshakeable sense that something was amiss.Salvatore occupied his usual spot at the table, but his demeanor was noticeably off—his back rigid, and his gaze far away, as if he were peering through the window into another world. His fork moved listlessly across his plate, tracing circles rather than delivering food to his mouth.Sebastian, seated beside him, sliced into his meat with deliberate precision, studying Salvatore in silence. Across from them, Olivia offered a gentle smile, her eyes reflecting both warmth and concern.“Long day?” she ventured, trying to keep her tone light and conversational, but the tremor of worry underlined her words.Salvatore blinked, coming back to the present as if surfacing from a deep sea of thought. “Yeah. Just tired,” he replied, his voice a little too monoton