Ethan’s brows furrow in confusion, his mind racing to grasp the sudden introduction of someone entirely unknown to him. As Mia reveals her plan to involve her best friend in their scheme, a mixture of panic and disbelief washes over him. He feels uneasy about the idea of entangling their personal lives with someone new, especially in such a delicate matter.“Where did she come from? I’ve never seen her before or heard of her.” He asks. “You are right, Ethan. I can’t believe I forgot to inform you about that. Olivia has been abroad for the last five years. Finally, she is back, and I think she is the most suitable person for this position.”“Mia, thank you for the efforts of yours, but there is no way that I can proceed with Olivia.” That was going to be unbearable, if I had to play the role of having an affair with your best friend it is too much for pretending, even for an act!“He admired Mia’s determination and resourcefulness; however, the thought of involving her best friend, Oli

“Olivia, are you okay?” Mia’s voice broke through the charged silence, breaking the trance between Olivia and Ethan.Ethan quickly came to his senses. He gently steadied Olivia as she found her footing again. But as she put weight on her left foot, a searing pain shot up her leg.“Ah!” Olivia cried out, her face contorting. All eyes turned toward her in worry.“My leg!” she gasped again through gritted teeth.Without a second thought, Ethan swiftly scooped Olivia into his arms, cradling her against his chest. She let out a startled yelp, her arms instinctively winding around his neck as he lifted her with ease.An undeniable blush crept onto Olivia’s cheeks at their sudden closeness. She could feel the firm muscles of his chest against her side and couldn’t help but notice his clean, woodsy scent. Ethan’s brow was furrowed in concern as he carried her to the plush couch and gently placed her there.As Ethan lifted Olivia into his arms, Mia’s breath caught in her throat, her eyes widen

Mia gets impatient by his delay to answer. “Ethan, don’t be so shy!” she pressed on. “Olivia is my friend. She will not take it wrong if you compliment her openly.”Ethan glared at Mia. He turned to Olivia. Looking straight into her eyes, he says, “You are looking like a model just came out of a magazine cover."Olivia's eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't anticipated such a remark from him. She was impressed by his boldness and disappointed at the same time. Ethan said all this because Mia asked him to, not because he wanted to. Olivia looked at Ethan intensely.Sensing that Olivia wasn't comfortable with his compliment, Ethan tried to say, "I mean, you look gorgeous in that dress, Olivia," he said with a nervous chuckle.Mia shook Olivia's leg with hers under the table, and Olivia turned her gaze towards Mia and, looking straight into her eyes, said, "Your husband knows how to compliment a woman. You're really lucky to have him, Mia. He asks permission from you to praise a woman. I

But the image of Ethan remained, looking devastatingly handsome in a crisp dress shirt, the sleeves rolled up revealing muscular forearms. A mental groan escaped her. This couldn't be happening, not now, after she had finally managed to put that inappropriate dream about him behind her. "You can't just invade my thoughts whenever you want," Olivia muttered under her breath, glaring at Ethan's oblivious form. Is this some kind of cosmic joke? Am I being punished? She kept subjecting her to these torturous visions of her best friend's husband. Taking a deep breath, Olivia willed herself to approach the table, her steps feeling leaden. Up close, Ethan looked even more maddeningly attractive in his neatly trimmed hair, lines crinkling around his warm brown eyes as he glanced up at her. Olivia glided across the floor towards him, the deep red chiffon of her dress swirling around her toned legs with every step. The plunging neckline hinted at just a tantalizing glimpse of her cleavage.

Olivia’s expression softened, regret visible on her face as she turned to him. “Ethan, I owe you an apology. I’m sorry for speaking out of turn and making accusations without knowing your side of the story.” Her voice was gentle yet firm. She paused, weighing her next words.Leaning forward slightly, Olivia looks directly into Ethan’s eyes. “If you’re both open to it, I would really appreciate the opportunity to get to know you better, Ethan. Perhaps we could grab a coffee or a drink together soon?” A tentative smile played across her lips.“It’s clear I misjudged the situation,” Olivia continued earnestly. “And I want to make amends for that. You’re an important part of Mia’s life, and I’d like for us to start fresh, on a better footing if you’re willing to give me that chance.” She said with a genuine desire to mend fences and build a new understanding with Ethan. “What’s there to know about me in the future? I’m not going to be there in Mia’s life. She’s going to leave me, and I d