All Chapters of The Betrayal Within: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Olivia's mind spiraled into panic mode as she processed the news. "Who is this?" she demanded, trying to keep her voice steady despite the growing unease. "How is Julian? What happened?" She bombarded the stranger with questions, her anxiety intensifying with each passing second.The person on the other end of the line hesitated before responding, "I'm Daniel. Julian was in an accident. I'm on my way to the hospital now. I'll try to keep you updated if you'd like." Olivia's heart sank at the words, and she felt a lump form in her throat."Please text me the address immediately," she urged, her voice barely above a whisper. "Okay," Daniel replied before hanging up. A text message arrived moments later, and Olivia quickly checked it before rushing out the door.She drove to the hospital, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios. When she arrived, she called Julian’s number, and he answered on the first ring. "I'm outside," he said, his voice somber. Olivia followed him to Julian's ward

Maddie's eyes brimmed with tears as Lucas's hurtful words cut deep, especially with others present. "Are you serious right now?" she asked, her voice shaking with emotion. "Are you saying this is all my fault?" She struggled to hold back tears, her anger and hurt intensifying.Lucas's response was calm, yet infuriating. "You need to try harder, that's all."Maddie's anger boiled over. "Am I not trying hard enough? You've barely touched me in almost a year, and it's always because you're too busy. How is this my fault?" she demanded, her voice rising.Lucas's response was dismissive. "I hardly have time, you should understand that."Maddie's hurt turned to resentment. "Understand? Do you think I don't understand? I've been patient, supportive, and loving, but you seem to have forgotten what it means to be in a relationship. You're always working, always stressed, and always absent. When was the last time we had a real conversation, huh? When was the last time you showed me any real af

Everything froze at that moment. The world around them faded into silence, like time itself was holding its breath. Her heart pounded in her chest, but her mind stayed sharp. She knew she had to act quickly, yet not send the wrong message.She looked up and locked eyes with him, her gaze steady but unreadable. Slowly, she reached out, her index finger brushing gently across his lips.“Not so fast,” she whispered, her voice low and teasing, laced with a warning.Her hand slid down, grazing his chest, feeling the tension coiled beneath his shirt. For a second, his breath hitched.She took a step back, turning slightly as if to walk away.But before she could take another step, he caught her wrist. His grip was firm but not forceful.“Don’t walk away from me,” he said, his voice husky. “Not when you just lit a fire and left it burning.”She turned her head slowly to face him again, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. “Maybe I wanted to see if you’d chase.”He pulled her a little c

Olivia sat at the corner booth in Roca’s Café, fingers lightly drumming on her cappuccino cup as she waited. The soft jazz and quiet hum of conversations made the perfect setting for what she was about to propose. Her eyes drifted toward the entrance as she waited, calm but calculating.Clara Mendel and her friend Ava arrived shortly after, looking effortlessly fashionable as always. They weren’t exactly close with Olivia, more like social acquaintances with occasional overlapping circles but Olivia knew exactly how to use that.“Ladies,” she said warmly, waving them over.Clara slid into the chair opposite her, sunglasses still on. “Well, this is unexpected.”“I know,” Olivia said with a smile. “But I was thinking of you both this morning and thought… why not catch up?”Ava narrowed her eyes playfully. “Catch up? Or do you need something?”Olivia gave a soft laugh. “Okay, fine. You caught me. I wanted to ask if you’d be interested in joining a ballet class with me.”Clara frowned sli

It wasn’t easy for Olivia, but she ignored him. Not with him still leaning against the office door, watching her with that unreadable expression. Not with the echo of their almost-kiss still pulsing through her skin.But she straightened her shoulders, gave Matilda a curt nod, and said, “Where is Lucas?”Matilda smirked. “Conference room. He’s waiting on you.”“Great,” Olivia replied, grabbing the folder she’d prepped earlier and brushing past both of them like she didn’t feel Julian’s eyes scorching her back.The conference room was cool, sleek, and smelled faintly of lemon-scented polish. Olivia adjusted the lapel of her blazer and smoothed a hand over her skirt as she stepped inside, back straight, folder in hand.Lucas was already seated at the head of the table, legs crossed, his tailored navy suit impossibly crisp. He looked up as she entered, his smile flashing like stage lights, polished, performative.“Olivia,” he said, standing halfway. “You’re looking sharp this morning.”“