Page 60 of No Mane, No Gain

Nicholas looked like he wanted to argue, but Mariah nodded in agreement. “She’s right, dear. Olive’s in good hands here. We’ll come back first thing in the morning.”

Olive then turned to her sister. “Saph, thank you so much for being here. But I know you left the kids with Jake. Go home to your family.”

Sapphire hesitated before leaning in to hug Olive gently. “All right, but I’m just a phone call away if you need anything. And I mean anything.”

As her parents and sister left, Chaos stood. “I’m going to grab some coffee and update Baxter. Do you need anything, bella?”

Olive shook her head. “I’m good, thanks. Maybe you could convince the nurse to let you smuggle in some real food?”

Chaos chuckled and pressed a kiss to her forehead before leaving. Suddenly, Olive found herself alone with Athena. A mischievous glint appeared in her eye.

“So,” Olive said, patting the bed beside her. “Spill. What’s going on with you and Baxter?”

Athena tried to play it cool for all of two seconds before breaking into a wide grin. She plopped down on the bed, barely containing her excitement. “Oh my god, Olive, he’s amazing! We went on this incredible date last week...”

Athena launched into a detailed account of her date with Baxter - a surprise helicopter ride to a secluded beach for a sunset picnic, followed by stargazing and deep conversations that lasted well into the night.

“He’s so different from what I expected,” Athena gushed. “Sure, he’s smart and successful, but he’s also funny and thoughtful and... god, Olive, he’s a beast in bed. I think I’m really falling for him.”

Olive beamed, genuinely happy for her cousin. “That’s wonderful, Athena. I’m so glad you’ve found someone who appreciates you.”

Their girl talk was interrupted by the return of Chaos and Baxter. Olive couldn’t help but notice the way Baxter’s eyes immediately sought out Athena, a soft smile playing on his lips.

As the four of them settled in for the evening, Olive picked up her phone and noticed the flood of notifications from her vlog. Curious, she opened the app and began reading through the comments on her latest video update.

The outpouring of support was overwhelming. Followers were sharing their own stories of overcoming adversity and offering words of encouragement. Olive felt a warmth spread through her chest.

“You know,” she said thoughtfully, “I think I’ve been looking at this all wrong.”

Chaos raised an eyebrow. “How so?”

“I’ve been so worried about Tia, about what she might do next,” Olive explained. “But look at all these people who have my back. Why should I let one person’s jealousy overshadow all of this support?”

Chaos nodded, a proud smile spreading across his face. “That’s my girl. You’re stronger than Tia could ever imagine.”

Olive set her phone aside, a newfound determination settling over her. “You’re damn right, I am. And it’s about time I started acting like it.”

She looked around at the people in her room - Chaos, her rock and protector; Baxter, loyal friend and support; and Athena, her fierce and loving cousin. Each of them had dropped everything to be by her side.

Early in the morning, when she was discharged, she felt ready to take on the world.

“Ready to go home,bella mia?” Chaos asked, offering his arm for support.

Olive nodded, leaning into him. “More than ready, my hunky lion. Let’s go home.”

As they left the hospital, Olive felt a renewed sense of strength. The accident had been terrifying, and the realization that someone had deliberately tampered with her car was sobering. But looking at the supportive faces around her, she knew she could face whatever came next.

TWENTY-NINE

Olive’s heart raced as she settled into the plush leather couch in Chaos’s penthouse. The city lights twinkled beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm glow across the room. She tucked a stray strand of honey-blonde hair behind her ear, her blue eyes fixed on Chaos’s handsome face.

“There’s something I need to tell you,” she began, her voice wavering slightly. “It’s about why I initially contacted Gerri Wilder.”

Chaos leaned forward, his hazel eyes filled with concern. “What is it, Olive?”

She took a deep breath, steeling herself for his reaction. “I hired Gerri to help me get out of an arranged marriage my parents set up for me.”

Chaos’s eyebrows shot up, but he remained silent, allowing her to continue.

---