Roman turned his phone towards her, revealing a series of nasty messages from Scarlett. Olivia’s brows furrowed as she read the numerous messages sent overnight. Scarlett’s ultimatum was clear: return to her and end things with Olivia or face the release of damaging material from his past.
She reached out and clasped his hand, “it’ll be okay.”
Just as she finished speaking, Roman’s phone rang.
“It’s Michael, my lawyer,” he announced.
Olivia watched as Roman’s expression shifted, his brows furrowed in concentration. She could only imagine the conversation happening on the other end of the line.
After a few minutes, he ended the call. “Well, what did he say?”
“He wants me to meet him right away. It seems like he tugged on the rope and pulled in the bait.”
Olivia stumbled out of bed.
“Let me get dressed.”
“Wear something pretty.”
“Huh? Why?”
“Just trust me.”
In 20 minutes, they’d both showered and gotten dressed; Roman eased into his discarded clothes and stood outside, waiting for Olivia by his car.
“You ready?” Roman asked as Olivia locked her door, struggling to slip her feet into her high heels, her fingers fumbling with the straps. She huffed in frustration before finally managing to secure them in place.
Striking a pose in her gown, she looked up at Roman and asked playfully, “Do you like it?”
Roman walked towards her, his strong arms reaching out to lift her effortlessly. She let out a surprised shriek, her laughter mingling with his. He held her close, their faces inches apart, and planted a tender kiss on her lips.
“I’d have to get a thousand gowns just to show you off,” he teased. “You look perfect, my Olivia.”
As they settled into his Aventador, SVJ, the engine roared to life, filling the air. Olivia’s heart raced with a frisson of what they were going to meet as they sped down the streets of New York to his company, where Michael waited.
The city lights blurred into streaks of color as they weaved through the bustling traffic on Madison Avenue. The ride in the car was silent. Olivia watched Roman, a grim look on his face, and she decided to let him be.
Olivia watched as they sped past elegant storefronts, busy pedestrians, and iconic landmarks.
“We’re here,” he announced, pulling up to the imposing building. They stepped out of the car, their hands intertwined.
As they made their way towards the building, Roman glanced at Olivia and squeezed her hand reassuringly. “Everything will be alright,” he said softly.
Linda, ever ready, ever efficient, was standing, waiting for her boss.
She greeted them with a warm smile. “Michael is waiting for you in your office.”
“Thank you, Linda,” Roman replied, turning his attention back to Olivia.
“Can I speak to her, boss?” Linda asked as she grabbed Olivia and leaned in closer, her voice barely above a whisper, “I must admit, I’m surprised to see you and Roman together. I guess you two aren’t over after all.”
Olivia smiled softly. She was surprised, too, and she appreciated Linda’s concern. “I understand why you might think that, but we’ve had some difficult times lately. Roman was backed into a corner, but we’re finding a way to work through it. At least, I hope.”
Linda nodded. “I hope you know what you’re getting into, Olivia. Roman can be complicated, but I’ve seen how much he cares about you.”
Taking Linda’s hand in hers, “Thank you for looking out for me, Linda.”
Linda smiled, but her eyes were skeptical.