Silent Promises

"Vivian," Alexander's voice cut through the tension, low and sharp. "What are you doing here?"

Vivian's smirk returned as she turned to face him. "Just catching up with Olivia," she said airily, taking another sip of wine. "You really should teach her some hospitality."

"I didn't invite you," Alexander replied coldly, stepping further into the room. "And you're not welcome. Leave."

Vivian set the glass down, her expression tightening briefly before she forced a laugh. "Fine, fine. No need to be so dramatic. But don't forget, Alexander, I was here long before she was." She shot Olivia a withering glance before sauntering toward the elevator.

As the doors slid shut behind her, Olivia released a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She turned to Alexander, her emotions swirling. "Why does she keep doing this?"

Alexander's gaze softened as he looked at her. "Because she thrives on control. And she knows that trying to disrupt us is the only way she can get to me."

"Does it work?" Olivia asked, her voice trembling.

"No," he said firmly. "It doesn't. Not anymore."

The following morning, Olivia awoke to the sound of rain tapping against the window. She lay in bed, staring at the ceiling as the events of the previous night played over in her mind. She wanted to believe Alexander, to trust that he truly meant what he'd said.

But Vivian's words lingered, planting seeds of doubt.

Determined to clear her head, Olivia decided to visit her father. She hadn't seen him in weeks, and the familiar warmth of home felt like the balm she needed.

When she arrived at the modest suburban house, her younger sister Evelyn greeted her at the door with a wide grin. "Liv! You're here!"

"Hi, Ev," Olivia said, hugging her tightly. "Is Dad home?"

"He's in the study," Evelyn said, leading her inside. "He's been working on some new projects. I think it's his way of staying busy."

Olivia found her father hunched over a desk, papers spread out before him. He looked up as she entered, his face lighting up. "Olivia! What a surprise."

"Hi, Dad," she said, kissing his cheek. "I wanted to check in on you."

They settled into the living room, catching up on the small details of life. Her father spoke fondly of his latest ideas for rebuilding the family business, his voice filled with the optimism Olivia had always admired.

As they talked, Olivia found herself opening up about her struggles. She told him about Vivian, about the pressure she felt to navigate Alexander's world, and about her fears of not being enough.

Her father listened intently, his expression thoughtful. "Olivia," he said gently, "you've always been stronger than you give yourself credit for. You've faced challenges most people wouldn't dare, and you've come out stronger every time."

"But what if this is different?" She asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "What if I'm not strong enough for this?"

He reached for her hand, his grip warm and reassuring. "The fact that you're asking that question proves you are. Strength isn't about never doubting yourself; it's about pushing forward in spite of those doubts."

His words resonated deeply, and Olivia felt a weight lift from her chest. She returned to the penthouse that evening with a renewed sense of purpose.

Later that week, Alexander and Olivia attended a high-profile event—a gala hosted by one of Alexander's key business partners. Olivia donned a sleek black gown, her confidence bolstered by her father's words and Alexander's recent reassurances.

As they entered the grand ballroom, Olivia felt the weight of countless eyes on her. But Alexander's hand on the small of her back grounded her, reminding her she wasn't alone.

The evening was going smoothly until Vivian appeared. She was draped in a shimmering silver dress, her presence commanding attention. Olivia's heart sink as Vivian made her way toward them.

"Alexander," Vivian said, her voice honeyed. "You didn't tell me Olivia was coming. I would have prepared something special."

Alexander's jaw tightened. "This isn't the time or place, Vivian."

"But it's always the time for honesty, isn't it?" Vivian said, her smile turning predatory. She turned to Olivia. "Did he ever tell you why he really married you?"

Olivia's blood ran cold. "What are you talking about?"

Vivian's gaze flicked to Alexander. "Oh, he didn't? Well, let me enlighten you. This whole arrangement wasn't about love or appearances. It was about settling an old score."

"Enough," Alexander said sharply, stepping between them.

"No," Olivia said, her voice trembling but resolute. She met Vivian's gaze. "If you have something to say, say it."

Vivian's smile widened. "Alexander married you to protect his company from Johnson Edward, the man who ruined your family. Didn't you wonder why Alexander was so interested in your father's business?"

Olivia felt as though the floor had been ripped out from under her. She turned to Alexander, her eyes searching his. "Is that true?"

Alexander's expression was painful. "It's more complicated than that."

"But it's true," Olivia pressed, her voice rising.

"Yes," he admitted, his tone heavy with regret. "But it's not the whole story."

Olivia took a step back, her chest tight. "I need some air."

Outside the ballroom, Olivia leaned against a marble column, the cool night air doing little to calm her racing thoughts. She felt betrayed, manipulated, and unsure of who to trust.

Alexander found her moments later. "Olivia, please let me explain."

She turned to him, her eyes filled with hurt. "You should have told me, Alexander. I deserved to know."

"I didn't want to hurt you," he said, his voice earnest. "At first, it was about protecting my company. But then I got to know you, and everything changed."

Olivia's lips trembled. "How can I believe you?"

"Because I love you," he said, his voice breaking. "I know I've made mistakes, but my feelings for you are real. I can't imagine my life without you."

Her breath caught, his words cutting through her anger. "You love me?"

"Yes," he said, stepping closer. "And I'll spend the rest of my life proving it, if you'll let me."

Tears spilled down Olivia's cheeks as she searched his eyes for any sign of deception. But all she saw was sincerity.