Silent Promises

The sound of rain hitting the penthouse windows filled the room with a steady rhythm. Olivia stood by the fireplace, her arms crossed over her chest as she tried to organize her thoughts. The news that Vivian had tried to sneak into the building didn't surprise her, but the fury bubbling inside her did.

"I'm going to talk to her," Olivia declared with determination.

Alexander, who had been reviewing some documents, looked up with a frown. "You don't have to do that. I'll handle it."

"No," she replied firmly. "I'm not going to stay in the background while she tries to manipulate everything."

There was a brief silence before Alexander stood up from his seat. He walked toward her with calculated steps, his gaze intense.

"Olivia…" His tone was softer now, almost pleading. "I don't want you getting involved in this."

"I already am," she responded, holding his gaze. "I don't want to live under Vivian's shadow. I don't want to feel like I have to prove myself every moment."

Alexander sighed, running a hand through her hair till it touched her neck, and the hair as it was moved gently away sent a chill down her spine.

His hands went from the side of her neck, out of her shoulders, as he grabbed her hands yet firm, put them in front of her, and paused. Olivia felt safe; he said no word as her heart was about to beat out of her chest, and she closed her eyes to take a deep breath.

Finally, he nodded. "Alright. But I'll be with you."

Olivia felt a lump in her throat. Although she was still angry with him, his unwavering support gave her strength.

"Let's go," she said, grabbing her bag before heading toward the exit.

When Olivia and Alexander arrived at the building's lobby, Vivian was there, sitting comfortably in one of the leather chairs, as if she owned the place. She wore an impeccable red dress and had an air of confidence that made Olivia clench her fists.

"Well, well," Vivian said with a smile as she stood up. "I thought Alexander would come alone. What a surprise to see you here, Olivia."

"What a surprise to see you here too, considering you're not welcome," Olivia replied coldly.

Vivian's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Oh, darling, don't be so hostile. I just wanted to talk to Alexander... but I suppose you can listen too."

Alexander crossed his arms. "Say it quickly, Vivian. I don't have time for your games."

Vivian sighed dramatically and stepped closer to them. "I just wanted to offer you one last chance, Alexander. You know as well as I do that this..." she gestured toward Olivia, "Fare won't last. She's not part of our world."

Olivia felt her blood boil, but she kept her expression neutral. She wasn't going to give Vivian the satisfaction of seeing her affected.

"You're wrong," Alexander replied firmly. "Olivia and I are together, and nothing you say will change that."

Vivian raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "Together? Do you really believe that, Alexander? Or is this just another business transaction?"

Alexander took a step forward, his expression darkening. "If I ever felt anything for you, Vivian, you killed it with your relentless ambition. Olivia is different. And I won't let you interfere in our lives anymore."

Vivian pressed her lips together before letting out a bitter laugh. "Fine. If you want to play the perfect husband, go ahead. But remember my words, Alexander: She will never be enough for you."

Olivia felt a pang in her chest, but she refused to let insecurity take over. Instead, she stepped forward, her voice firm.

"You know what, Vivian? I don't need to be enough for you. I just need to be enough for myself. And it's time for you to accept that you have no power over us."

Vivian stared at her for a long moment, as if trying to decipher her true emotions. But when she realized Olivia wouldn't back down, her smile disappeared.

"How disappointing," she murmured before turning toward the door. "But I suppose I'll have to find another way to entertain myself."

As Vivian walked away, Olivia felt like she could finally breathe freely.

Alexander turned to her, his gaze filled with something that resembled pride.

"You handled that well."

Olivia exhaled deeply. "I had to. I couldn't let her keep controlling us."

Alexander took her hand gently. "I couldn't agree more."

For the first time in a long time, Olivia felt like the power was in her hands.

Later, back at the penthouse, Olivia collapsed onto the couch, exhausted but satisfied. Alexander sat beside her, watching her in silence.

"I saw you differently today," he finally said.

Olivia looked at him curiously. "Different how?"

"Stronger," he replied, tracing small circles on his palm with his finger. "More confident."

She smiled slightly. "Maybe because I'm starting to believe that I really belong here."

Alexander leaned in a little closer. "You've always belonged here. You just needed to see it for yourself."

Olivia felt her heart beating faster. Despite everything they had been through, despite all the doubts, at that moment, there was only certainty.

Alexander brushed his fingers against her cheek, his gaze locked onto hers.

"I still have to earn your trust," he whispered, "but I won't stop until I do."

Olivia didn't say anything. Instead, she closed the distance between them and kissed him.

It was a soft kiss, but one filled with promises.

Promises that this wasn't the end—just the beginning.