Chapter 36: Shattered Dreams

The soft glow of the moonlight filtered into the room as Ethan gently laid Olivia on the bed. Her body trembled with the lingering fear of what had almost happened. Her eyes, puffy and red from crying, slowly fluttered shut as exhaustion finally overtook her. Ethan pulled the blanket over her, tucking her in with care, then wiped the tear stains from her cheeks with his thumb. His lips pressed gently against her forehead in a lingering kiss, and he whispered, "I'm right here, Liv. You're safe."

For a moment, he sat beside her, watching the steady rise and fall of her chest as she fell into a deep sleep. But the peace that washed over her didn't reach him. Inside, Ethan was a storm of rage, guilt, and helplessness. He couldn't erase the image of her terrified face or the thought of what could have happened if he hadn't found her in time.

His phone vibrated on the nightstand, snapping him back to reality. He quietly slipped away from the bed and grabbed it, seeing Jenna's name flashing on the screen. The sight of it sent a wave of anger coursing through his veins.

Before he could decide whether to answer, he heard Olivia murmur in her sleep. He glanced over to see her curled up tightly, her fingers clutching the blanket as if she were still fighting off the nightmare. His heart twisted painfully, but he knew he had to deal with Jenna first.

Taking a deep breath, Ethan hit the call button. Before he could even say a word, Jenna's smug voice filled his ears.

"I told you, Ethan, you deserve better than that pathetic, naive Olivia. Now you see what kind of woman she really is! She's not worthy of you—she never was," Jenna sneered, her voice dripping with malice. "You should be with me, Ethan. I'd never betray you like she did."

Ethan's grip tightened on the phone. His fury boiled over, and he spoke through gritted teeth. "Jenna, I saw the photo you sent. I also saw the security footage. The man you hired? He's in jail. Olivia is safe, right here beside me."

Jenna stammered for a moment, the confidence draining from her voice. "Wh-what do you mean—"

"Don't play games with me!" Ethan cut her off, his voice shaking with barely controlled rage. "I know everything you've done. I have evidence of you drugging me, and now this? You sent someone to attack Olivia. If you think I'll stand by while you try to destroy her, you're dead wrong. I will press charges if you come near her again."

Jenna's breathing faltered on the other end of the line, but before she could respond, Ethan disconnected the call, tossing his phone onto the nearby table.

The room fell into a tense silence, broken only by Olivia's soft whimpers in her sleep. Ethan turned back toward the bed, his chest tightening as he watched her twist and turn, lost in a nightmare. Then, her voice broke through, panicked and fragile.

"Ethan… Ethan, please save me. I don't want to be touched by anyone else. Please, God, send Ethan... No! No, you filthy rascal, don't touch me! Leave me alone, please!" Her voice cracked with desperation, her body thrashing against the invisible threat in her dreams.

Ethan's heart shattered as he rushed to her side, gathering her trembling form into his arms. "Liv, I'm here. You're safe, it's okay," he whispered softly, holding her tightly as she continued to sob and plead in her sleep.

He gently stroked her hair, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's alright, Liv. It's just a dream. You're here with me, and no one will ever touch you. I swear to you, I'll protect you."

Olivia's body slowly relaxed against him, her cries fading into soft murmurs as she clung to the sound of his voice. Ethan held her tighter, his own heart breaking at the fear and pain she was enduring because of Jenna's twisted games.

As she calmed, he stayed with her, lying beside her on the bed, cradling her in his arms. His mind raced with the weight of his promise, the realization that Jenna's obsession had nearly cost him the love of his life. He couldn't afford to let his guard down again.

With one arm wrapped protectively around Olivia, Ethan reached for his phone with the other. He sent a message to his lawyer, detailing everything that had happened. There was no more room for hesitation. Jenna had crossed a line, and he would make sure she never got close to Olivia again.

But for now, he focused on the woman in his arms. He pressed his lips to the top of her head, whispering softly, "I'm here, Liv. I'm not going anywhere."

And in that quiet moment, as the moonlight bathed the room in a soft glow, Ethan made a vow to himself: no matter what, he would never let Olivia be hurt again. He would protect her with everything he had—even if it meant taking down everyone who tried to stand in their way.