Chapter 14

Olivia's phone hadn't stopped ringing since the morning after the interview. Messages, calls, emails. Some were from friends and acquaintances congratulating her on how she had defended herself on television. Others were from journalists and media outlets seeking more statements.

But among all those messages, some made her pause.

"What a disappointment. I thought you were different."

"How can you live with yourself knowing you married for money?"

"You're a fraud. Sooner or later, Alexander will realize it."

Olivia felt a lump form in her throat as she scrolled through the social media comments. No matter how hard she tried to ignore them, the words still stung.

Don't give them power over you ; Alexander said from the doorway.

Olivia looked up, surprised that he had been watching her.

How can I not? she whispered. They don't know me, but they talk as if they know every detail of my life.

Alexander crossed the room and sat beside her on the bed. He gently took her phone and placed it face down on the nightstand.

You don't owe them any explanation.

She exhaled slowly.

I know… but it still hurts.

Alexander took her hand and intertwined his fingers with hers.

We're going out today, he suddenly announced.

Olivia blinked.

Going out?

Yes, he said firmly. We're going to forget the world for a while.

She looked at him skeptically, but after a few seconds, a smile formed on her lips.

The afternoon in Central Park was exactly what Olivia needed. Walking among the trees, feeling the fresh air, and being with Alexander without the pressure of the media or the problems surrounding them.

They sat on a bench, watching people pass by. A few children played with a ball while their parents watched nearby. An elderly man read a book in a corner, and a young couple took pictures together.

Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to live a normal life; Olivia said suddenly.

Alexander looked at her curiously.

What does normal mean to you?

She shrugged.

Not having to worry about appearing in headlines. Not feeling like every decision I make will be analyzed by strangers.

Alexander exhaled, resting an arm on the back of the bench.

Normality is subjective, Olivia. But I understand what you mean.

She turned her head to look at him.

Do you really? He nodded.

People see me as the cold and calculating businessman. But before all this, I was just a boy trying to prove his worth. Trying not to repeat my family's mistakes.

Olivia felt a pull in her chest. You never talk about your family.

Alexander looked away, as if debating whether to respond. Because there's not much to say, he finally said. My father was ruthless in business and absent at home. My mother… tried to endure it until she couldn't anymore.

Olivia felt a pang of sadness for him. What happened to her?

Alexander gave a bitter smile. She left when I was fifteen. One day, she was just gone.

Olivia covered his hand with hers. I'm sorry, Alexander.

He shook his head. Don't be. That experience taught me an important lesson: people always find a reason to leave.

The pain in his voice was unmistakable. Olivia squeezed his hand tighter. Not everyone leaves.

Alexander looked at her, his expression softening. I hope you're right.

The day had been perfect. But when they returned to the penthouse, reality hit them once again.

Claire was waiting for them in the living room with a serious expression.

What happened? Alexander asked immediately.

Claire hesitated before answering.

We received information that Vivian has been meeting with company investors. It seems she's trying to persuade them to reconsider their support for Cross Enterprises.

Alexander cursed under his breath.

She can't do that. She has no authority over the company. She doesn't, but she's using her influence to sow doubt, Claire explained. Some investors are worried about the company's reputation after all the media controversy.

Olivia felt her stomach sink. Does this mean they could take the company away from you?

Alexander shook his head.

Not without concrete proof that my leadership is a problem. But if enough investors start questioning it, we could have trouble.

Claire sighed.

I recommend we organize a meeting with the major shareholders as soon as possible to clear things up.

Alexander nodded. Do it.

Claire left, leaving Olivia and Alexander alone.

I won't let her destroy what I've built, Alexander said with determination.

Olivia watched him, seeing how the weight of stress settled on his shoulders once again.

What can I do to help? she asked.

Alexander looked at her in surprise. You don't have to get involved in this, Olivia.

Yes, I do, she insisted. If we're in this together, then I want to support you.

He exhaled slowly and nodded. Alright. I need you by my side in that meeting.

Olivia took his hand. She raised her face, and their eyes met, her gaze soft yet somehow penetrating. An uncomfortable yet thrilling sensation of vulnerability swept through him, as if she could see straight into his soul. His breath abandoned his lungs. Her fingers twined into his hair, drawing him closer. Their lips met.

The warmth of her held him captive. His arms tightened about her waist. He pressed his mouth harder into hers, hungry for her. Her lips parted in a gentle sigh that melted him like wax.

The kiss broke. She hid her face against his neck, her breath tickling his skin and scrambling his thoughts.

The day of the meeting arrived faster than Olivia expected.

The large conference room was filled with investors and executives, all wearing serious expressions as Alexander stood up to speak.

I understand that there are concerns about the company's stability, Alexander began calmly, but I assure you that Cross Enterprises is as strong as ever.

An older man at the table raised an eyebrow.

Then what about the rumors? Some say this marriage was a move to protect the company.

Before Alexander could respond, Olivia stood up from her seat.

Mr. Calloway, correct? she asked with a cordial smile.

The man nodded.

Let me answer that for you, Olivia said. The press will always look for sensationalist stories. But the only thing that should matter here is whether Cross Enterprises is still a solid investment.

The investors murmured among themselves.

Alexander smiled slightly, impressed.

As you can see, he added, my wife understands business.

A few investors chuckled, and the tension in the room seemed to ease.

By the end of the meeting, most of the shareholders seemed convinced. Vivian had failed to achieve her goal.

As they left the building, Alexander wrapped an arm around Olivia's waist and pulled her closer.

You surprised me today. She smiled.

I'm glad I could help.

He looked into her eyes with intensity. You did more than help, Olivia. You proved that you're part of this, part of my life. She felt her heart race. Because I am. And in that moment, she knew there were no more doubts. Together, they could face any storm.