Chapter 2

Back at the law firm, the conference room is tense. Livia sits across from a sharply dressed client with a slick smile that doesn't reach his eyes. Charles leans forward, pen ready to capture every detail.

Thanks for meeting with us," the client begins, his smooth voice carrying an uneasy edge. "I need your firm's expertise to legitimize some funds that came through... unconventional channels.

Livia's focus drifts from the client's pitch to Ethan, seated as personal security. A wave of emotions—surprise, anger, and buried longing—washes over her. What is he doing here? she wonders, noting his unchanged rugged demeanor and familiar blue eyes filled with memories.

Ethan, feeling her stare, shifts slightly but keeps his gaze forward, avoiding her. Livia fights the urge to speak, but the moment passes, leaving an ache in her chest.

"Livia?" Charles's voice cuts through her thoughts, drawing her back to the meeting. "Did you catch that? You're the one handling the financial aspects here."

She forces a smile, trying to shake off the distraction. "Yes, of course. I'll ensure everything is handled properly."

Charles smirks, adding, 'Well, you know how these things can go. Just read the fine print this time. I wouldn't want you to miss anything important while worrying about your looks,' he says arrogantly.

Her breath catches. What an ass, she thinks, frustration flooding her. For a moment, she's thrown off balance, unable to respond. Ethan's presence had upset her, pulling her attention in too many directions.

The client, unaware of the tension in the air, continues, "I'll be in touch over the next few days. I trust you'll present this to your higher-ups. Time is of the essence here."

"Absolutely," Livia responds, forcing the words out as she glances at Charles, who is now nodding eagerly, eager to wrap up the meeting and pull the client aside for his own agenda.

"Great," the client replies, rising to his feet. "I look forward to hearing from you both soon."

As the meeting ends, Charles stands, eyeing the client greedily. 'Could I have a word?' he suggests, stepping away from the table. His motives are clear—likely a scheme to line his pockets.

Livia feels her irritation boil over. She wants to remind him of the ethical lines they shouldn't cross, but the words are caught in her throat. Instead, she abruptly begins to pack her things, her mind racing.

As she gathers her folders, she feels Ethan's piercing gaze. She steels herself, refusing to look his way. The room feels too small, suffocating with unspoken words and memories she'd rather forget.

Without a backward glance, she strides toward the door, her heart pounding in her chest. Just as she reaches for the handle, she hears Ethan's voice call out after her, firm but streaked with something softer. "Livia!"

She doesn't stop. I can't deal with this right now, she thinks, her pulse rising.

Ethan rises, following her out, the tension deepening. He knows he can't stray far from his asset, but as he watches her walk away, he's acutely aware of the strain between them—an invisible wall of pain, history, and unresolved feelings.

Livia pushes through the door to her office, her mind spinning with the remnants of the meeting. She barely notices Jessica, a fellow associate, who's hanging by the entrance.

"Hey, how did the meeting go?" Jessica asks, her voice bright with curiosity.

Livia, frustrated and lost in memories, rushes past Jessica and firmly shuts the door. The lock clicks, leaving Jessica standing there, brows furrowed in concern, wondering what went wrong.

Livia sinks into her chair and stares at the wall. She takes a deep breath, trying to calm down, but memories of Ethan—both good and bad—flood her mind. Why now? She reaches for her coffee, finding it lukewarm, a reminder of lost time. Annoyed, she sets it down with a sigh.

Just then, the door swings open, and Charles steps in without a knock, his presence like a dark cloud brooding over her. He drops a stack of files on her desk with a thud, the sound quaking in the silence.

"Here are the files you'll need for Mr. Richards," he says, turning to leave.

Livia snaps, "Charles, could you at least knock next time?"

He shrugs, an unconcerned grin spreading across his face. "And you shouldn't be one to talk about ethics, Livia. Not with your family's reputation back in Italy."

The words hang heavy. Charles, the only one in the firm aware of her family's mafia ties due to his own shady dealings, winks at her before leaving, leaving her irritated and uneasy.

As the door clicks shut, Livia leans back, feeling the weight of the world. Charles's comments linger, twisting the knife in a wound she'd rather ignore. She shakes her head, trying to focus on work, but the thoughts keep returning.

She takes a deep breath and pulls out her phone to FaceTime her father. His familiar, comforting face appears on the screen, and she feels some of her tension go away.

"Hey, Livia! I tried calling you earlier. You seemed busy," Giovanni says, his voice steady but filled with concern.

"Yeah, I was in a meeting. I'm sorry I missed your call," Livia replies, forcing a smile.

"How are you doing?" he asks, genuine worry carved on his features.

"I'm good, Dad. Just the usual chaos at work," she assures him, trying to brush off the underlying tension.

Giovanni raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "And where are you now?"

"Just settling in. What about you? Where are you?"

"I'm out with Antonio," he says, glancing at someone off-camera. "We wanted to catch up with some old friends at a plaza."

"Hi, Antonio!" Livia chimes in, her heartwarming at the familiar face.

"Hey, Livia! Looking beautiful as ever," he replies with a wink.

Giovanni watched her with scrutiny for a while and noticed the subtle waves of emotions across her face. "Are you sure you're okay?" he asks gently.

"I'm fine, really," she replies, but there's a bit of a shakiness in her voice suggesting that she was really tensed.

"Livia," he begins, his voice softened, "I knew your mother better than anyone. I can tell when something's bothering you."

She bites her lip, guilt creeping in. "I promise, I'm alright."

Giovanni studies her for a moment before sighing. "You know what? I think you should take the rest of the day off. Spend some time for yourself."

"Dad, I can't—" she begins, but he cuts her off.

"Or I'll tell your mother how you're neglecting your health," he jokes, though his seriousness isn't lost on her. It's his favorite tactic—emotional blackmail wrapped in dark humor.

"Fine," she surrenders, unable to suppress a smile. "You win."

"Good. I want to see you take a break. You've earned it."

"Okay, I will. I'll see you later," she says, her heart lightening as the call ends. She quickly packs her things, her mood shifting from initial frustration to a sudden relaxed feeling.

She grabs her phone and steps out of the office, ready to head home and escape the day's stress, even if it was for a little while.