A sound at the front door signaled Logan's arrival, and Olivia couldn't help but smile. She had come to appreciate his lighthearted and joyful presence like a warm, comforting sweater on a chilly day. Logan had a way of infusing the atmosphere with positivity, making her feel at ease in her new surroundings. Logan, dressed in ripped jeans and a tan sweater accentuating his striking green eyes and chiseled features, exuded charisma and charm. Olivia admired his good looks, though she kept her thoughts to herself. There was an undeniable magnetism about him that was hard to ignore.
"Hey," Logan greeted her warmly as he saw Olivia. "Where's Dad?"
Mary, bustling around the kitchen, replied, "Oh, he should be here shortly. And he mentioned that Ethan is back in town and might drop by tonight."
Logan's eyes lit up at the mention of his brother's return.
"Yeah," he said, "I haven't had a chance to catch up with Ethan yet. He's been away for a month, and I'm glad he's finally back. I don't mind playing CEO, but it's not my forte."
As Logan spoke, Olivia sensed the close bond between the brothers. She wondered what it would be like to witness their interactions and how her presence might fit into the dynamics of this blended family. Despite her initial reservations and the unexpected challenges, Olivia grew more attached to her newfound family members each day.
The anticipation in the air was palpable as Logan and Olivia chatted in the kitchen. Logan's excitement about his brother's return was evident. Olivia couldn't help but feel curious about the man who ran Jameson Enterprises.
The front door opened as they talked, and footsteps signaled Richard's arrival. Mary greeted her husband with a warm hug, and their laughter filled the house. Olivia watched the loving exchange between her mother and stepfather, grateful to see her mother so happy. Logan joined the welcoming committee, embracing his father with enthusiasm.
"Dad, you're back just in time for dinner," he exclaimed.
Richard smiled, ruffling Logan's hair affectionately. "Good to be home, son."
The atmosphere was cheerful and familial, starkly contrasting the initial tension Olivia had felt upon her return. She couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging, even amid the unfamiliar.
Logan couldn't contain his excitement as they all settled in for dinner.
"Dad, you won't believe what happened today! Olivia started working at Jameson Enterprises."
Richard's eyebrows shot up in surprise, and he turned to Olivia with a warm smile.
"Is that so? Welcome to the family business, Olivia. It's a pleasure to have you on board."
Olivia returned the smile, touched by Richard's warm welcome.
"Thank you, Richard. I'm looking forward to contributing."
Just then, the front door opened again, and Ethan walked in, his presence commanding attention.
The dinner table was set for an unexpected reunion, and Olivia couldn't shake the revelation that had just unfolded before her eyes. As she stood there, frozen in disbelief, her jaw dropped, and her face drained of color. The man she had encountered in a compromising position at Jameson Enterprises was Ethan, her new stepbrother.
Her mind raced as she tried to process this startling connection, and a heavy silence hung in the air, broken only by the clinking of silverware and the faint sounds of dinner preparations. Olivia's heart pounded in her chest as she exchanged a brief, awkward glance with Ethan, who had a smirk that suggested he was well aware of the turmoil in her mind. His eyes held a glint of amusement, and he seemed unfazed by the awkwardness of the situation.
In contrast, Olivia felt a knot of unease in the pit of her stomach, and her thoughts were in disarray. Sensing Olivia's discomfort, Mary inquired with genuine concern,
"Are you alright, dear?"
Olivia mustered a weak smile and nodded.
"Oh, yeah, perfectly fine."
Her voice quivered slightly, but she hoped her unease went unnoticed. Logan, oblivious to the underlying tension, greeted his brother with enthusiasm.
"Ethan, I"m so glad you are home! This is Olivia Mary's daughter, and I was telling Dad how she started working at Jameson Enterprises today."
Ethan fixed his eyes on Olivia. He walked up to her and placed a kiss on her hand.
"Liv," he started. "We had the pleasure of meeting today. I'm Ethan, most commonly known as EJ at work. Welcome to Jameson Enterprises, and welcome to the family."
Olivia couldn't help but feel a profound vulnerability under Ethan's gaze. As his eyes locked onto hers, a rush of tingles traveled through her body, betraying her attempts at composure. His nearness and the faintest trace of his earthy cologne enveloped her senses, making it increasingly difficult to resist the pull she felt. She mentally scolded herself, resolute in her determination not to be swayed by his presence.
In that brief moment, she had unwittingly stumbled upon a side of Ethan that was both unexpected and unsettling. Her mind raced with questions about the enigmatic man she had encountered earlier. The thought of working closely with him in the coming days filled her with a sense of trepidation, as it seemed that their paths were destined to cross more than once, despite her best efforts to keep them apart.