As Olivia navigated through her work tasks, she smiled and meditated on Ethan's recovery at home. Despite his initial reluctance to stay in the hospital, Ethan eventually agreed to heal at his apartment, much to Olivia's relief. However, she hadn't anticipated how much of a needy patient he would turn out to be.
From the moment he arrived home, Ethan seemed determined to keep Olivia within arm's reach at all times. He craved her presence like a lifeline, seeking comfort and reassurance in her proximity as he recuperated. His constant calls for attention and requests for her company amused Olivia, yet his dependency strangely touched her.
In a way, caring for Ethan during his recovery became its own form of therapy for Olivia. She relished the opportunity to dote on him, attending to his needs with unwavering patience and tenderness, whether preparing his meals, administering his medications, or simply sitting by his side to offer comfort.
It was strange to be at Jameson Enterprises without Ethan. As she settled into her work, she couldn't shake the sense of emptiness that lingered in the office. Ethan's absence left a noticeable void, and his vibrant presence was sorely missed.
However, she found time to reflect on the stillness of her surroundings. It allowed her to introspect and ponder her aspirations and desires. With Ethan recuperating at home, Olivia had a moment to contemplate her future, a luxury she hadn't indulged in for quite some time.
As she sifted through her thoughts, a longing for something more stirred within her. Working alongside Ethan had been exhilarating, but deep down, she knew there was a part of her that yearned for new challenges and experiences. The idea of returning to school tugged at her heartstrings, igniting a spark of excitement.
Music had always been her passion, a source of comfort and joy. The thought of immersing herself in its world once again, perhaps even pursuing it as a career path, filled her with a sense of possibility. It was a daunting prospect, to be sure, but also undeniably thrilling.
A sudden ding broke Olivia out of her thoughts. She looked up to see Lauren strolling into the office, exuding an aura of confidence that seemed to fill the room. The delicate scent of her perfume wafted over, momentarily overwhelming Olivia's senses and causing her to cough lightly.
"Hey, is Ethan in?" Lauren inquired casually, her voice dripping with the assurance of someone accustomed to getting what she wanted.
Olivia felt a flicker of annoyance at the interruption, but she maintained her polite demeanor, masking her unease behind a professional smile. "He's not available today," she replied evenly, though the tension in her voice betrayed her inner turmoil.
Lauren's demeanor remained unruffled as she advanced toward Ethan's office, her graceful movements akin to a predator stalking its prey. "I'm sure I don't need an appointment," she remarked, her tone tinged with a hint of entitlement. I know he will want to see me."
Olivia's grip tightened around the edge of her desk, her heart pounding with apprehension and defiance. She couldn't be intimidated by Lauren's presence, not when so much was at stake. Rising to the challenge, she met Lauren's gaze head-on, her resolve steeling against the subtle power play unfolding before her.
"He's not in the office today," Olivia reiterated, her voice steady despite the undercurrent of tension that crackled between them. She refused to yield an inch to Lauren's presumptuousness, determined to assert her own authority in Ethan's professional sphere.
As Lauren swept past her with an air of confidence, Olivia couldn't shake the feeling of being overshadowed, relegated to the periphery of Ethan's world by the mere presence of his ex-lover. Yet, beneath the surface, a quiet determination burned within her—a resolve to protect her territory and safeguard the bond she shared with Ethan against any threat, real or perceived.
Lauren initially assumed that Ethan might have stepped out for lunch, prompting her to wait for his return. "Oh, I can wait on him," she remarked confidently, her demeanor poised and self-assured. With a graceful gesture, she settled into one of the nearby chairs, her presence casting a subtle tension in the office atmosphere.
"He's not in the office at all today. He's not feeling well, but it's nothing to worry about," Olivia reiterated, her tone masking the true extent of Ethan's condition.
However, Lauren appeared undeterred, and her determination was evident when she asserted, "Ethan is sick? I know just the thing to make him feel better." Lauren's concern seemed genuine, but Olivia couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that lingered in the air between them.
"I'm sure he will be fine," Olivia replied with forced reassurance, though her gaze flickered with concern.
"Well, I just stopped by to see if he will attend the fundraiser this weekend. I sent him a personal invitation but haven't heard back from him," Lauren replied. "Daddy is really looking forward to connecting with him on our new product."
"I don't see it on his calendar," Olivia admitted, "but I'm sure he will respond to you once he feels better."
With a polite nod, Lauren acknowledged Olivia's words before turning to leave, her departure leaving a lingering tension in her wake. Olivia couldn't shake off the sense of foreboding that gnawed at her, a silent warning of the challenges ahead in protecting Ethan's well-being and their relationship from external threats.
As Olivia stepped into the lobby on her way to lunch, the hum of chatter filled the air. Unexpectedly, Daniel was standing at the reception desk. She could see the clerk was working hard to capture Daniel's attention, but he seemed oblivious to her charms. A rush of warmth flooded her chest as Olivia's eyes met Daniel's. Daniel stood before her, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit accentuating his broad shoulders and chiseled features. His smile, accompanied by the hint of dimples, sent a familiar flutter through Olivia's heart, reminding her of the undeniable charm he possessed.
"D-Daniel," she exclaimed, momentarily flustered by his unexpected presence. "What are you doing here?"
Daniel's smile widened, his gaze locking with hers in a captivating dance of familiarity. "Well, I was in the area for a meeting and thought I'd check on the patient," he replied, his voice smooth and comforting. "How is he doing?"
Olivia admired the ease with which Daniel carried himself, his presence exuding an effortless charm that never failed to captivate her. "That's very kind of you, Daniel," she said, a soft smile playing on her lips. "I know he was stubborn about leaving the hospital early, but he's at home resting as needed."
"Ah, good to hear," Daniel responded, his eyes alight with genuine concern. "Are you headed out to lunch? I haven't eaten yet, and I'm starving."
Olivia's laughter rang out melodiously, filling the air with warmth and familiarity. "I was just going to grab a sandwich from the corner bakery," she replied, a playful twinkle in her eyes. That sounds perfect," Daniel said, his expression brightening with anticipation as they made their way towards the bakery. Their easy banter echoed in the lobby.