Over the next few weeks, Olivia and Ethan found themselves meeting more often than either had anticipated. The guise of planning and discussing the merger had brought them together on several occasions, but it was becoming increasingly clear to both of them that there was more to these meetings than just business.
Every time they met, Ethan never failed to bring Olivia a gift. It started with small tokens—a bouquet of her favorite flowers, a box of gourmet chocolates, or a limited edition fountain pen he knew she'd appreciate. At first, Olivia brushed off these gestures as mere acts to maintain appearances. They were, after all, engaged in an elaborate ruse. But as the gifts grew in thoughtfulness and frequency, she began to feel a strange mixture of gratitude and discomfort.
One afternoon, they met at a cozy café tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. Olivia had suggested the place, hoping for a more intimate setting to discuss the next steps of their plan. As she arrived, she spotted Ethan at a table near the window, his face lighting up as he saw her enter. On the table in front of him was a beautifully wrapped package.
She smiled politely as she took her seat. "Another gift, Ethan? You're spoiling me."
Ethan chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes. "Just a little something. I saw it and thought of you."
Olivia carefully unwrapped the package, revealing a delicate silk scarf in a deep shade of crimson, the exact color of the gown she had worn to their first dinner. Her breath caught slightly—how had he remembered? She looked up at him, trying to read his expression, but all she saw was warmth and a touch of vulnerability.
"It's lovely," she finally said, draping the scarf around her neck. "But Ethan, isn't this a bit too much? We're just supposed to be acting, remember?"
Ethan leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving hers. "Maybe, but who says we can't enjoy it? Besides, what's wrong with a little kindness between two... partners?"
Olivia opened her mouth to argue but found herself at a loss for words. There was something in his tone—something that made her question whether this was just an act for him. She quickly diverted her attention to the business at hand.
"I've been thinking," she began, smoothing out the edges of her notebook. "This merger is more than just a business alliance. It's a chance to create something new, something that represents both of us."
Ethan raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on."
"I propose that we launch a new brand together," she continued, her voice gaining confidence. "A brand that combines the best of Carter Couture and Pierce Enterprises. We can make the announcement on the same day that the merger is finalized. It will be a powerful statement—a symbol of our united front."
Ethan considered her words, his admiration for her growing by the second. She was brilliant, there was no denying that. And the idea she had just presented was nothing short of genius. It was bold, ambitious, and it would cement their place at the top of the industry.
"I think it's a fantastic idea," he said, leaning forward. "But we'll need to plan it carefully. This has to be flawless."
Olivia nodded, already mentally mapping out the steps they would need to take. As they discussed the details, she couldn't help but notice how easy it was to talk to Ethan now. There was a comfort in their conversations that hadn't been there before—a sense of camaraderie that was slowly replacing the rivalry that had defined their relationship for so long.
But amidst the planning, a nagging thought kept tugging at the back of Olivia's mind. She had always been the one in control, the one who set the terms and dictated the pace. Yet with Ethan, she felt that control slipping. His gifts, his attentiveness, the way he looked at her—it was all becoming too real, too much for just an act. And as much as she tried to remind herself of the merger, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more happening between them.
On the other hand, Ethan was falling deeper into this unplanned affection. Every time he saw Olivia, every gift he gave, it wasn't just for show. He found himself wanting to see her smile, to make her happy in a way that had nothing to do with business. The more time he spent with her, the more he realized that this wasn't just about outsmarting Alexander Quinn or securing their companies' futures. It was about something far more personal.
One day, after yet another meeting, Ethan decided to take a chance. They had just finished discussing some branding ideas for their new venture, and as they walked out of the conference room, he stopped her.
"Olivia," he said, his tone more serious than usual. "There's something I need to say."
She turned to face him, her eyes searching his. "What is it?"
He hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "I know this all started as a business deal, and we agreed to keep it that way. But... I can't ignore how I feel anymore. I care about you, Olivia. More than I should, perhaps. And I just wanted you to know that."
The confession hung in the air between them, heavy and full of meaning. Olivia was taken aback. She had suspected, of course, that there was more to Ethan's actions than just maintaining a façade, but hearing him say it out loud made it real.
"Ethan, I..." she began, struggling to find the right response. She cared about him too—how could she not? But she wasn't ready to admit that, not when everything was so complicated.
He smiled softly, sensing her inner turmoil. "You don't have to say anything now. I just wanted you to know."
With that, he walked away, leaving Olivia standing there, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. As she watched him go, she couldn't help but wonder where this unexpected turn would lead them. For the first time in her life, she wasn't sure of the path ahead. All she knew was that Ethan Pierce was becoming more than just a business partner, more than just a rival. And that terrified her more than anything.
Olivia was staring at the crimson scarf draped around her neck, her thoughts swirling with uncertainty and a strange, unfamiliar warmth that had nothing to do with business.