The morning sunlight spilled through the curtains, casting a golden hue across the room. Olivia stirred, feeling the warmth of Ethan beside her before she even opened her eyes. When she did, she found him watching her with a soft, adoring smile, his arm draped protectively around her waist. He kissed her forehead gently, as though savoring the peaceful moment.
"Good morning, beautiful," Ethan whispered, his voice low and full of warmth.
Olivia smiled sleepily. "Good morning," she replied, stretching lazily under the covers. "You're up early."
Ethan's expression softened further. "I couldn't sleep. I've been thinking a lot about us, about the time we've missed lately. I hate how distant I was, and I don't want that to happen again." His voice had a note of regret, but also determination. "I'm going to make it up to you."
Olivia's heart melted at his words. She reached up and brushed his cheek with her fingertips, her gaze softening. "Ethan, you don't have to. I understand why you did it. You were trying to protect me from Jenna and all that chaos."
"I know," Ethan said, his voice barely above a whisper. "But shutting you out wasn't the way to handle it. I hurt you, Liv, and that's the last thing I ever wanted to do. From now on, no more secrets. No more time apart."
His words struck a chord deep within her, and Olivia felt her heart swell with love for the man beside her. She leaned into him, her lips brushing his, sealing his promise with a kiss that spoke volumes.
Ethan responded, deepening the kiss, pouring every ounce of his emotion into it. When they finally pulled apart, both of them were breathless, and Olivia could see the resolve in his eyes.
"We're good, Ethan," Olivia said, her voice barely above a whisper. "We're here now, and that's what matters."
Ethan didn't say anything, but the way he looked at her said everything. He wasn't going to let anything come between them again.
A playful grin spread across his face as he slid out of bed and threw on a shirt. "I've made a decision," he said with a smirk. "I'm not leaving your side today. Or tomorrow. In fact, I'm sticking to you like glue."
Olivia laughed, raising an eyebrow. "Really? You're not going to work?"
"Not today," Ethan replied, his grin widening. "I'm all yours."
Olivia laughed, a bubble of happiness rising in her chest. "You're serious, aren't you?"
"Dead serious. And you better get used to it," Ethan teased, kissing the top of her head.
As they got ready for the day, Olivia felt lighter than she had in days. There was something comforting about knowing that Ethan wasn't going anywhere. He was truly committed to spending time with her and making up for the moments they had lost.
When they arrived at Olivia's office, Ethan didn't drop her off like usual. Instead, he parked the car and walked in beside her, much to her surprise.
"You're really coming in?" Olivia asked, raising her eyebrow at him as they entered her building.
"Of course," he replied with a wink. "I'm your personal assistant for the day."
Olivia laughed and shook her head. "Well, don't say I didn't warn you. It's going to be a busy day."
Ethan spent the entire day at her side, and Olivia had to admit, it was endearing. He didn't mind sitting beside her while she worked, occasionally teasing her or making her laugh. He ordered her favorite lunch and set up a cozy picnic right in her office.
"You're spoiling me," Olivia said, her heart swelling as she looked at the spread of food on her desk.
"That's the plan," Ethan replied, his eyes twinkling. "You deserve it."
Throughout the day, Ethan continued with his small gestures—helping her with tasks, refilling her coffee, and even offering advice on her projects, though he was clearly out of his depth in her field. But it wasn't about expertise; it was about being there, by her side, and Olivia found herself falling in love with him all over again.
As the afternoon slipped into evening, and the office started to empty out, Olivia turned to Ethan with a smile.
"I think I'm getting used to this 'Ethan as my shadow' thing," she said, teasing him.
Ethan grinned and reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers. "Good. Because I'm not going anywhere."
When they finally left the office together, Olivia felt lighter than she had in days. The tension from the last few weeks seemed to have melted away, leaving only the love and connection they shared.
Ethan pulled her closer as they walked to the car, kissing her softly on the temple. "Let's go home," he whispered.
The ride back to their mansion was quiet but filled with a sense of peace. Olivia leaned her head on Ethan's shoulder, feeling a deep sense of contentment as they drove through the city and out into the peaceful outskirts.
The mansion he had bought for them was nestled amidst cherry blossom trees, a serene and private retreat that felt like their own little world. As they walked through the front door, Ethan scooped her up in his arms, carrying her over the threshold with a playful grin.
"I thought we already did the newlywed thing," Olivia teased, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"We did," Ethan replied with a wink. "But I plan on carrying you over the threshold every day if it makes you smile like that."
That night, they settled into their new life together, with Ethan by her side, determined to show Olivia just how much she meant to him. Every gesture, every word, was a testament to the depth of his love, and Olivia found herself overwhelmed with happiness.
As they curled up together in bed, Ethan whispered in her ear, "I love you, Liv. More than anything."
And Olivia knew, deep in her heart, that no matter what challenges came their way, they would face them together. Nothing could break the bond they shared.
This was just the beginning of their life together, and Olivia couldn't wait to see where the future would take them.