The soft morning light streamed through the curtains, gently waking Olivia from her deep sleep. She stretched her arms, feeling the cool sheets beside her, only to realize Ethan was already gone. Confused, she glanced around the room and spotted a small note on the bedside table, propped up against a delicate white box.
Curiosity piqued, Olivia picked up the note and began to read:
*"Good morning, Liv. Today I've left you a little something special. But before you find out what it is, you'll have to follow the clues. Love, Ethan."*
A smile tugged at her lips. Ethan had always been good at surprises, and she could already feel the excitement bubbling up inside her.
Carefully, she opened the white box, revealing a small, intricate charm bracelet. Her fingers grazed over the charms—each one seemed to symbolize a memory they had shared together. There was a miniature cherry blossom tree, a tiny engagement ring, and a small key, which she assumed was her next clue.
Clutched in her hand was another folded piece of paper hidden beneath the bracelet. Opening it, she read:
*"The key leads to something near the heart, where our love began to grow. Find it and you'll know where I'll be waiting."*
Olivia immediately knew where the next clue would be. Their secret spot in the garden, where Ethan had first told her he loved her. She quickly got dressed and headed outside to the back of their mansion.
When she reached the garden, nestled under their favorite cherry blossom tree was a small chest. She unlocked it with the key and found a beautiful silk scarf, wrapped carefully with yet another note.
*"I wish I could be your shadow today, but duty calls. Enjoy this last gift before I go, my love. I'll be thinking of you all day."*
Olivia let out a small laugh, her heart swelling with warmth at the thought of Ethan's gesture. She draped the scarf around her neck, feeling a little disappointed that he wouldn't be by her side today. But then an idea struck her.
*Why not turn the tables?* she thought. *If he can't be my shadow, I'll be his.*
She smiled mischievously, already planning her day. Ethan had been doting on her for days, and now it was her turn to show him just how much she appreciated him. She decided she would surprise him at the office, but not empty-handed—she would bring along a complete home-cooked meal to spoil him the way he had done for her.
The next few hours flew by as Olivia busied herself in the kitchen. She made all of Ethan's favorite dishes, from a hearty pasta to his favorite dessert, all while thinking about how surprised he would be to see her.
Finally, with the meal packed and ready, Olivia made her way to Ethan's office. As she stepped into the building, carrying the containers of food, the receptionist gave her a knowing smile.
"He's in for quite the surprise," she said, grinning.
Olivia nodded, her heart racing with excitement as she approached his office. She knocked softly, then opened the door.
Ethan was sitting at his desk, deeply engrossed in some papers, but when he looked up and saw her standing there, his expression shifted from concentration to pure joy. His eyes lit up, and a wide smile spread across his face.
"Liv, what are you doing here?" Ethan stood and walked over to her, pulling her into his arms. "I thought I was supposed to be surprising you."
"Well, I thought I'd flip the script and surprise you for a change," Olivia replied, her smile matching his. "And I brought lunch."
Ethan laughed, looking genuinely touched. "You didn't have to do all this."
"I wanted to," Olivia said, setting the containers on the table and beginning to lay out the meal. "Besides, you've been spoiling me enough lately. It's my turn."
Just as they were about to sit down to enjoy the meal, the door to Ethan's office flew open with a loud bang. Both Olivia and Ethan turned in surprise to see Martha, Ethan's mother, storming into the room, followed closely by Jenna, who wore a scowl that could freeze the sun.
The air in the room immediately shifted. Olivia instinctively moved closer to Ethan, her heart racing with unease. She could feel the tension radiating off both women as they stood in the doorway, glaring at her.
Martha's voice was shrill, dripping with disdain. "So this is what you've been reduced to, Ethan? Choosing this… this woman over your own family? Over Jenna?"
Jenna, her face twisted in fury, pointed an accusatory finger at Olivia. "You put me behind bars for her? For this *bitch*?" she spat, venom lacing her words.
Ethan stepped in front of Olivia protectively, his expression hardening. "Enough, Jenna. I won't allow you to come in here and disrespect Olivia. You have no right."
Jenna's face contorted with rage. "You ruined my life, Ethan! You and your little fiancée ruined everything."
"Ruined your life?" Ethan's voice was cold, but there was an underlying intensity that made Olivia's heart race. "You drugged me, Jenna. You locked me in a hotel room and tried to ruin my relationship. The only one responsible for your mess is *you*."
The weight of his words seemed to momentarily stun both Jenna and Martha. But Martha recovered quickly, her fury redirected at Ethan.
"You would really choose her over your family?" Martha demanded. "After everything Jenna has done for you?"
Ethan's jaw clenched, and Olivia could feel the tension radiating from him. But he remained calm, his voice steady and unwavering.
"Jenna tried to destroy my life, Mother. She crossed a line that can never be uncrossed." Ethan's gaze shifted to Jenna, his eyes cold. "And I'm done protecting you. You need to face the consequences of your actions."
Jenna looked stunned for a moment, her eyes wide as she realized the full weight of what Ethan was saying. Martha, however, was still fuming.
"How can you say that?!" Martha shrieked. "She did what she did out of love for you, Ethan! She was trying to save you from this—"
"Save me from what?" Ethan interrupted, his voice sharp. "From someone who actually loves me? From someone who's stood by my side, no matter what? Olivia is the only person who truly has my back, and I won't let anyone come between us—not you, not Jenna."
Jenna's face turned pale, her defiance crumbling as the truth finally sank in. Without another word, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the office, Martha hot on her heels.
Ethan turned back to Olivia, his expression softening. "I'm sorry you had to deal with that," he said quietly.
Olivia shook her head, feeling a mixture of relief and gratitude. "I'm just glad you're okay," she whispered, leaning into him.
Ethan pulled her close, his arms wrapping around her protectively. "I love you, Liv," he murmured against her hair. "And I promise, no one is ever going to come between us again."
As they stood there in each other's arms, the remnants of tension melted away, leaving only the love and strength they shared. Together, they were unstoppable.