Ethan and Olivia had settled back into their busy lives, refocusing on their ambitious joint venture, the fashion-tech brand Eva. After months of hard work, the official launch of their merger was finally on the horizon. The power couple had combined their expertise—Olivia's from the fashion world and Ethan's from the business and tech industry—to create something truly groundbreaking. Eva was not just a brand; it was a statement of their combined vision.
"Let's make it big," Olivia had said when they first started planning, and Ethan had agreed. They weren't just rolling out a new line; they were revolutionizing the fashion space by incorporating cutting-edge technology into their designs.
Emma, their ever-reliable assistant, confirmed the media invites had been sent, with immediate RSVPs from key industry influencers, fashion icons, and business titans, including Alexander Quinn. The launch was set to be a spectacle, and Eva would be the star of the show.
To celebrate, the two decided to take a day off—something they rarely allowed themselves. It wasn't just them, though. They invited Alex and Emma to join them for a day of shopping, knowing how much the launch event would require everyone looking their absolute best.
"Think of it as a much-needed break," Ethan had said, smiling mischievously at Olivia as they walked out of the office.
As they strolled through the high-end boutiques, Ethan found every opportunity to steal kisses from Olivia. A brush of lips in the elevator, a soft peck on the cheek while she was busy trying on shoes, and another quick kiss while pretending to inspect the price tags.
"Ethan!" Olivia giggled after he planted a surprise kiss on her shoulder as she looked at a dress. "We're in public."
"Doesn't matter," he whispered back with a smirk. "I can't help myself when you're around."
Emma and Alex, who had been browsing nearby, quickly decided they had seen enough. "Um, we'll meet you two...over there," Emma said with a blush, pulling Alex toward another section of the store.
Olivia noticed the way they walked off together, a small smile playing on her lips. Over the past week, Alex and Emma had been working closely to keep Pierce Enterprises and Carter Couture running smoothly, and it seemed like something more than just business had developed between them.
Once they met back up for lunch, Olivia couldn't resist pulling Emma aside for a little girl talk.
"Okay, spill," Olivia said, dragging Emma into the washroom. "What's going on with you and Alex? I noticed how well you two have been getting along."
Emma's face turned pink. "It's nothing, really. We've just been working together a lot. He's... nice."
"Oh come on," Olivia pressed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I know you better than that. Do you have feelings for him?"
Emma hesitated but eventually nodded. "Yeah... I think I do. But I'm not sure if he feels the same way. He's kind of hard to read, you know?"
Olivia's face lit up with excitement. "Oh, I have a feeling he feels the same way. Hold on." She immediately texted Ethan from the washroom. Babe, ask Alex if he's into Emma. I think we have something here!
Not long after, Ethan texted back. He's into her. I'll take care of it.
With that confirmation, Olivia's grin widened. "Emma, you might want to brace yourself. I think something's about to happen."
Emma looked puzzled, but Olivia didn't offer any more details.
After lunch, the group decided to take a detour to a nearby lily pond, which Olivia knew Emma would love since water lilies were her favorite. The plan was simple—give Alex and Emma some alone time on a separate boat while Ethan and Olivia plotted how to make their confession even more romantic.
As they arrived at the pond, Olivia excitedly suggested they split into pairs and rent boats. Emma was delighted by the idea, oblivious to the real motive behind it.
"Come on, Ethan," Olivia whispered to her husband as they boarded their own boat. "We need to give them space. Emma's going to lose it if Alex confesses!"
Ethan, always the strategist, was already planning ahead. "You think Emma will say yes?" he asked, watching the other boat drift ahead of them.
Olivia smiled. "She's practically head over heels for him. And I know Alex. He just needs the right moment to say it."
Ethan chuckled. "Well, let's hope it goes smoothly." Then, with a gleam in his eye, he turned to Olivia. "Speaking of surprises, I've got something in mind for you, too."
"Oh?" Olivia raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"You'll see," Ethan said mysteriously, steering their boat in the opposite direction to give Alex and Emma their privacy. He already had the gears turning in his mind for a special moment that would make his wife's heart skip a beat.
Meanwhile, on the other boat, Alex and Emma floated in silence for a while, taking in the peaceful scenery. But there was an unspoken tension in the air—one that both felt but neither knew how to address.
Alex finally broke the silence. "Emma, there's something I've been meaning to talk to you about."
Emma looked up, her heart racing. "What is it, Alex?"
"I don't know if this is the right time or place, but... I've really enjoyed working with you this past week. And... well, I think I've developed feelings for you."
Emma's breath caught in her throat. "You... you have?"
Alex nodded, his expression serious. "Yeah. I didn't want to say anything until I was sure, but... I like you, Emma. A lot."
Emma smiled, her face glowing. "I like you too, Alex. I've been wondering if you felt the same way."
For a moment, they both just stared at each other, the tension melting away into something warm and real.
Back on the other boat, Olivia and Ethan watched from afar, sharing a knowing smile.
"We did good," Olivia whispered.
"Yeah, we did," Ethan agreed. "But just wait until you see what I have planned for you next, Liv."
After their peaceful boat ride, as the sun began to set, Ethan quietly led Olivia back to the spot where their car was parked. "I've got one last stop for us today," he said with a mysterious smile.
"Another surprise?" Olivia teased. "You're spoiling me, Mr. Pierce."
Ethan just smiled and drove them to a private beachfront villa, one they hadn't stayed at before. As they pulled up, Olivia's eyes widened. The villa was illuminated with soft golden lights, casting a romantic glow. "What's this?" she asked, her heart fluttering with anticipation.
"Just a little something to mark our new beginning," Ethan said, opening the car door for her. "I thought we deserved one last special night before the launch."
He led her inside, where the villa was decorated with white roses, Olivia's favorite. A table was set for two on the terrace, overlooking the ocean, with candles flickering softly in the warm breeze. But that wasn't the end of it. On a small table, beside a vase of water lilies, was a jewelry box.
Ethan took her hand and guided her over to the box. "Open it," he said gently.
Olivia opened the box to find a delicate bracelet with tiny charms representing their journey together—a miniature dress to signify their fashion empire, a small heart for their love, and a key symbolizing the future they were building together.
Tears welled up in her eyes. "Ethan, this is beautiful."
"There's more," he said, pulling her into a gentle embrace. "Each charm represents a milestone we've shared, but there's space for more. More milestones, more memories, more of us."
He kissed her forehead tenderly, and they stood there for a moment, wrapped in the warmth of their love.
"I thought tonight could be about us," Ethan whispered, his voice soft but filled with meaning. "No distractions, just you and me, celebrating everything we've built together."
Overcome with emotion, Olivia kissed him softly, her heart full. "Thank you, Ethan. For everything."
As the night deepened, they enjoyed a private dinner by the sea, their hands intertwined, the sound of the waves crashing softly in the background. They laughed, reminisced, and spoke of the future, their plans for Eva, their dreams for their life together.
Later, Ethan led her down to the beach where he had arranged for a small bonfire. They sat together under the stars, wrapped in a blanket, and watched as paper lanterns floated into the sky, each representing a wish they made for their future.
"Everything's perfect," Olivia whispered, resting her head on Ethan's shoulder.
"Only because you're here with me," he replied, kissing the top of her head.
As the fire flickered and the stars shimmered above, they both knew this was just the beginning of a lifetime of surprises, love, and dreams coming true.