Chereads / Beneath the Billionaire’s Mask / Chapter 40 - Supposed date

Chapter 40 - Supposed date

Olivia got up early the following morning, which was a Sunday, and immediately began getting ready for her morning exercise. After all that had occurred the night before, including Abby's pregnancy and Leah's fight, she felt the need to get her thoughts organized and clear her mind.

Following the placement of her phone on the coffee table, she proceeded to sit down on the couch to put on her Nike shoes. She sported a black sports bra and black track pants with white stripes on the side. Her outfit was really stunning. After tying her hair into a sloppy bun and removing her phone and earphones from the table, she then took a water bottle from the counter and exited the apartment. Her hair was a mess.

By the time she was outside the building, she had already put on her headphones and was running.

She was spending her first weekend in Fort Lauderdale, and the situation had not been favorable. Abby, Noah's girlfriend, had brought her back, and to make matters even more difficult, she was expecting a child. There were a lot of things that were going to change on Monday, and the fact that Melly was going to be coming back did not make matters any better. She was able to recognize Olivia even from a distance because Melly was familiar with her.

Melly was one of David Miller's closest friends from their time together in high school. She paid him a visit most of the time when she was in London for work, and she and Olivia had a few experiences together. Had Olivia known that Jones's Enterprise employed her, she probably would have declined the position. Olivia was so preoccupied with her thoughts that she accidentally bumped into someone and dropped both her phone and her water bottle. A grunt came from Olivia as she knelt to pick up her belongings.

"Watch out for the direction you are running in!" Someone lost their temper.

Olivia was able to identify the voice without delay, and she immediately clenched her fists over her belongings and gritted her teeth simultaneously. You need to be aware of where you are heading. In response, she retorted and straightened her posture.

"Olivia?" Having his eyes expanded, he inquired.

"The one and only," I said. Her tone was acrid and dry.

"I am most sorry for—"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Jones, but I don't have the entire day." Although she tried to avoid him, he grabbed her wrist instead.

"Are you Mr. Jones? You give the impression that I bite, and I advised you to call me Noah when we are by ourselves before. He stated, "The pain in his voice is clearly audible."

"I don't recall you telling me that, Mr. Jones. I don't remember. I need to get to a meeting right now, so please excuse me if I interrupt. Despite her best efforts, he was able to prevent her from leaving.

"Is it a meeting?" Noah questioned while clenching his jaw.

"Yes." She clenched her teeth.

"Who is it with?" With a stern tone, Noah demanded. "Will it be a male? Would you say that it has anything to do with your job?"

Where did all these inquiries originate in the first place? As Olivia's temper began to rise, she pondered. "Mr. Jones, I believe I have already told you that whatever I do outside of work is none of your business." There is a buddy of mine who is having lunch with me, and he does not enjoy waiting."

It was a lie on her part concerning the meeting; Aiden was absent for the day, and she did not know anyone in the area with whom she could potentially have a meeting.

Heaving a sigh, Noah tucked his hands into the pockets of his slacks and cocked his head to the side, staring at Olivia. During the time that they stood there, there was an awkward silence between them, with Olivia looking away from him and elsewhere.

Please accept my apologies for what happened last night. With his hands at his sides, he hurled them away. This caused Olivia to turn around and gaze at him. "I was completely unaware that Abby was going to return, let alone that she was expecting a child." Sincerely, he replied, and Olivia scowled in response. What was the reason for his apology to her?

Now, when she was about to respond, Olivia became aware that he was dressed up. The question is, "Why are you dressed up on a Sunday?" As she did so, she made a move toward his red bowtie and navy-blue tuxedo.

Noah sighed and ran his hand through his hair before continuing. "I have a business meeting that I need to attend." His throat was cleared, and he avoided looking directly into her eyes.

"Is it a meeting for business?" Her brows wrinkled as she posed the question. "A business meeting while dressed in a tuxedo?" Once more, Olivia inquired while sharpening her tone. "It is not true that I was born last night, Baby Doll." She spoke in a slow and collected manner while closing her eyes. "That's because I am not a fool." My god, what the hell is going on here?" Suddenly, she became agitated and severely reprimanded herself. Why did she feel the need to be furious, and why did she concern herself with what he did on Sundays?

Noah clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. During a brief moment, he appeared to be in discomfort by closing his eyes and running his tongue over his teeth. "In Tampa, I will be attending a church conference with Abby if you are interested." His fingers ran through his hair as he scanned her face for any signs of emotion; however, the things that he saw vanished as quickly as they appeared, and her face continued to be devoid of any expression.

"Anyway, I hope you have a wonderful time and pray for me." Her tone was acrimonious, and she broke into a sprint.

"What are you going to do, Livvy? Are you going to flee every time something that you don't like happens?" Before he could stop himself, Noah yelled after her, and the things he spoke caused her to halt what she was doing.

Her lips drew together in a narrow line, causing her to turn around and stare at him with icy eyes. The way she looked at him made him realize that he had gone beyond the acceptable boundaries.

For a brief period of time, Olivia entirely forgot about herself, and she allowed herself to be fooled into thinking that they were conversing as Olivia Miller and Noah Jones. "Because I've spent my entire life running..." She paused sharply and pursed her lips before continuing. "And I'm not going to back down for some spoiled and conceited young man who can't even keep his pants on," she said. Her tone was icy, and she hurried away.

Noah did nothing but stand there, perplexed and in pain. Could it be what Livvy thought of him, and if so, why did he care so much about what she thought of him?

Olivia was sprinting when a red Mini Cooper drove up next to her, but she continued to run. As he attempted to catch up with her, the owner of the automobile sped up and slowed down at various points. They gave her a wolf whistle while rolling down the window of the vehicle. What's up, Livvy? Olivia came to a stop and turned his attention to the driver.

"Jerry???" She questioned him while giving him a feeble smile.

"The one and only," I said. As James Patterson exited the vehicle, he embraced Livvy and then proceeded to say something else.

"How are you doing right now?" The question was asked by Olivia, who then hastily retreated.

"I've been doing well. I've been doing well. Which of you are you?' He asked with a smiling face.

Upon catching a glimpse of them from a distance, Noah's emotions intensified. A black sedan drew up next to him, and the driver of the car stepped out and opened the door for him. However, Noah did nothing but stand there and watch them with his fists clenched.

"Well, that's just it..." She shrugged.

"I went to the party last night, but you were not there." "I was hoping to ask you to lunch, if you don't mind." He scratched the back of his head angrily. Olivia gave him a raised eyebrow in response. "I would be delighted if you could join me for breakfast," he said. "Even though my mother did not prepare breakfast, I could really use some food before heading to church. She believes that it is a sin to consume food before going to church." He voiced his exasperation with a sigh.

To open the passenger door, he walked around his car and opened it. After rolling her eyes and walking around the car, Olivia noticed that Noah was watching her. The two of them looked at each other for a moment before Olivia broke eye contact with Noah and entered the vehicle. After securing the door, Jameson proceeded to the driver's side of the vehicle and entered in. Immediately after starting the vehicle and driving it, he arrived at the location within a few seconds. The look that Olivia gave him was one of inquiry, and she shook her head.

Sorry, but I just couldn't help myself. This is the café that I enjoy the most. He wore a grin. Food Hub was located behind the café, which was three doors away. A "Livvy." When she turned around, Olivia saw Jerry standing there, holding the door open for her. She exited the vehicle and said a "thank you" as she walked away.

The establishment printed its name in brown. Olivia found the café to be uncomplicated and inviting as soon as they entered through the door. Nobody cared who walked in or what they were wearing because everyone was preoccupied with their own life and business. Olivia felt self-conscious, particularly because she was sweating profusely and wearing the clothing she had worn to the gym.

"It is my son!" James received a warm greeting from an elderly woman who spoke with an accent and kissed him on the cheeks.

"It is wonderful to see you again, Mrs. Fernandez." A tone of taunting could be heard in his voice when he spoke.

"It's wonderful to see you as well, son." She pinched his cheeks and smiled at him at the same time. "And who is this stunning woman that is standing here?" And with a smile on her face, she turned to Olivia.

"Nina, this is what,"

"Hello, my name is Livvy Williams, and it is a pleasure to meet you." As she shook her hand, Olivia let out an exclamation.

James and Mrs. Fernandez gazed at one another, both of them amazed by her command of the language.

"I was hoping to witness your wedding in the near future, and I am looking forward to having grandchildren." After giving Olivia a reprimand, she smiled at him. "Take that table right there; it even has a candlelight that comes from the natural way." Both of them received a wink from her, and James sighed as he led Olivia to the table that was located close to the window. He moved to the opposite side of the chair and sat down after pulling it for her.

Olivia began perusing the menu.

"Yes, it's been quite some time since you've lived in Miami, Olivia," she said. A tiny smile appeared on his face. After dropping her menu, Olivia immediately stared at him with a pale expression. It's unnecessary for you to perform for me because I know you. While Olivia's heart plummeted and her throat dried up, he laughed in a timid manner. It was sufficient that Leah was aware of who she was; nevertheless, for another individual, this was not going to take place. "Do you not remember me at all? Who is this: James Patterson? Which one is Jerry Patterson?" He looked at her with his eyebrows raised.

Olivia examined the name in her thoughts; following his mention of it, she realized that she had known a James Patterson when she was in high school. "James Patterson?" Jerry nodded in agreement as Olivia addressed the question with a cool demeanor, her eyes narrowing as she repeated the word in her head. "Gay Boy?" he asked. As she questioned in a quiet voice, Jerry grinned at her as the name was brought back to her attention.

"And the distinction for having the most youthful mind goes to..." He said something and clapped his hands in a humorous manner.

As she sat back in her chair, Olivia stared at him with a questioning expression. "How did you manage to..." After taking a few big breaths, she inquired.

James grinned and waved her off when she left. Since I am familiar with April Williams, I am aware that she does not have a sister. He shrugged.

When Olivia sat up straight, she reached for her menu and picked it up from the table. I was unaware that you were the one in question, but you look fine. By this point, how many people's hearts have you broken?" It was a casual question.

The question is, "What would you like to order, my children?" Nina inquired with a gleaming smile, her eyes glistening with an unmistakable wickedness.

"I'll have a cup of coffee and an English breakfast, as is my custom." Nina took down James's order after he had finished speaking.

"All right. Livvy, what would you like to have with your meal?

With that, I'll drink tea and the same thing." Ms. Olivia spoke, and the woman proceeded to record her order.

"All right, my honey." Her tone was friendly. As she walked away, she gave Jameson a wink.

"Nina!" He hid his face with cloth.

"Is she unaware of the fact that you are a member of the opposing team?" Olivia inquired about it.

"She is aware of it; she is merely playing a joke on me." He gave a timid smile. "Is it true that you are still terrible at preparing coffee, Olivia?" He made fun of her.

"Don't bring it up again. Did you find it hard to believe that Noah requested me to make him some coffee?"

"You had to give April the blame; can you believe that she insisted on making him coffee? In other words, Noah used to get his coffee from a café in the downtown area, but because she was too lazy to walk there every day, she insisted on making his coffee instead, and now he is addicted to it. It was one of her attempts to resume her relationship with him and win his favor." He stated, and Olivia was perplexed as to how he was able to know all of these things when he was not employed by Jones's Enterprises.

"Young children, please take this meal. Have fun!" After placing their food on the table, Mrs. Fernandez departed.

The time they spent together over breakfast was enjoyable; James was a gossip and chatted excessively. Olivia gave a cheeky smile and shook her head. Even if it meant spending time with her high school "frenemy," James Patterson, who was known as "The Gay Boy," she was relieved that she had the opportunity to be herself for a short period of time.