FORTY ONE

Olivia took a deep breath, settling herself to speak, Lucas's suggestion about traveling has taken her unaware.

“Lucas, there's something I need to tell you,” Olivia began, her voice muffled against his chest, lifting her head to meet Lucas's gaze, “Before we think of going away, I feel like we need to deal with something first.”

Lucas pulled back slightly, looking down at her with a mix of curiosity and concern, “What’s wrong? What is it?”

Olivia hesitated, her eyes searching for reassurance,“It’s about detective Harris, I think he’s involved in more than he should be,” Olivia confessed. “He’s been calling me, threatening me about you, but I feel like there’s more to him.”

Lucas’ expression hardened, his grip on her tightening slightly “What do you mean?”

“I've been getting these calls from me, threatening me to send the exposé I have about you.But it's not just that,....I think he’s involved in something bigger, something more dangerous.”


Lucas’s eyes narrowed, his mind racing. “I know Harris is involved in illegal stuff, I have known for a while …..But I need more concrete evidence before I can move against him. He’s been a thorn in my side for too long.”

Olivia looked up at him, her eyes wide with surprise, “You knew?”

Lucas nodded, “I’ve had my suspicions. But hearing it from you….It confirms a lot.”

“What do we do?” Olivia asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Lucas took a deep breath, his mind already formulating a plan. “We need to be careful. Harris is a snake, and he’s been playing both sides. We need to deal with him before he becomes a bigger problem .”

Olivia nodded, feeling a mix of relief and fear. She trusted Lucas, but the weight of their situation was becoming more apparent.

Lucas leaned down pressing a gentle kiss on her forehead, “we’ll get through this, pretty doll, together.”

As they stood there, locked in an embrace.

After a few moments of silence, Lucas pulled back slightly and looked into Olivia's eyes. “ There's something I need to ask you, he said, his voice serious.

Olivia nodded, sensing the gravity of his words, “What is it?”

“Why haven't you sent the exposé you have about me to Harris?” Lucas asked, his gaze intense.

Olivia took a deep breath , her eyes never leaving his, “Because …….I couldn't do it, I couldn't betray you.”

Lucas felt a surge of emotion, a mixture of relief and love. He pulled her back into a tight embrace, whispering into her ear, “that's sweet to hear, pretty doll.”

In that moment , as they held each other tightly, they knew that no matter what lay ahead, they would face it together.

After a brief pause, Olivia pulled back slightly, looking up at Lucas with determination, “I want to help.” She said firmly.

Lucas raised an eyebrow, “Help with what?”

“Let me help with th Harris, I can use my investigative skills to find out more about his activities, to find out what he’s up to,” Olivia explained. “I may be stocked in this mansion, but that doesn't mean I can't be of help.”

Lucas considered her words, his mind weighing the risks and benefits,Lucas sighed, his protective instincts warring with rational mind, “It's dangerous pretty doll, but…….I'll help you with whatever you need.”

……….🌵

Detective Harris sat in his office, the city skyline visible through the large window behind him.

Papers were scattered on his desk. He leaned back in his chair touching his temple, as he tried to make sense of everything going on.

His office was filled with the faint hum of traffic from the city below. Harris picked up his phone and dialed Richard's number, waiting impatiently for the person on the other end to pick.

“Richard, Yeah, it's me.” Harris said into the receiver, his voice low and filled with irritation, “Any update on Moretti's situation?”

Richard’s voice came in on the other end of the phone, “No…not yet.” Harris’s expression darkened, “Lucas Moretti is a slippery bastard , and we need to tighten the noose around his neck.”

He slammed the phone down, frustration boiling over. His thoughts drifted to Olivia, Harris knew Olivia was not ready to release the exposé and he wasn't sure what was going on.

Leaning forward, he pulled a file from his desk. It was labeled “Moretti”. Opening it, he skimmed through the document, his mind racing with possibilities. He needed leverage, something that would force Lucas to his knees.

A knock on the office door pulled him from his thoughts. “Come in.” he barked, his eyes still on the file.


The door opened, and a young officer stepped in, looking nervous, “Detective Harris, sir, we’ve got a lead on one of Moretti's associates. A man named Marco has been seen meeting with known criminals in the city.”

Harris’s eyes flickered with interest. “Marco, huh? That's Lucas's cousin. What do we know about his activities?”

The officer handed Harris a report. “He’s been moving in the shadows, trying to rally support from other crime families. We think he's planning something big.”

Harris scanned the report , a smile forming on his lips “This might be the break we’ve been waiting for. Keep an eye on Marco. I want to know everything he does.”

The officer nodded and left the room, leaving Harris alone with his thoughts, he leaned back in his chair, contemplating his next move. If he could exploit the rift between Lucas and Marco , he might be able to bring down the entire Moretti family.

Reaching for his phone, Harris dialed Olivia's number . It was time to remind her for the last time to push her further into the game at stake. The phone rang and he waited patiently for her to pick .

Meanwhile in Lucas's mansion , Olivia and Lucas remained wrapped in each other's embrace. Lucas' hand stroke her hair gently , his touch both protective and possessive.

The silence between them was interrupted by the ringing of Olivia's phone. She hesitated, her body tensing slightly. Lucas noticed the change and pulled back just enough to look into her eyes.

“Who's calling?” Lucas asked, his voice calm but his eyes sharp.