FIFTY FIVE

Lucas's mind raced, how could this be happening? The doctor had assured him she was responding well to treatment. He pressed the call button, to summon the doctor, his hand trembling.

Suddenly, Olivia's lips curled into a weak smile. “Lucas,” she whispered.

Lucas's heart skipped, “Yes, pretty doll.” He said turning his attention towards her.

She chuckled softly, her eyes glistening with perversity. “Gotcha.”

Lucas stared at her in disbelief, “You were pretending?”

Olivia nodded, her smile widening, “I couldn't resist . I wanted to see your reaction.”

Relief and amusement washed over Lucas. He gently caressed her face, his eyes filled with love, “You scared me half to death, Love.”

“I’m sorry,” she said, her smile fading away.

Lucas leveled in, resting his forehead lightly against hers. “Just don't do that again please,” he said, ion a low tone, his voice shaking with fear. “I can't lose you.”

“You won't,” Olivia assured him, her voice filled with tenderness, “I promise.”

Lucas exhaled a breath, he didn't realize he was holding , his heart finally starting to settle. The room fell into a pleasant silence, the soft chime of the monitors the only sound around them. Lucas stayed close, his thumb gently caressing Olivia's hand.

Just then, the doctor entered the room, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity. “Mr Moretti , you called for me?” he asked, glancing between Lucas and Olivia.

Lucas nodded, a bit embarrassed but still relieved, “Yes,doctor, but it seems Olivia was just laying a little prank.”

The doctor raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting to Olivia, “Miss Carter, I see you’re up, how are you feeling.” The doctor said with a small smile.

Olivia nodded in response, “I’m better doc.”

The doctor moved to Olivia's bedside , checking her IV fluid and assessing her vitals . He then gently checked her forehead and checked her pulse.“What prank are you talking about?” The doctor asked, turning his gaze to Lucas.

Before Lucas could respond,Olivia cleared her throat,making the doctor shift his gaze to her, “I’m sorry, I didn't mean to cause any trouble. I was just trying to lighten the mood.”

The doctor let out a small chuckle, shaking his head, “Well, as long as you’re feeling alright. But,Miss Carter, I must stress the importance of rest and recovery. You’ve been through quite an ordeal.”

“I understand,” Olivia said softly, her eyes meeting Lucas's .

Lucas squeezed her hand, gratitude flooding flooding his eyes. “Thank you doctor. And again, I'm sorry for the false alarm.”

The doctor smiled warmly, “No harm done. You are responding well to treatment.” He said, his tone professional yet kind. “But you need to get plenty of rest to ensure a full recovery.”

Lucas nodded, “Thank you so much doctor.”

The doctor smiled warmly at the both them, “I’ll be back to check on you later, If you experience any discomfort or need anything, just press the call button.”

“I will,” Olivia said softly.

With that, the doctor gave a final nod, before exiting the room, leaving Lucas and Olivia alone again, Lucas turned back to Olivia, a mixture of relief and amusement still evident on his face.

“You really got me, you know that right?” he said, his tone light but sincere.

Olivia smiled, her fingers gently tracing circles on the back of his hand. “I didn't mean to worry you so much.”

Lucas shook his head, a soft chuckle escaping his lip, “Well, mission accomplished. But no more pranks , okay?”

“Okay,” Olivia agreed, her smile widening, “No more pranks.”

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, just enjoying each other's presence. Lucas’s thought drifted to the chaos they had just survived.

Olivia turned her gaze to Lucas , ahiny of concern ion her eyes .

“Lucas,” she began softly, “what happened with Massimo and Marco? Are they still a threat?”

Lucas sighed, his jaw tightening at the mention of their names. “Massimo is dead,Marco shot him during the chaos. As for Marco, I managed to wound him badly, and his men took him away. But they are not an immediate threat for now. They're likely regrouping and tending to Marco's injury.”

Olivia nodded, processing the information. “Do you think they would come back for us?”

Lucas' grip on her tightened , “Let's focus on you getting better pretty doll. I don't want anything bothering you.”

Olivia gave a small smile, “Alright, but if you say so.”

Lucas brushed a strand of her away from her face, “I don't know what I would have done, if i had lost you.”

“You won't lose me,” she replied firmly, “her eyes locking onto his.

As they sat in warm silence, Lucas remembered the call with Olivia’s mum. “There is something i need to tell you.” He said softly.

Olivia looked at him curiously, “What is it?”

“Your mum called,” Lucas said, watching her reaction closely.

Her eyes widened with concern, “What? When? What did you say?”

Lucas gently squeezed her hand. “She called, while you were still unconscious. I answered the phone.”

Olivia's heart raced, “Lucas, my mum knows I was investigating you. What did you tell her?”

“I lied about my identity,” Lucas admitted, “I told her I wasn't Lucas Moretti.”

Olivia's relief was notable, but worry still lingered in her eyes, “Did she believe you?”

Lucas nodded, “I think so,She didn't ask too many questions after that. I told her you were overworked and needed to rest. She seemed to accept it.”

Olivia sighed, a mixture of emotions washing over her, “Thank you for handling that, Lucas. My mum would have been worried sick, if she knew what was really going on.”

“I know,” Lucas said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face, “I didn't want to cause her any unnecessary stress. And I wanted to protect you.”

Olivia nodded, “Thank you, Where is my phone? I need to call my mum and …..Monica too. She's be worried sick about me.”

Lucas shook his head, “You’ll do that later, pretty doll. For now, focus on getting better . We can do that later.”

Olivia nodded, her eyes closing briefly, as she leaned back against the pillows
“You’re right, one step at a time.”

Lucas stayed by her side, holding her hand and offering silent support.