SIXTY THREE

The next morning, Olivia stretched under the silky duvet , feeling a slight throb in her side, where she had been shot .

A gentle knock came through on her door. “Miss Olivia, Mr Lucas is waiting for you at the dining room for breakfast.” Lucy said from outside the room .

“Thank you. Miss Lucy.” Olivia called back , her voice still thick with sleep. She got out of bed, wrapped a robe around body, and walked into the bathroom to freshen up.

After washing her face and combing her hair packed in a messy bun, she picked a simple pink gown from her wardrobe,then she made her way to the dining room.

When she reached the dining room, she found Lucas already seated at the head of the table, dressed in a black shirt and dark slacks. He had a small smile on his face when he saw her, he rose to pull out a chair for her.

“Good morning pretty doll,” he said, placing a light kiss on her cheeks, his voice warm and inviting, “Did you sleep well?”

“Yes, I did,” Olivia replied , with a smile, as she took a seat. The table was laden with a delicious spread of breakfast foods: fresh fruits, pastries, eggs, and bacon. The aroma of the freshly brewed coffee filled the air.

Lucas poured her a cup of coffee and sat back down, his eyes never leaving hers. “I've been thinking,” he began , taking a deep breath, “I think it might be best if you leave the mansuon and continue your nornal life.”

Olivia stared at him, her heart sinking, “You want me to leave? Why the sudden change, Lucas? We just got back from a vacation, and now you want me to leave, just like that?”

Lucas leaned closer, pressing a light kiss to her lips, interrupting her speech, “Its not what you think.” He said softly. “Massimob is dead, and Marco, with his condition can't dare to attack me or my loved ones.I also want you to be free from all this chaos.”

Olivia sighed, her heart heavy, “But Lucas, I thought……I thought we could make this work. I don't want to leave you.”

Lucas smiled, his eyes softening. “None of us is leaving each other.” He said, reaching into his pocket. He took out a mini box ring and opened it, revealing a beautiful ring. “Olivia Carter, I want you to be my girlfriend. Will you accept this ring?”

Olivia's eyes widened in shock. She remembered Lucas telling a staff, she was his girlfriend during their vacation, but she had never expected it, “Lucas, I…..I don't know what to say.”

“Say , yes.” Lucas whispered , his eyes full of hope and love.

With tears in her eyes, Olivia nodded. “Yes Lucas. I’ll be your girlfriend.”

Lucas slipped the ring into her finger, a smile spreading across his face. “Even if you leave the mansion, you are still mine. And I will always protect you.”

They shared a tender kiss, sealing their new commitment to each other. As they pulled away, Olivia looked into Lucas's eyes. “I need to go see Monica at the penthouse . She must be worried about me.”

Lucas nodded, in understanding, “of course, I'll arrange for that……….girlfriend”

Olivia chuckled, taking a deep breath , trying to steady her emotions as she looked at Lucas across the breakfast table. They continued eating their breakfast, the silence between them comfortable. When they finished, Olivia excused herself to freshen up.

Olivia walked into her room, freshened up and changed into a simple pant and a chiffon shirt. As she headed down stairs a fleet of cars was already waiting to accompany her to the penthouse. Lucas held her hand as he escorted her to one of the cars, opening the door for her. “My regards to Monica,” he whispered.

Olivia nodded, “I will.”

As the car drove away, she looked back at Lucas, standing tall and strong. The ride to the penthouse house was quiet , the city of New York bustling around her.

When they arrived at the penthouse, Monica was at the door. She rushed to Olivia pulling her into a tight hug. “Liv!! I’m so happy to see you, girl.”

Olivia winced in pain and Monica immediately pulled back, concern etched on her face. “What's wrong?”

Olivia gave her a reassuring smile, “It's just the spot where I was shot. It's still healing.”

Monica's face changed, a mixture of anger and worry, “I still can't believe all that happened, Are you really okay?” Monica asked, checking Olivia's body if there was any more injury.

“I’m fine, Monica. Really.” Olivia said, trying to ease her friend's worry. “And I bought some things from the vacation.” Olivia said, as they both sat on the sofa.

Monica's eyes lit up as Olivia handed her a bag filled with gifts .They say down laughing and chatting as Monica pulled out each item , admiring the beautiful souvenirs.

Then Monica noticed the ring on Olivia’s finger. She paused, grabbing Olivia's hand, her eyes widening in surprise. “Liv, what is this?”

Olivia smiled, a blush creeping up her cheeks, “Lucas, asked me to be his girlfriend.”

Monica's eyes lit up, her mouth slightly opened in shock. She took a closer look at the ring, scanning it. “This is real diamond Olivia. Do you even know how expensive and rare this is.”

Olivia shrugged, still smiling, “I didn't really think about it . I just …..love him, Monica. And he loves me.”

Monica shook her head, a grin spreading across her face, “Wow, Liv . This is all like magic. You are now a mafia's girlfriend? Must be a nice, girl.” Monica said, rolling her eyes.

As Olivia and Monica continued their conversation, Olivia mentioned, “Lucas said, you could leave the penthouse and return to your normal life. He says the threats have been dealt with.”

Monica’s eyes widened in surprise and then lit up in joy, “Really? That's amazing! I’m packing up immediately.” She jumped up, and hurried to her room. Olivia followed her behind.

As they got to the room, Monica paused and looked at Olivia, “what about you? Aren't you leaving?”

Olivia shook her head, a small smile on her lips, “I can leave too, but I still want to stay with Lucas for sometime before I go.”

Monica giggled, “Make sure you don't get yourself in any more trouble, while spending time with him.”

Olivia blushed, but her smile grew, “I just want to be with him a little longer that's all.”

Monica paused, while folding her clothes into her luggage, “Hold on, Liv. So what would happen to the exposé you have about Lucas. Your editor and every other person in your office would be expecting that from you , when you return. You know that right?”

“I’ll deal with it. Don't worry about that.” Olivia replied.