SEVENTY TWO

The next morning Olivia woke up from her king sized bed, she felt a sudden urge to throw up. She rushed to the bathroom feeling uneasy and disoriented. After vomiting she sat on the bathroom floor, holding her head.

She felt a slight headache, determined to go to work, she made her way to the kitchen, feeling a bit shaky. She quickly prepared a simple breakfast, scrambled eggs, toast and a cup of coffee. As she ate she took a painkiller , hoping it would subside the headache.

After her meal,Olivia felt a bit better , she showered, and selected a simple light blue dress that flowed just above her knees, cinched at the waist with a slim belt , with short sleeves and a modest neckline. His hair pulled back into a neat ponytail. She applied neutral makeup on her face.

Grabbing her keys and handbag, Olivia headed out. The apartment complex was quiet , with only a few residents up and about. She made her way to the underground parking lot, where her former car was parked. It was totally different from the luxurious cars Lucas had, but she loved it, 'cause it was hers.

She got into the car, started the engine , in seconds she was already navigating through the bustling streets. Her office was a bit of a drive, but she enjoyed her ride. Still driving, Olivia’s phone buzzed with a message from Lucas, she glanced briefly at the screen, “Hey Baby, Hope you’re settling in well. Remember I'm always here. If you need anything.”

She smiled at the message, her heart warming. Despite everything, she knew her relationship with Lucas would only grow stronger.

When she finally arrived at the office, she parked her car and took a deep breath. She was ready to dive into her job. The building was as busy as ever , with colleagues bustling about, phones ringing and the hums of conversations filling the air.

As Olivia walked through the entrance of her office, her colleagues were taken aback to see her. Murmurs and whispers spread like wild wife. Everyone in the office had thought she would be hurt or worse by Lucas, since he had kept her hostage. Instead, she looked glowing and more beautiful than ever.

“Olivia! You’re back!” one of her colleagues exclaimed, “we thought you’d be hurt or something. Were really kept hostage or you went on some secret vacation.” She asked me to fold her arms together.

Olivia smiled warmly, though she didn't answer directly, “It's a long story.”

Just then, Richard came out of his office, his eyes widening at the sight of Olivia, “Olivia! My office, now!”

Olivia walked into Richard's office, closing the door behind her, Richard gestured to her to sit down.

“Olivia, what the hell happened?” Richard asked, his tone a mix of concern and curiosity, “How did Lucas Moretti let you go,....unharmed and looking like you just got back from a spa retreat?”

Olivia smiled briefly, “It's a long story Richard. But I'm safe , that's all that matters.”

Richard nodded, “Yeah, you’re safe.” his voice was now firm, “So what’s the status of the exposé about him.” Richard asked with a serious tone, leaning his back on his chair.

Olivia took a deep breath, her thoughts swirling, “Richard, it's complicated.”

Richard raised an eyebrow, “Complicated? You’ve been in close quarters with him. You must have gathered a lot of information.”

She shook her head slightly, choosing her words carefully, “I did gather information, but…things have changed. Lucas isn't just a criminal. There's more to his story than meets the eye.”

Richard frowned , not convinced, “You were supposed to expose him, Olivia. The readers are waiting for a big reveal.”

Olivia looked down, struggling to explain, “I know, but I can't do it, there’s more to Lucas than just the Mafia boss. He has a heart , he has reasons for what he does. It's not black and white.”

Richard leaned back, digging in frustration, “Are you telling me you’ve gone soft on him? That you’re not going to publish the exposé?”

She met his gaze, her resolve firm. “I’m telling you that I've seen a different side of him, I can't betray that trust.”

Richard shook his head, disappointed, “This isn't what I expected from you, Olivia. But if that's your decision , I’ll respect that. But remember you’re a journalist. Your duty is the truth.”

Olivia nodded, standing up, “I know, Richard. And the truth is, Lucas Moretti is more than what the world thinks.”

As she left the office, Olivia felt a weight lift off her shoulder. Olivia returned back to her office , staring at her computer screen. She tried to focus on her work, but her mind kept drifting back to Lucas.

The door to her office opened, and one of her colleagues stepped in, “Hey, Liv,” you got a minute?”

Olivia nodded, closing the document she tried working on, “Sure, what's up?”

Her colleagues handed her a stack of papers, “Just need you to go over these, Before the meeting later.”

“Got it,” Olivia said, As her colleagues left, she leaned back in her chair, letting out a sigh. She missed Lucas more than she wanted to admit.

Olivia tried to focus on her job, diving into tasks with determination. She attended meetings, worked on articles, and coordinated with her team. Despite the whirlwind of activity, thoughts of Lucas lingered at the back of her mind.

The day passed in a blur of emails , phone calls, and deadlines . Finally the day came to an end and she wrapped up her work for the day and was dismissed.

As she left the office building , heading to where her car was parked, like a flash, a sleek black sedan car pulled up in front of her. Her heart pounded as the window slowly rolled down.

“Hey, baby, get in,” said the familiar voice.

Olivia's eyes widened in surprise when she saw it was Lucas, “Lucas! What are you doing here?”

He flashed his charming smile, “I couldn't stay away, Get in.”

Without hesitation, Olivia got into the car, “I thought you were busy with your own things,” she said, still amazed to see him.