SEVENTY THREE

Lucas smiled, his eyes soothing as he looked at her, “I came to pick you up. How was your day?”

“It was…..good,” Olivia said, drooping forward to give him a kiss on the cheek.

Lucas smiled on response, as he started the car , navigating through the bustling streets of NewYork. “I missed you.” He admitted, briefly taking his gaze away from the road to look at her.

Olivia squeezed his hand, her heart fluttering at his words, “I missed you too.”

Lucas nodded, glancing at her with a hint of concern, “How are you settling in. I hope you’re feeling good.”

Olivia nodded like a child, “Yeah I'm good. Felt a bit dizzy this morning, but I'm fine now.”

Lucas let out a relieved sigh, “Good. I was worried about you.”

They continued to drive, the city lights reflecting off the car windows. Inside the car was warm and intimate.

After the long drive, Lucas parked the car, in front of Olivia's apartment. He shut the car down and turned to face her, his expression serious.

“Baby,” he began, his voice low and earnest, “I know things have been chaotic lately, and you had to take some decisions at your workplace cause of me. But I want you to know that I care for you deeply. More than anything.”

Olivia's eyes softened as she looked at him, “,I know Lucas, and I care about you too.”

Lucas leaned in , capturing her lips in a tender kiss. When they pulled apart , “I don't know how to get to work tomorrow?” Olivia said, her voice filled with uncertainty.

Lucas rested his forehead against hers, “Its about your car right?” Lucas asked. Olivia nodded in response.

“I have a surprise for you.”

“A surprise?” Olivia raised an eyebrow, “You’re really full of surprises Lucas, “What could it be?”

Lucas nodded, a small smile playing on his lips, “Yes, but you’ll have to wait till tomorrow.”

Olivia laughed softly, her excitement bubbling over, “Okay, I’ll trust you.”

Lucas leaned in again, sharing another passionate kiss with her, “Good night baby.” Lucas said reluctantly letting go off her lips.

Olivia smiled, as she stepped out of the car, Lucas watched her, until she disappeared into the building , a sense of commitment settling over him, as he drove off.

Olivia was now in her apartment, pouring out a cup of brewing coffee in a cup, when she suddenly heard the door bell rang, She paused for a minute, her heart skipping a bit as she walked towards the door. Opening it, she was met with the beaming face of Monica.

“Monica!” Olivia exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise and delight.

Monica grinned widely, stepping inside and giving Olivia a tight hug. “I've missed Liv, how have you been?”

Olivia laughed, excited about Monica’s presence , “I've missed you too, Come in, come in.”

Monica stepped further into the apartment her eyes widening, as she took in the luxurious surroundings. “Wow, Liv, this place is amazing. I can't believe you live here.”

Olivia smiled, closing the door behind her. “Yeah, it's pretty incredible. Lucas insisted on me staying here.”

Monica strolled around the living room, running her fingers to feel each furnitures and taking her time, admiring the beautiful decor. “I mean…..I know he’s a Mafia boss and all, but I never imagined he could be….this sweet.”

Olivia chuckled, leading Monica to the couch, “I know right? He’s got this while other side to him that I didn't expect.”

Monica slumped down on the couch, her eyes still filled with astonishment, “I can't get over how nice this place is. And the view!” She turned to look at the large windows. “You’re living the highlife girl.”

Olivia sat beside her, nodding. “It's been a whirlwind, honestly, But Lucas has been amazing. He’s really taken care of me.”

Monica gave her a playful nudge, “I can see that.”

Olivia sighed, leaning back against the couch, “Yeah. And you know, he’s really an understanding person.”

Monica raised an eyebrow, “Understanding? A Mafia boss who’s understanding? Now that's something I never thought I'd hear.”

Olivia laughed, “I know it sounds crazy, But he is ….I mean it wasn't what I expected from him anyways.”

Monica leaned back, folding her arms, “You know, Liv, I was always scared for you, for getting in loved with him. But seeing all this……maybe I was wrong.”

Olivia smiled softly, “He’s not what he seems, Mon. There's a lot more to him.”

Monica shrugged, as she stood up and walked over the wine bar, pulling out a bottle of wine. “Well, then, let's celebrate to this new house,” she said popping the cork with a satisfying pop. She grabbed two glasses, filling them with rich, red wine, and handed one to Olivia.

“Cheers to new beginnings,” Monica toasted, clinking her glass against Olivia's.

“Cheers,” Olivia replied taking a sip.

As Olivia took another sip, she felt a wave of nausea. She bolted to the restroom, Monica quickly followed her.

“Liv, are you okay?” Monica's asked, worry etched on her face.

Olivia nodded weakly, “I need a moment.”

In less than a minute, Olivia strolled out from the bathroom weakly, her face pale and her hands trembling. Monica rushed to her side , helping her take a seat.

“Liv, what's wrong?” Monica asked, her voice laced with worry.

Olivia sighed, her voice weak, “I’ve been feeling nauseous and dizzy since this morning.”

Monica lifted Olivia's chin gently, making her face her, She searched Olivia’s eyes for a moment before speaking, “Are you sure, you aren't pregnant?”

Olivia shook her head quickly, “No.. I'm not…I'm just sick.”

Monica raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced, “Liv, you need to take a pregnancy test…..Just to be sure.”

“I don't think it's necessary Mon,” Olivia insisted, her voice wavering.

“Please, Just take the test for peace of mind.” Monica urged.

Olivia hesitated for a moment, before finally nodding, “Okay, fine. I’ll take the test.”

Olivia grabbed a pregnancy test strip, and they both waited anxiously in the bathroom. The seconds felt like hours as they watched the strip, with Olivia biting her fingers nervously. Finally, the result appeared.

Olivia felt her heart skipped, as she saw the positive result.

“No, no, no,” Olivia mumbled, with a shaky voice, her hands covering her mouth.

Monica cuddled Olivia, wrapping her arms around her, offering comfort, “It’s going to be okay Liv, we’ll figure this out together.”

Tears filled Olivia's eyes as she held Monica tightly, “What do I do, Monica, How do I tell Lucas, what if he’s not ready for this?”