EIGHTY FIVE

Olivia opened her eyes slowly, as the dream shattered, her hand still outstretched in the empty room. The reality of her situation came crashing back down at her. Lucas wasn't there, He wasn't coming to save her, she was alone.

…….🌵

The next morning, Olivia awoke to a dull a he on her body , the remnants of her emotional breakdown still lingering. Her eyes puffy from crying. As she blinked against the dim light filtering, through the small, barred window, she noticed something unusual. A tray of food sat on the small table, in the corner of the room.

She hadn't heard the door open, or anyone come in. She had been so deep in her sleep the she didn't hear anyone come into the room.

Her stomach made some funny sound , reminding her that she hadn't eaten since yesterday.

Olivia reluctantly dragged herself off the cold floor to the table. She had no appetite to eat, but she knew she had to keep up her strength, at least for her baby growing in her.

With a heavy sigh, she slowly ate the bread and eggs, the taste bland and lifeless in her mouth. Olivia's mind raced with thoughts of escape. She couldn't stay here forever, she had to find her way out.

But with each day that passed, the chances of escape seemed slimmer, and her hope dwindled further.

A month passed in a blur of fear and exhaustion. Marco ket Olivia isolated, under constant watch, and whenever he visited, his actions were more violent. Meanwhile Olivia did everything she could to hide her pregnancy, but the signs were becoming more difficult to conceal.

One morning, after weeks of torment, Marco entered the room without warning, his eyes narrowed as he observed Olivia. Something in his gaze sent a chill down her spine, and she instinctively wrapped her spine around her stomach, trying to shield her growing bump.

But Marco’s sharp eyes caught the movement, he stepped closer, his voice dangerously calm. “You’ve been unusually quiet lately, Olivia. Is there something you’re hiding from me?”

Olivia swallowed hard, as she tried to stay neutral. “What do you mean?”

Marco studied her body carefully, his gaze zeroing in on the slight swell of her abdomen. Awareness dawned on his face, and his expression changed instantly, “You’re pregnant,” he hissed, venom dripping from his words.


Olivia instinctively backed away, fear clawing at her throat. “Marco, please….”

“Lucas's child.” He spat, his voice rising with fury, “You’re carrying Lucas child!” He grabbed her roughly by the shoulders, shaking her violently, “You Think I'll let you give birth to this spawn?”

Olivia struggled against his grip, tears filled her eyes, “Don't do this Marco. Please don't hurt my baby.”

Marco's face contorted with pure hatred, “I’ll make sure you lose this child, Olivia. There will be nothing left of Lucas's legacy.”

His words sent a surge of adrenaline through Olivia, and in a desperate move, she kicked Marco hard in his injured leg, his grip loosening as he stumbled.”

Olivia bolted for the door, her heart pounding in her chest. She could hear Marco’s curses behind her, his footsteps limping as he tried to chase her. Just as she reached the door, Marco grabbed her roughly by her hair, yanking her back with brutal force.

“You little bitch.” he snarked, his voice filled with malice. He spun her around, and delivered a vicious slap across her face, the impact sending her crashing on the table. Her vision blurred as pain exploded in her cheek.

Marco towered over her, his face twisted with rage, “You think you can escape from me? You’re nothing, Olivia. I own you now.”

He grabbed her by her throat, squeezing until she struggled for breath, her hands clawing at his, to try and breakfree. “You’re going to lose that child, and when you do. I’ll make sure you suffer for it.”

As the world around her started to fade, Olivia fought to hold on, her mind clinging to the only thing that mattered - her baby. She couldn't let Marco win.

But as Marco's grip tightened, darkness threatened to consume her, her breath coming in desperate shallow graps. The pain in her throat was unbearable, but even worse was the realization that she might lose her baby.

With one last desperate plea, “Please Marco.” Olivia’s body finally gave in. Her limbs went limp, as she suddenly slipped into unconsciousness.

……..🌵

James Moretti paced back and forth in his office, the phone pressed to his ear, as he tried yet another contact. “I don't care what it takes, Just give me a flight to New York today.” he snapped, his frustration barely contained.

He hung up, throwing the phone onto his desk, with a sight. How could Lucas just be gone? It's been a month, and the authorities haven't given him any positive information. He thought. Running a hand through his hair. It didn't make sense. His brother was the most calculated and careful person he knew.

The door to his office opened, and one of his staffs stepped on, “Mr Moretti, your flight is confirmed for the evening.”

“Thank You.” James muttered, not looking up. He was already preparing himself mentally for whatever he would face in New York.

“Do you need me to do any other thing for you sir?” The staff asked, noticing the tension in his voice.

James paused, then looked at her, the worry evident in his eyes. “Olivia Cater ... .I mean set an investigator to look into Olivia Carter movement lately.”

The staff nodded, in response. “Right away sir.”

James leaned back on his chair, It feels like Olivia disappeared too. He hadn't heard from her since the incident. What if she’s in danger? Or decides to disappear after Lucas was nowhere to be found.

He looked up at the staff again, “Cancel all my meetings for next week. I don't know how long I'll be gone. And let me know immediately once you have any news on Olivia Carter.”