DYLAN

I walk into the house and head upstairs tugging at my tie. I got changed in my office before I attended the meeting. The dress code has always been important to me. Throughout all the meetings, my mind remained preoccupied with all the thoughts though. I still can't think straight. I can't help but think if my decision is wrong. I just know that in both ways, I will lose Avery. At least if I decide to let her go now, I will have peace of mind knowing that she is safe. But what will I tell her? How will I make her believe that I want her away from me after striving so much to bring her closer to me? Nothing is making sense.

I open my coat and throw it on the bed along with my tie. I start opening the shirt. At least when she is around here, I can make sure that she is safe. But at the same time, her staying married to me is going to get her killed. What do I do? What will I tell my mom? How will I convince Olivia that I don't want to stay with her anymore? There is no way I can do anything. Seems like I have reached a dead end.

I open my shirt and throw it on the bed when two hands land on my back. I instantly recognize the touch and start to ease out. She brings her hand to my shoulder and presses her cheek on my back. Running her arms up and down my biceps, she whispers, "Everything will be ok, you know?" I close my eyes to feel her touch on my skin. There is no way I can push her away. I turn around to face her. She runs her hand down my abdomen and starts working the belt

I let out a chuckle and ask, "What are you doing?"

"Releasing your stress," she says biting her lips. I see the mischief in her big green eyes. My body immediately gets aware of her touch as she throws the belt away and pushes her hand into my pants. But before she can go further down, my phone starts ringing in my pocket. She stops and pulls it out with one hand. Putting it on the speaker she holds it away from me. Her lips curve into a smirk as she nods towards my phone and pushes her other hand further into my pants, cupping me through my underwear.

Biting back a groan, I answer, "hello?"

"Sir, Mr Briges wants to know by when do you need the divorce papers." My eyes widen immediately and Olivia's hand stops. She pulls her hand out and stares at me, baffled. I open my mouth but nothing comes out. Can I do anything correctly? "Sir?"

"I'll talk to you later, Madelyn. I am kinda busy right now," I say, staring right into Olivia's eyes. I see her eyes harden.

"Okay, sir," she says and disconnects the phone.

Olivia throws the phone on the bed and crosses her arms against her chest. Her jaw tightens and she says, "explain."

Pursing my lips, I say, "I fucked up."

"I can see that." I sigh and sit down on the edge of the bed. "Tell me why?"

"Because it...is not working out." I lie and look up at her. Her face makes it clear that it didn't work. She keeps gearing down at me. "..between us."

"Oh yeah? Then what about the night when you told me that you love me?" I blink at her words. She was asleep. How did she know? She answered back. That means... "Dont look at me like that. I wasn't asleep."

"What?" I mutter.

"Yes, now tell me why." I let my eyes fall to the floor and lean forward propping my elbows in my knees. Olivia puts her hands on both of my cheeks and slowly runs her thumb over my jaw "Look at me," she urges. I tilt my head up and stare into her eyes, knowing very well I can't lie looking at her. She takes in a deep breath and asks, "Is it because what happened to Julie? Do you think me being with you is dangerous?"

"It is, Olivia. You got attacked twice." I point out. How does she not see the obvious? It's not me saying, it is the fact.

"So? I got attacked, right? If I am not running away then why are you trying to push me?" She demands.

"Because I can't live without you!" I raise my voice a little.

Her eyes soften and she gulps once. "Dylan, me neither. Then why are you pushing me away?" Her voice is small. Almost painful. I feel bad that she has to go through all these emotional rollercoasters all at once.

"Because at least you would be safe. That's the most important thing here. I would be happy knowing that you are safe somewhere." I can't imagine her getting a scratch, losing her forever would clearly be the end of me. If I push her away now, I would at least know that even though she is far away from me, she is safe and sound.

"And what about me?" She raises her voice and throws her hands into the air showing her frustration. "Did you even bother to ask if I would be happy with that?"

"I just want you to be safe," I answer.

"Oh yeah? Who guaranteed you that if we get separated then that person won't come after me? He went after Julie even after she eloped. Can you guarantee that won't happen?"

I go silent for a while and clench my jaw. As much as I would like to guarantee that, I know I can't. "I dont know what else to do! What should I do then? Let you be with me even though I know that will get you killed?"

"Dylan no one can attack me with so tight security. Jason and Rob are always with me. The last time I got attacked it was my fault. I promised I won't go anywhere without them and I won't. I understand why you worry about me so much." I sigh and look away. I focus on my breathing, trying to get my head off the other stuff for a moment. Olivia stands in front of me, in silence. On feeling my nerves under control, I close my eyes and let out a long sigh. Olivia's hand falls on my cheek and I bring my eyes back to her. "Are you ok?" She asks.

"No," I pout. I am worried about her and I dont know what I could do to keep her away from all this. Clearly pushing her away is not an option. She is indeed my lighthouse. I could easily get lost without her.

She places her knees beside my thighs and pushes herself onto the bed. I circle my arms around her middle as she straddles my waist. A small smile spreads on her beautiful lips and she runs her hands through my hair. "You think I will fall in love with you and then let you go for some psychopath?" She whispers.

My heart skips at her words. She looks down into my eyes as if to show me the truth of the words shinning in her eyes. "What?"

She giggles a little and asks, "What?"

"You are in love---You love me?" I ask her desperately needing to hear those words.

"I thought that was pretty obvious." She says.

"Say it," I say.

"I love you, Dylan." She whispers, staring right into my eyes. Not like that night when she had her eyes closed. "That night I didn't have the courage to look into your eyes and say those words. But now I do." She takes in a deep breath and says, "I love you, Dylan."

And I could never explain how important those words are to me. I put my hand on her cheek and say, "I love you too." Then bring her lips down to mine and kiss her. Showing her that I mean every single word.

Just as if at the cue, breaking the moment, my phone starts ringing. I groan and pull away. Olivia let's out a giggle and says, "it's fine. Wait..." she leans over to the side and grabs my phone. "It's your dad," she says, looking at the screen and leans back up. I tilt my head indicating her to pick it up. She slides her finger across the screen and presses the phone to her ear. "Hello?"

Immediately all the colour drains off her face.

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This story just doesn't end! I am getting so frustrated. 62nd chapter and we have so many more. I am so tired honestly. But I want to complete it coz I love writing it.

And I love you all, my fellow sweet potatoes.

And I don't know when the next update will be coz I need to focus on my studies now. So, going on a break. Bye 👋