Olivia's POV
I felt my cheeks heat up. Ryan Bennett, the most popular guy in school, actually liked me? It seemed unbelievable, like a scene from a corny teen film.
Yet, as I sat opposite him in this overly fancy restaurant, seeing his warm, sincere smile brighten his face, I couldn't ignore it. He was being genuine.
"You must be kidding," I said, attempting to hide my embarrassment by focusing on my untouched glass of water.
He chuckled, leaning in on his elbows, his dark eyes gleaming. "Why would I joke about that? You were... different, Olivia. Everyone else was so focused on fitting in, but you? You were just being yourself. I appreciated that."
I fiddled with my fork, unsure how to respond. "I didn't think anyone noticed me back then. I felt… invisible."
"You weren't invisible," he said firmly. "Not to me."
His words eased me in a certain way and made me feel good about myself but I didn't want to continue talking about his one sided crush for me. "Alright, enough about high school. Let's talk about you. What made you leave the comfort of the popular crowd to dive into the chaos of the fashion world?"
He smiled, recognizing my attempt to shift the conversation but letting it slide. "Honestly? I realized pretty early on that the whole nine-to-five routine wasn't for me. I wanted something creative, something that would keep me engaged. So I took my parents offer to run the company."
I nodded. Everyone knew he was from a rich family so I wasn't surprised. "That sounds thrilling. I always thought you'd end up as a lawyer or something."
He chuckled. "My parents thought so too. My father was pleased about my decision though."
As he spoke, I found myself relaxing. Ryan had a unique ability to make everything around him feel lighter and more manageable. It was disarming, and I found myself unsure if I appreciated it.
Then, as expected, the conversation turned back to me.
"What about you, Olivia?" he asked, his tone softening. "What's your life like these days?"
I paused, the weight of my response pressing heavily on me.
"I have a son," I admitted looking down at my food.
Ryan blinked, surprise clear on his face. "You… you have a kid?"
I nodded, a small smile breaking through my anxiety. "LJ. He's one. He's my whole world."
For a moment, he was quiet. Then he leaned back, deep in his thought. "Are you… married?"
I burst out laughing, the tension lifting. "No, nothing like that. I'm a single mum."
His eyebrows shot up. "That's…crazy. Isn't that a lot to handle?"
"Not at all," I said, shaking my head. "Even if it was, I wouldn't trade it for anything. LJ is the best thing that has ever happened to me."
He nodded slowly in understanding. "Is his father involved at all?"
The question twisted my stomach, but I forced myself to stay calm. "No," I replied simply. "It's just me, my mum and LJ."
Ryan's gaze lingered on me, his expression unreadable. Then he smiled—a small, almost mysterious smile. "You're stronger than I thought, Olivia."
His words caught me off guard. I was glad he saw me in such a positive light.
We spent the next hour talking about high school and laughing about the memories. It was the most I've laughed in a while. It felt like I was talking to an old friend. I had forgotten that Richard was my soon to be boss— he felt comfortable.
I glanced at my watch and realized how late it was.
"I should get going," I said remembering LJ would probably need me. I know my mum offered but u couldn't just leave her to take care of LJ always.
Ryan stood as I did, a playful smile on his face. "Let me drive you home."
I shook my head quickly. "I appreciate it, but I'll be fine. Thank you for dinner though, it was amazing."
He nodded, not pushing the matter further. "You're welcome. And Olivia?"
I hesitated, glancing back at him.
"You've got this," he said, his voice calm yet reassuring. "Whatever happens, you've got this."
A smile spread across my face, warmth filling my chest. "Thank you, Ryan. For everything."
As we stepped out of the restaurant, I suddenly froze.
Near the entrance, I spotted Julian circling the car, and Lucas was getting out. LJ's father.
Panic surged within me. I couldn't let him see me—not here, not now.
"Excuse me," I whispered to Ryan, slipping into the restroom before Lucas could catch sight of me.
Once inside, I leaned against the sink, my thoughts racing. What was he doing here? And why now, of all times?
I couldn't face him.
After a few minutes, I quietly exited through the back, my heart racing. As I walked home, guilt gnawed at me. I hadn't even told Ryan I was leaving. Even worse, I didn't have his number to explain later.
When I got home, my mum was waiting for me, her face lighting up as soon as I walked in.
"How did it go?" she asked eagerly.
I couldn't help but smile. "I got it, Mum. They want me to sign the contract tomorrow."
Her eyes filled with tears, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "I'm so proud of you, Olivia. So proud."
Later that night, as I lay in bed with LJ snuggled against me, his tiny arms wrapped around my waist, I felt a peace I hadn't experienced in years.
"I'll protect you, baby," I whispered, kissing his forehead. "No matter what."
But my thoughts kept drifting back to Lucas. What would he have done if he'd seen me tonight? Would he have tried to take LJ away? The thought sent chills down my spine.
My mind wandered to my other son. Tears pooled in my eyes as I thought of him. Was he growing up well? I was sure Lucas was treating him well. What was his name?
I snuggled LJ closer to my chest. I made a silent vow to never let Lucas know of LJ's existence.