The city skyline stretched wide outside Aiden's apartment windows, glittering against the night. He moved through the quiet space with his usual precision—removing his watch, placing it on the dresser, slipping off his jacket, and pouring himself a glass of water.
The dinner had ended hours ago, but his thoughts hadn't.
By the time he stepped into the shower, the warm water hitting his shoulders, his mind had already begun circling back. And when he finally stretched out in his king-sized bed, the sheets crisp and cool, there she was again.
Olivia.
The image rose unbidden—her pouting lips when her brother flicked her forehead. The small, unguarded smile she gave when David teased her about burnt cookies. A smile so natural, so real, it hadn't been wrapped in professionalism or calculation.
It was the first time he'd seen her with genuine happiness. And damn it, she'd looked… cute.
Aiden exhaled and rubbed his forehead. Cute. Did I really just think that she looked cute?
He had always known Olivia as two versions of herself. The first, when she'd been his secretary—elegant, obedient, always polite, always agreeable. The second, when she returned, was sharp, blunt, sassy, and never afraid to criticize him or anyone else.
But tonight, he had glimpsed something entirely new. A childish side, playful, lighthearted.
So which one was her real self?
The thought lingered, twisting through his mind until his eyelids grew heavy. Still, even as sleep pulled him under, the curve of Olivia's smile haunted him.
The next morning, Olivia reached the office early. She slipped into her office, set her bag down, and began reviewing paperwork. Today's stack wasn't small—venue confirmations, supplier lists, and updated schedules all demanded her attention.
She had just finished signing off on one set of reports when her phone buzzed with a message.
Emily:Lunch? My treat. It's been too long.
Olivia's lips tugged into a smile. It had been too long.
They met at a quiet restaurant not far from the company. Olivia spotted Emily already seated by the window, waving eagerly.
"Liv!" Emily stood and hugged her warmly before they sat. "I've missed you."
"I miss you too," Olivia replied with a chuckle.
The waiter took their orders, and soon after, Emily leaned in," So, how have you been?"
" I have been good ….. What I want to know is how things have been between you and Jason?" Olivia asks while leaning back in the chair and making herself comfortable.
Emily also leaned back, her eyes sparkling. "Jason has been… good. Like, actually good. He's attentive, he listens, and he even booked a weekend getaway for us. I don't know what's gotten into him, but I'm not complaining."
Olivia smiled, genuine happiness shining through. "I'm glad, Emily. You deserve it."
Emily tilted her head. "What about you? You look… busy. More than usual. Is the iceberg still giving you trouble. "
Olivia sighed. "Meetings, designs, suppliers… It's non-stop. But…" She hesitated, then smirked slightly. "Aiden's not as bad as I thought."
Emily froze mid-sip of her drink. "…Excuse me?"
"We have dinner almost every day," Olivia said casually, as if it wasn't shocking.
Emily nearly choked. "What?! You and Aiden Ashford? The same man you once called impossible? The one who drives everyone insane?"
Olivia shrugged. "Yes, that one. We just… started eating together after work. It became a habit."
Emily's jaw dropped. "I leave you alone for a few weeks, and suddenly you're having dinners with the Ice King."
Olivia laughed softly. "It's not like that. It's just food."
"Uh-huh," Emily said, unconvinced.
"Oh, and…" Olivia leaned back. "Last night, we ran into David."
Emily's eyes widened even further. "David? The brother who's busier than the president? He actually showed up?"
"Coincidence," Olivia explained. "He came for dessert. We ended up having dinner together. He even shared some of my embarrassing past with Aiden."
Emily gasped. "No way. David never talks unless he likes someone. If he shared those stories, then—"
"Then what?" Olivia asked suspiciously.
Emily smirked. "Then he must really like Aiden."
Olivia paused, then laughed nervously. "Don't start with your theories."
They continued chatting—catching up on routines, teasing, sharing small joys. When the meal ended, they hugged again.
"Take care of yourself, Liv," Emily said warmly. "And… keep me updated about these dinners."
Olivia rolled her eyes, but she was smiling.
Back at the company, Grace was waiting outside Olivia's office.
"The meeting is about to start. We should head to the conference room."
Olivia nodded, gathering her notes. Together, they walked in.
The room filled quickly with designers and coordinators. Olivia took her seat, her usual composed expression in place.
Aiden entered a few minutes later, his presence commanding immediate silence. "Let's begin."
The meeting focused on finalizing the designs for the fashion week. This time, the process was smooth—no unnecessary debates, no delays. When the designs were confirmed, the designers left, leaving only Aiden and Olivia behind.
"Now," Olivia said, shifting closer, "let's finalize the venue layout."
They spread the floor plans across the table, debating adjustments—seating arrangements, lighting angles, runway dimensions. Olivia suggested changes to optimize audience flow; Aiden pointed out potential budget impacts. They worked in tandem, each challenging the other until they reached an agreement.
When they finally leaned back, both exhaled.
By the time evening arrived, Olivia had returned to her office to tackle a few final reports. Aiden stayed in his own office, reviewing contracts.
Hours slipped by unnoticed until the clock struck nine.
Olivia packed her things, exhaustion settling heavily in her bones. When she stepped into the parking lot, she found Aiden already there, unlocking his car.
They exchanged tired smiles.
"Long day," Olivia muttered.
"Too long," Aiden agreed.
They stood for a moment in the cool night air, the unspoken weight of shared exhaustion between them.
"Goodnight, Aiden," Olivia said getting in her car.
"Goodnight."
They parted ways, each slipping into their own car. The engines roared to life, and in opposite directions, they disappeared into the night—both carrying thoughts they didn't speak aloud.