Liam hadn’t been able to sleep. The clock was nearing six in the morning, and the darkness in the room felt heavier than usual. Olivia slept curled up in the bed, her face peaceful, her breathing soft and steady. But her calm only intensified the chaos inside him.The laptop sat open on the desk. Its screen cast a cold glow across the silent room as he pretended to work, reviewing reports he could barely see. His mind kept spinning in circles, unable to stop. Her words, her tears, the touch, the kiss. Everything came and went in tangled waves, as if every memory ignited a part of him he didn’t know how to control.Who is the man responsible for this change in you?He thought of it again, remembering his own voice echoing through the silence a few hours earlier.But now something else was troubling him even more—the unsettling realization that she no longer reacted to him the way she once had. That she could face him without hesitation. And for a man accustomed to controlling everythin

Olívia almost choked on her juice.“Laura!” she protested, laughing as a faint blush colored her cheeks.The other woman simply arched an eyebrow, barely hiding her teasing.“Oh, come on!” she insisted, amused. “With that calm, composed face of yours, I bet you’re a hurricane when you let loose. And that bold tattoo? I’m sure my brother went crazy for it. You two even match in that way. Liam must be a romantic rogue.”Olívia laughed nervously, shaking her head.“Your brother was the first man in my life,” she confessed quietly, almost embarrassed. “So… I don’t have much experience. I’m still… learning.”Laura leaned her elbows on the table, studying her with curious interest.“The first… and apparently the only one who truly managed to turn your world upside down,” she commented serenely. “My brother always had the world at his feet, Olívia. He’s had every woman he wanted, but only one managed to leave him defenseless. You.”Olívia looked away toward the blue surface of the pool, a fa

Olívia stared at him for a few seconds. Part of her was furious that he had taken her phone as if he had that right, as if she were just another one of his possessions. But the other part of her… that part was amused by the scene. There was something almost thrilling about seeing Liam—the man who lived in absolute control of everything and everyone—lose his balance because of her. His posture, the hardened look in his eyes, the barely concealed jealousy. All of it provoked her far more than it should have. For the first time, Olívia realized she had the power to throw him off course. That she could crack that wall of coldness. And deep down, she was enjoying it.She crossed her arms, holding his gaze firmly. Her voice came out calm, but laced with venom.“I’m not obligated to answer that question,” she said without looking away. “I think you’re confusing things.”Liam remained still. His jaw was clenched, his gaze icy, the tension evident in the way his fingers tightened around the ph

Liam remained silent, simply watching her. His gaze was hard, fixed—but his breathing betrayed him. He was trying to stay in control, but he was losing it, second by second.Water ran between them, hot and heavy. Olívia slid the soap across his chest, moving up to his shoulders, and murmured with a crooked smile:“You know, Liam…” she began, her tone soft and mocking. “I think it’s time I showed you what it means to be a perfect wife—even if all of this is just a farce.”He raised an eyebrow but didn’t move, simply watching her.“Just imagine, babe…” she continued, her voice velvety, threaded with sarcasm. “You coming home after an exhausting day, your suit impeccable, that same serious expression you always wear. And I’m there, waiting for you—with dinner ready, the table set, a glass of wine… and then, out of nowhere, I pull you right here.”She lathered him slowly, the soap gliding over his defined abdomen, foam tracing every contour.“I’d walk you into the shower,” she went on, he

Alex raised his hands in surrender, masking a smile.“None,” he replied, forcing a serious tone, though a trace of mockery still lingered in his voice. “It’s just that… I never imagined seeing you completely undone by a woman.” He paused briefly, his eyes fixed on his friend. “And I did warn you that day would come.”Liam narrowed his gaze.“I don’t know why I told you any of this,” he said, his tone low and impassive.“Because you needed to vent,” Alex replied simply, shrugging. “And because, deep down, you trust me.” He paused. “But now I want to know—what exactly did she do to get you like this?”Liam let out a heavy sigh and, in a controlled tone, began recounting everything that had happened. He spoke quickly, his hands clenched into fists, as if each word had to be dragged out of him.Alex listened in silence, his eyes widening now and then. When Liam finished, he leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.“Man…” he started, laughing slowly. “I take it back. Today shouldn’t be