Olivia’s pulse jumped, but she quickly recovered. “Oh, stop!”
She forced a laugh, hoping it sounded more convincing to Grace than it did to her own ears. “We’re just siblings. That’s all we’ll ever be. And anyway, he’s engaged now.”
Grace wisely let the matter drop, heading toward the kitchen. “So what are we thinking for lunch? I’m in the mood to cook something special.”
Olivia was just about to list the dishes when her eyes landed on the gift Grace had helped her prepare for Liam.
Liam was always swamped with work, and now that she’d miss the family dinner, their next meeting seemed uncertain at best.
With that thought in mind, Olivia snatched up the gift bag and headed for the door. “Grace, handle things here. I need to give this to Liam now,” she called over her shoulder.
“Don’t trip!” Grace chuckled at Olivia’s frantic movements. “Trust me, they’re going to love what I picked.”
Olivia flew down the stairs, gift in hand, catching up with him just in time.
Liam arched an eyebrow at her flushed appearance. “Why the hurry?”
She thrust the gift through his car window. “This is for you and Felicity.”
Liam studied the package. “A gift?”
“It’s my way of saying thanks,” Olivia said, nodding firmly. “For helping me get settled in.”
Liam reached for the box. “What is it?”
Olivia wavered for a second, then grinned as she remembered Grace’s assurance. “That’s the surprise. But I promise you and Felicity will love…
Grace always had wild ideas. When she said something was good, Olivia trusted her.
Liam glanced at Olivia as he pulled out the box. “You chose this?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Olivia stiffened. Technically no, but admitting that would make her seem half–hearted. “Yes,” she lied, forcing what she hoped was a convincing smile.
Liam looked at Olivia’s flushed face, still pink from rushing over, and smirked as he opened the box without a word.
When the box opened, Olivia caught a glimpse of the contents and nearly gasped. ‘What’s up with Grace? This gift is more terrifying than thoughtful,‘ she thought.
Rows upon rows of condoms in every imaginable color and size stared back at her, accompanied by other accessories she couldn’t even begin to explain.
Her hands moved before her brain could catch up. “I got the wrong box!” she blurted, snatching it away and clutching it behind her back. Heat flooded her cheeks, the pink tint making her look unexpectedly radiant.
Olivia hung her head like a scolded child. “This wasn’t what I meant to give you,” she muttered.
Liam’s eyes danced with amusement despite his best attempt at a stern expression. “Then who exactly was meant to receive this… unique collection?”
Olivia shrunk further into herself, acutely aware of how awkward this had become.
She drew a shaky breath and managed a strained laugh. “No one. Grace must have mixed up the gifts. You should go if you’re busy.” Olivia clutched the gift protectively against her chest as she backed away. “I’ll give you the right one later. Drive safely.”
Liam watched her retreat, an involuntary chuckle slipping out. His features relaxed into genuine amusement,
1/2
VIOTT, 23 JUNI
45%
+28)
Chapter 23
The ringing of his phone interrupted the moment. “Hello?” he answered.
“Mr. Kline,” came a male voice, “the promotional campaign for the New Stars Singing Competition has launched as you directed.”
“Got it.” Liam ended the call, his attention catching on the delicate crystal charm swaying from his rearview mirror. At first glance, it seemed ordinary. But studied longer, the figurine’s finely carved features revealed a striking resemblance to Olivia.
While framed as a professional challenge, the competition held personal significance for him.
He knew Olivia better than she realized. Behind that stubborn exterior lay deep–seated insecurities. Direct help would only make her withdraw, especially after what happened five years ago.
The trust between them remained fragile. He figured he’d have to support her without her noticing.
There was no denying Olivia’s talent. She had the potential to be a shining new star, and he’d known it since that Sunday years ago when her clear, unaffected voice filled the church.
Unlike the manufactured perfection of professional singers, her untrained melody had brought him an unexpected moment of peace. Even now, he carried the memory of her post–performance smile, though she’d never know.
Just when things couldn’t get weirder, they ended up as stepsiblings. Liam’s expression darkened for a moment before his usual detached mask slipped back into place. Without a word, he started the engine and drove off.
“Grace!” Olivia hurled the gift box at Grace, cheeks flaming. “What were you thinking with this? Do you have any idea how humiliating that was?”
Grace caught the package easily, grinning at Olivia’s crimson face. “Please tell me you didn’t open this in front of him.”
She shrugged and continued, “What’s the big deal? It’s practical. Liam and Felicity are deep in love. This is exactly the kind of thing couples-” Leaning in with a wicked smile, Grace interrupted herself. “Wait, did Liam actually turn it down? Or is it just you who thinks it’s a bad gift?”
Olivia frowned, cutting her off. “Take these back. I’ll choose my own gift.”
“And what exactly would I do with it?” Grace laughed. “Use it to decorate my lonely apartment? A constant reminder of my single status?”
She moved closer, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper. “Seriously though… now that you’re done with Neil, why stay hung up on an ex? We’ve got some adorable new interns at the hospital. Want me to set you up?”
Olivia shook her head vigorously. “Absolutely not. I’m not trading one disaster for another.”
Grace arched an eyebrow and shoved her phone forward. “Fine. If work’s your only priority now, at least look at this.”
The moment Olivia saw the screen, her eyes lit up.
AD
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