It was 4 a.m. when Soren's eyes fluttered open, the cold floor pressing uncomfortably against his body. Pain throbbed in his stomach, sharper than usual, reminding him of how he had collapsed the night before as soon as he reached his room. Stress, exhaustion, and a lingering stomach ache had left him completely weakened.
Is this getting worse? he thought, frowning. It doesn't usually make me collapse like this…
A blanket brushed against his arm. When he shifted, a towel slipped down near his legs. Then he noticed the slow, even breathing beside him. His gaze softened briefly when he saw Olivia, curled at the edge of the bed, her small body twisted uncomfortably as if the world had pressed her into an awkward shape while she slept. For a fleeting moment, he allowed himself a trace of appreciation for her presence. Then the cold mask returned, and he carefully lifted her into his arms, mindful of her slight frame.
Olivia stirred but didn't wake, her hair slipping across her face. Soren carried her back to her room, laying her gently on the bed, tucking the blankets snugly around her. He lingered for a second, observing her peaceful, vulnerable expression, before leaving silently.
Back in his room, he made a call to his assistant.
"Lobito, get me my medicine," he said, hid tone cold.
"Did your stomach act up again, sir?" Lobito asked, a hint of concern in his voice.
"Yes. And what are my schedules for today?" Soren replied, voice cold and precise.
Lobito ran through the day's agenda: business meetings, signing contracts, reviewing reports. Then he hesitated.
"Sir?"
Soren's jaw tightened. "You have something to say."
"Alessandro Lucas is back," Lobito finally said.
Soren's jaw clenched. "Meet me at the old man's place," he said, ending the call.
Meanwhile, sunlight streamed into Olivia's room, mixing with the scent of blooming flowers outside. She blinked, stretching, and glanced at the clock. 10 a.m.? she thought, surprised she had slept so long. This is probably the best sleep I've had since I got here.
And then her memories from last night rushed back. Wait… wasn't I in Soren's room? How did I get back here? Did he… carry me? Her cheeks burned red instantly.
Lily walked in, noticing her expression. "Your face!" she exclaimed.
Olivia's flustered tone barely masked her embarrassment. "Is there something wrong with my face?"
Lily chuckled softly. "Miss… are you thinking about someone? Your cheeks are as red as a ripe tomato."
"What? That's a lie!" Olivia rushed to the mirror. Sure enough, her face burned bright red. She dashed to the bathroom, flustered. Lily shook her head with a quiet, amused smile. Something's up… but she looks adorable, she thought.
After a long shower, Olivia dressed carefully. She chose a soft, floral dress that flattered her small frame, hugging her curves gently while still remaining elegant. The light fabric swayed as she moved, and her hair was styled into loose waves by Lily, framing her face perfectly. Lily's hands worked deftly, a playful smirk on her lips. This looks perfect… and she doesn't even notice how striking she is, she thought.
Downstairs, Olivia ate alone, the silence pressing against her. Wait… what am I even missing? That demon isn't here—isn't that a good thing? Ugh, must be going crazy thinking about him, she mused quietly.
Finishing breakfast, she returned to her room, restless with boredom. Minutes later, Lily burst in, her expression bright.
"What's got you so happy?" Olivia asked.
"The young master said you now have a library. Anything you want is yours," Lily said, eyes sparkling.
Olivia felt a flutter in her stomach. How did he know I love reading? Or is this just a coincidence? She smiled genuinely, a blush creeping across her cheeks. Why is he being nice? Has he… fallen for me?
Lily offered to bring books from the library, and Olivia accepted. Minutes dragged. Why does she take so long whenever I send her on errands? Olivia's thoughts grew impatient. Suddenly, a loud commotion erupted downstairs.
Curious, Olivia peeked into the hallway. A striking girl, haughty and spoiled, was shouting at the maids, her voice sharp and demanding. Who is she and why is she making such a huge fuss? Olivia wondered.
"You! How dare you tell me you can't obey my order! Do you want me to get you fired? I said bring me a cup of juice! I AM THIRSTY!" the girl yelled.
Lily holding stacks of books remained calm. "Ma'am, I am no longer a regular maid. I am the young master's wife personal maid now. I cannot serve anyone else except my master's wife."
The girl's eyes widened. "Personal maid? Who is this Madam? If you mean the worthless girl sold to my brother, then you are wrong!"
Olivia's blood boiled. Worthless?
She stormed downstairs, her presence sharp and confident, stunning the girl into silence. "How dare you call me worthless?" she said.
The girl looked up, stunned by Olivia's beauty. How can someone be this pretty? she thought. But she quickly snapped back to arrogance. "Who do you think you are? A maid?why are you intefering in my business"
Olivia matched her tone perfectly. "I wouldn't have bothered if you hadn't called me worthless."
Recognition flickered across the girl's face. "Ooo… so you are my brother's wife?"
"Your brother? Wait… so you are Sophia Miller, Agnes' daughter," Olivia realized.
"Yes," Sophia spat.
Olivia's lips curved into a faint smile. "No wonder you act this way. You're an exact carbon copy of your mother: mean, shameless, arrogant, bullying maids. But lucky for you I'm not in the mood to deal with a spoiled girl like you. I might get tainted."
Sophia stammered. "You… who… who do you think you are?"
"I am Olivia Ramirez, Soren Smith's legal wife. Sold or not, we are married. So do not touch my people if you don't want trouble."
Sophia sneered. "Your people? This maid? Are you not scared I can report you to my brother and fire her?"
"Do what you wish, darling. Lily, let's go." Olivia grabbed Lily's hand, walking away, leaving Sophia fuming with no outlet for her anger.
Back in Olivia's room, they both collapsed into laughter. Lily shook her head. "No one has ever dared put Sophia in her place. Everyone's scared of Soren. I'm so glad you finally did it."
"I just can't stand people like her, acting all high and mighty" Olivia replied and then took one of the books lily brought for her and started ready, minutes turned to hours, Olivia was so engrossed in the novel that she didn't realized that lunch time has approached and almost passed , lily came to remind her but Olivia only told her to bring her some snacks since she wasn't feeling that hungry
Night soon came, and Soren returned. All three—Soren, Olivia, and Lily—sat for dinner. Sophia tried to provoke Olivia, attempting to paint her as unreasonable, but Soren ignored her entirely. Olivia sat quietly, observing Sophia's pouting and whiny attempts to stir tension.
Why is he ignoring her? Olivia thought. Should I feel relief… or something else?
She focused on her food, savoring the small moment of peace, fully aware that the real challenges—and Soren's complex dual nature—were only beginning, dinner ended in silence with soren quietly returning to his study leaving Olivia wondering if he's always like this
He hasn't even talk to me ever since I got here, almost as if I don't exist
"Seems like you are not favored by my brother seeing that he didn't talk to you throughout" Sophia's said bringing Olivia back from her tnought
Olivia smirked and walked towards the stairs completely ignoring lily and when she got to the stair she turned around, flipped her and confidently walked back to her room leaving Sophia fuming.