CHAPTER 19: CHAPTER 19

Olivia’s point of view

The late morning sun spilled across the sitting room, warming the cream-colored curtains and glinting over the papers spread across the coffee table. The scent of jasmine from the open window mingled with freshly brewed coffee, and for a moment, everything felt calm.

Across from me, Isabel, the event coordinator, sat with a polite smile, her notebook balanced neatly on her lap. While I was browsing the brochure she gave me to see some event themes, although I already planned on having a front yard party for simplicity. I want my son’s birthday to be simple, and less extravagant.

"So, Miss Thompson," she began in her melodic voice, "you mentioned a superhero theme for Gavin’s birthday. I’ve drafted two possible layouts. One’s brighter, with a comic-book style, and the other’s softer—more minimalist."

I leaned forward to look at the sketches. "I like the second one. Less cluttered. I want it simple."

Her brow lifted slightly. "Simple, for a superhero theme?"

I smiled faintly. "He’s six. He’ll be thrilled just to see his favorite heroes on the cake. The rest is for the people who love him."

Isabel nodded thoughtfully. "So no elaborate stage or character mascots?"

I shook my head. "No. Just the front yard. We have enough space. I want balloons, colors, maybe a few decorations, but nothing overwhelming. I’d rather see kids running around and laughing than posing for pictures all afternoon."

"That’s refreshing," she said warmly. "Most parents want to outdo each other with extravagance. You just want it to be joyful."

"I don’t care about outdoing anyone," I replied, absently tracing the edge of a paper. "I just want him to be happy. Comfortable. The kind of day he’ll remember because it felt good, not because it was big."

She smiled. "All right, so a cozy superhero picnic in your front yard. Light games, simple food, soft background music for adults to enjoy."

"Yes," I said, relieved she understood. "No noise, no glitter explosions. Just family."

She scribbled notes quickly. "Do you have any preferences for colors?"

"Blue and red, but muted shades. Not too bright."

She laughed softly. "You really have an eye for subtlety, Miss Thompson. Everything about you says elegance without effort."

I laughed under my breath. "That’s generous. I just like peace."

She nodded and flipped the page. "And for the cake? I can have my baker design something with a single hero emblem, maybe fondant details—"

"Just a small cake," I cut in gently. "Chocolate. Gavin’s favorite."

She smiled knowingly. "Of course."

The door opened then, and Daniel walked in—looking effortlessly charming in a white shirt, sleeves rolled up, tie loose around his neck.

"Am I interrupting?" he asked, smiling.

"Not at all," I said, straightening up. "We’re just finalizing Gavin’s birthday plans."

He glanced at the table, then at me, his blue eyes softening. "You always make everything look so organized."

"Habit," I said with a small shrug.

He leaned over the back of my chair, brushing a hand against my shoulder. "So, what’s the theme this time? Still superheroes?"

I nodded. "He wouldn’t settle for anything else."

Daniel chuckled. "Good. I like that kid’s consistency."

Isabel smiled. "We’re keeping it simple—colorful but cozy. Miss Thompson prefers to hold it in the front yard."

"Perfect," Daniel said. "Less stress, more fun." He gave me an approving look. "You really know what you’re doing."

I smiled but stayed quiet. The warmth in his voice tugged at my chest, tinged with guilt I couldn’t shake.

He turned to Isabel. "Actually, while you’re here, maybe you could help us plan something else."

I blinked. "Daniel—"

He grinned. "Our wedding."

The word felt like a stone dropped in water—ripples spreading through my chest, tightening around my heart.

Isabel gasped. "Oh! Congratulations!"

I forced a smile. "Thank you, but... we just got engaged a few days ago. There’s no rush."

Daniel looked at me, his expression soft but expectant. "Just saying—it wouldn’t hurt to get a head start."

"Let’s get through Gavin’s birthday first," I said carefully. "One celebration at a time."

He smiled, though there was a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. "Sure, sweetheart."

Before Isabel could respond, the doorbell rang.

Daniel turned. "I’ll get it."

He disappeared down the hall. I exhaled slowly, massaging my temples. Isabel gave me a knowing smile. "You seem overwhelmed, Miss Thompson."

"Just tired," I murmured. "Too many plans at once."

A moment later, Daniel’s voice called out from the hall, cheerful and unsuspecting. "Look who’s here!"

When I turned, my pulse stilled.

Gabriel Harris stepped into the room—tall, confident, the faintest shadow of stubble on his jaw. But my eyes went straight to the small boy in his arms.

"Mommy!" Gavin’s voice was bright. "Uncle Gabriel picked me up!"

I stood so fast my chair scraped the floor. "You what?"

Gabriel’s gaze met mine, calm but unreadable. "The driver was late. I was nearby, so I offered."

My throat tightened. "You shouldn’t have."

Daniel looked between us, oblivious to the storm brewing inside me. "That was kind of you, man. Thanks for helping out."

"No problem," Gabriel said smoothly. "He’s a good kid. Easy company."

Gavin wriggled down from his arms, running to me with a grin. "Mommy, Uncle Gabriel bought me ice cream!"

I knelt down, brushing his hair back. "That’s nice, honey. Now go upstairs and wash your hands, okay?"

"But—"

"Please, Gavin," I said softly but firmly.

He nodded and ran off, the sound of his laughter fading up the stairs.

When I stood again, Gabriel’s gaze was still on me—steady, piercing, and much too familiar.

"Thank you," I said coolly. "But next time, call first."

He raised an eyebrow. "You’re welcome to say thank you without sounding like a reprimand."

Daniel chuckled awkwardly. "She’s just protective."

"She should be," Gabriel said, eyes flicking briefly toward me. "He’s a special kid."

My heart stumbled, but I forced my face to remain calm.

"Gabriel," Daniel said, "stay for coffee. We were just finalizing Gavin’s party plans."

Gabriel smiled politely. "I wouldn’t want to interrupt."

"You’re not," Daniel insisted.

So he stayed.

Isabel started explaining the theme again, showing Gabriel the sketches. "A superhero setup, but nothing extravagant. Miss Thompson prefers simplicity."

Gabriel smirked faintly. "That sounds like her."

Daniel laughed. "You know her well."

Gabriel’s eyes didn’t leave mine. "You could say that."

My stomach twisted. The air between us was too thick, every glance weighted with the memory of those stolen kisses—his breath against mine in the hallway days ago, the taste of guilt and wanting to get tangled together.

I cleared my throat. "I think we’ve discussed enough for today."

Isabel blinked. "Oh—of course. I’ll send the revised plan later, Miss Thompson."

She gathered her notes and left the room.

Daniel followed her to see her out, leaving me alone with Gabriel.

The silence snapped between us like a wire.

"You shouldn’t have fetched him," I said, my voice low.

"He looked happy," Gabriel replied evenly. "You act like I’m dangerous."

"You are," I whispered.

His eyes darkened. "Why? Because I kissed you?"

I flinched. "Don’t. Not here."

He took a step closer. "You didn’t stop me."

"That was a mistake," I hissed. "All of it was. What we did five years ago, what we did last week—it all has to stop."

His jaw tensed. "You’re marrying Daniel."

"Yes," I said, though my voice trembled. "And I love him. Whatever... this is, it can’t continue."

His gaze softened, but his words were quiet steel. "You’re lying. You think I don’t see it? Every time Gavin looks at me, you stiffen. Every time I talk to him, you panic. Why, Olivia?"

"Because he’s my son," I said quickly. "And I don’t want him confused by—"

"By what?" he cut in. "By me?"

"By anyone," I snapped. "He doesn’t need that."

He studied me closely, suspicion flickering in his eyes. "You hide him from me like you’re afraid of something. Should I be asking why?"

"Don’t," I breathed, my pulse hammering. "Don’t go there, Gabriel."

He stepped closer, voice low. "Tell me, Olivia. Why does it feel like I’m the one losing something I don’t even know I had?"

I turned away, forcing air into my lungs. "You need to leave."

He hesitated, then said softly, "You can lie to yourself, but not forever."

When the door closed behind him, the silence hit like a wave.

I stood frozen until Daniel returned, smiling, unaware. "Everything okay?"

I nodded, my voice barely steady. "Yes. Everything’s fine."

He kissed my forehead and went upstairs.

Only then did I let my mask fall. I pressed a trembling hand to my chest, the weight of my secret crushing me.

Gavin’s laughter floated faintly from above, innocent and pure.

I whispered into the quiet, "You’ll never know. Not him, not anyone."

Then, sharper, stronger—words that burned my throat as I said them:

"I will never let Gabriel Harris take my son. Not in this life, not ever."