Chapter bi55 /i/b

Olivia

I pushed through the revolving doors of Carter Enterprises, exhaustion weighing on my shoulders like a physical burden. The past two bweeks /bhad been a whirlwind of hospital visits, work deadlines, and navigating my strange new rtionship status with Alexander. Dad was home now, recovering slowly but steadily, with Mom hovering over him like a protective

hen.

“There you are!” Nova’s voice cut through my thoughts as I crossed the lobby. “I was beginning to think you’d ditched us for the day.”

“Just runningte,” I exined, falling into step beside her as we headed for the elevators. “Dad had a doctor’s appointment this morning.”

“How’s he doing?”

“Better. Comining about the diet restrictions, which Mom says is a good sign.” The elevator doors opened, and we stepped inside. “Apparently, salt–free food is ‘an abomination against God and nature.”

Novaughed. “Sounds like he’s on the mend. And how’s things with Mr. Tall, Dark, and CEO?”

I felt my face warm. “Fine.”

“Just fine? Girl, you’re dating Alexander Carter. I need details!”

“There’s nothing to tell,” I insisted as the elevator doors opened on our floor. “We’re taking things slow.”

“Uh–huh,” Nova said skeptically. “That’s why he’s sending you flowers every other day and why I caught you two looking cozy in the break room yesterday.”

Alexander had been surprisingly attentive since Dad’s surgery, checking in daily and making sure I had everything I needed. It was part of our arrangement, I reminded myself, just for show.

Nova nudged me, nodding toward my desk, where a small package sat. “Looks like he left you something.”

I approached my desk cautiously. The box was small, wrapped in silver paper with a simple white ribbon. No card.

“Open it!” Nova urged, practically bouncing with excitement.

“It could be from anyone,” I pointed out, though I knew it wasn’t.

“Right, because everyone leaves mystery gifts on your desk. Come on, I’m dying here!”

With a sigh, I untied the ribbon and carefully unwrapped the package. Inside was a small velvet box. My heart skipped a

beat.

“Is that…?” Nova whispered, eyes wide.

I opened the box with trembling fingers. Inside was not a ring, as Nova had clearly expected, but a delicate silver bracelet with a single charm -a tiny heart.

“Oh,” Nova sounded disappointed. “It’s pretty, though.”

I lifted the bracelet, noticing a small note tucked underneath. I unfolded it quickly before Nova could read it.

“Dinner tonight. 7 PM. Wear something nice. I’ll pick you up.”

“Well?” Nova demanded. “What does it say?”

“Just dinner ns,” I said, tucking the note into my pocket. “Nothing exciting.”

“Dinner with Alexander Carter is nothing exciting? Girl, you need to recalibrate your excitement meter.”

Iughed, slipping the bracelet onto my wrist. “Don’t you have work to do?”

“Fine, fine. But I want details tomorrow. All of them!” She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively before sauntering off to her own desk.

The day dragged by in a series of meetings and presentations. By six, I was rushing home to shower and change, wondering what Alexander had nned. His text had been typically cryptic:

“Wear the blue dressb. /bThe one from the closet at my ce.”

I’d left several outfits at his penthouse for appearances‘ sake, including a midnight blue gown that made me feel like a princess from a fairy tale. It was far more formal than anything I’d normally wear for dinner, which made me curious about our destination.

At precisely seven, my doorbell rang. Alexander stood there in a perfectly tailored tuxedo, looking like he’d stepped off ia /imagazine cover.

“You look beautiful,” he said, his eyes traveling slowly from my face down to my silver heels and back up.

You don’t look so bad yourself,” I managed, trying to ignore the flutter in my stomach. “Where are we going that requires formal wear?b” /b

‘You’ll see.” He offered his arm. “Shall we?”

A sleek ck limousine waited at the curb,plete with a uniformed driver who opened the door as we approached.

‘Seriously?” I whispered to Alexander. “A limo?”

Tonight is special,” he replied, helping me into the plush interior.

The drive took us through downtown Los Angeles and toward the harbor. As we approached, I spotted dozens of luxury cars and limousines lined up, dropping off passengers dressed in their finest.

‘Alexander,” I said slowly, “what exactly is this event?”

“The Annual Marine Conservation G,” he replied, straightening his bow tie. “Hosted by the Pacific Ocean Foundation on their luxury yacht.”

“A charity g? On a yacht?” I stared at him. “You could have warned me!”

“Would you have been more nervous if I had?” His lips quirked into a knowing smile.

“Yes! I don’t know the first thing about charity gs or yachts or-”

“You’ll be fine,” he interrupted, taking my hand. “Just smile, be yourself, and stay close to me.”

The limousine pulled up to the dock, where a red carpet led to an enormous yacht lit up like a floating pce. Photographers lined the entrance, shbulbs popping as guests posed and smiled.

“Ready?” Alexander asked bas /bour driver opened the door.

“No.” I admitted.

“Too bad.” He grinned, stepping out and offering me his hand.

The moment we emerged, the cameras turned our way. Alexander slipped his arm around my waist, drawing me close as we walked the red carpet. I tried to smile naturally, painfully aware of how many people were watching.

“Alexander Carter!” a reporter called out. “Who’s your date tonight?”

“This is Olivia Morgan,” Alexander replied smoothly, his hand tightening slightly on my waist. “My girlfriend.”

More cameras shed, and I fought the urge to shield my eyes.

“Girlfriend?” another reporter shouted. “Is it serious?”

Alexander’s smile never wavered. “Very. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we don’t want to miss the champagne reception.”

He guided me past the reporters and onto the yacht, where a uniformed attendant checked our names against a guest list.

“Mr. Carter and Ms. Morgan,” the attendant nodded. “Wee aboard the Pacific Princess. The reception is on the main deck.”

b3/3 /b