Chapter 104: pause It

LUCIAN’S POV

"No, Leo. I don’t want you investigating anything concerning that woman anymore. I’ve already made my decision, and I’m not changing my mind."

*You can’t be serious!* my wolf growled in my head. *She—*

*Stop!* I snapped before he could finish. *I don’t want to hear another word from you.*

I turned my attention back to Leo, who was still standing in front of my desk. "Tell the team to halt the investigation for now. Once everything is settled, we can resume the search. If we eventually find her, I’ll make sure she’s properly compensated for saving my life. But right now, I have more important things to worry about, and I don’t want this matter interfering with my marriage."

*Compensated? Really?* my wolf demanded.

*I said stop!*

Leo studied me for a moment before nodding reluctantly. "Alright, Lucian. I’ll inform the team."

"Good. And make sure nobody continues the investigation without my permission."

"Understood."

With that, Leo turned and walked out of the study, closing the door behind him.

I leaned back in my chair and rubbed my forehead. Was I really doing the right thing by giving up the search for that woman? I was about to think more about it when I suddenly remembered something.

Olivia had mentioned that she came to my study because there was something she wanted to ask me. However, with everything that had happened, she never got the chance. I glanced at the clock. It wasn’t too late yet, and I doubted she had already fallen asleep.

Besides, I wanted to see her again. Although she had assured me that she wasn’t upset about what I’d told her, I still wanted to make sure everything was alright between us.

I pushed my chair back, stood up, and left the study. A few minutes later, I arrived outside Olivia’s bedroom and knocked gently on the door.

"Olivia? It’s me, Lucian. Are you still awake?"

A few seconds later, I heard footsteps approaching, and the door opened. Olivia stood before me in her nightdress, looking slightly surprised to see me.

"Lucian? Is everything alright?"

"Yes," I replied. "Can I come in?"

"Of course."

She stepped aside to let me enter, then closed the door behind me.

"Is there something you need?" she asked, turning toward me.

"Not exactly. I just wanted to check on you, especially after what happened in the study earlier. I wanted to make sure you’re really okay."

Olivia sighed softly. "Lucian, are you still worried about that?"

"Fucking yes," I admitted. "I know you said you’re fine, but I can’t help wondering whether you’re only saying that because you don’t want me to feel bad."

She looked at me for a moment before walking closer and taking both my hands in hers.

"Lucian, look at me."

I lowered my gaze to meet hers.

"I’m not upset with you," she said gently. "Yes, I was surprised when you told me about that woman, especially the part about wanting to marry her. But that happened four years ago, before we even met. I have no reason to hold it against you."

"But Olivia—"

"No, listen to me." She squeezed my hands. "You don’t have to keep worrying about how I feel. I’m fine, and I mean it. Besides, that woman saved your life. How could I possibly be angry with someone who helped you when you needed it most?"

I stared at her, unable to find the right words.

"Honestly, Lucian, I’m grateful to her," she continued. "If she hadn’t helped you that morning, things might have turned out differently. So instead of being upset, I’m glad she was there."

Her words brought me some relief. I had expected her to be jealous or disappointed, but instead, she was standing in front of me, reassuring me that everything was alright.

"You’re really something else, Olivia," I murmured.

She chuckled. "And what is that supposed to mean?"

"It means I don’t know what I did to deserve someone as understanding as you."

"Oh, please." She rolled her eyes playfully. "Don’t start flattering me just because you’re feeling guilty."

I laughed softly. "I’m serious."

"I know." She smiled. "And I appreciate you telling me the truth. That’s all I ask, Lucian. Whatever happens, I want us to be honest with each other."

Her words made my smile fade slightly. For a brief moment, I thought about the two things I had deliberately kept from her, but I quickly pushed those thoughts aside. I wasn’t going to ruin this moment by bringing up something I wasn’t ready to discuss.

"Olivia," I said quietly.

"Hmm?"

"I love you."

Her smile softened as she looked into my eyes.

"I know you do, Lucian."

"No, I don’t think you understand just how much." I gently tightened my hold on her hands. "I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. Every time I see you, I find myself wanting to spend more time with you. And whenever you’re upset with me, I can’t concentrate on anything else."

She laughed softly. "So that’s why you came all the way here? Because you thought I was upset?"

"Partly," I admitted. "But I also wanted to see you."

"Well, you’ve seen me now."

"Yes, but I don’t feel like leaving yet."

She glanced down at our joined hands before looking back at me. "Should I let go, then?"

"Don’t you dare."

She burst into laughter, and I couldn’t help smiling. Seeing her like this, relaxed and happy in my presence, made me wish things between us could always be this simple.

When her laughter finally faded, I raised one hand and gently brushed a loose strand of hair away from her face.

"You’re beautiful, Olivia," I whispered.

Her cheeks turned slightly pink. "Lucian..."

"What?"

"You’re staring."

"Am I not allowed to admire my wife?"

She smiled shyly. "I didn’t say that."

"Good. Because I could look at you all night."

She lowered her eyes, but I gently lifted her chin with my fingers.

"Look at me, Olivia."

She slowly raised her gaze to mine. For a few seconds, neither of us spoke. I could feel her hands resting against my chest, and the closeness between us made my heart beat faster.

I glanced at her lips before looking back into her eyes.

"Can I kiss you?" I asked softly.

Olivia hesitated for a moment before giving a small nod.

"Yes."

That was all the permission I needed.

I slipped one arm around her waist and gently pulled her closer. She placed her hands on my shoulders as I lowered my head and pressed my lips against hers.

The kiss started slowly, almost cautiously, but when Olivia moved closer and kissed me back, I tightened my arm around her waist. I had kissed her before, but something about this moment felt different. There was no argument between us, no fake identity troubling her, and no reason for either of us to pull away.

For once, it was just Olivia and me.

She slid her arms around my neck, and I drew her closer, deepening the kiss as her fingers gently brushed the back of my neck.

When we finally pulled apart, I rested my forehead against hers, smiling.

"Olivia," I whispered.

"Hmm?"

"I really don’t want to leave."

She looked up at me, her cheeks still flushed from our kiss.

"Then don’t," she whispered.