Chapter 31

Chapter 31

OLIVIA

Dinner wasn’t what I imagined.

Ryan sat across from me with tensed shoulders and an unreadable facail expression. I’d gone all out, dim lights, wine, soft music. I thought maybe he’d loosen up, smile that crooked smile that always made me forget how to breathe.

But instead, he just ate quietly, each bite as slow and careful like he was counting seconds instead of tasting food.

I had this internal urge to scream and pull at my hair but I didn't. It's not supposed to be this way.

I kept stealing glances at him, trying to catch his eyes, but he barely looked at me. Just kept staring at the table, lost somewhere else entirely.

What happened to the man who had smiled at me a few minutes ago? The one who’d teased me at his door, who looked like he might actually want me? I couldn't help but wonder what might have gone wrong.

I poked my pasta, pretending it was the most interesting thing in the world.

My stomach was twisting, and not because of hunger. “So… dinner’s not that bad,” I tried to joke, forcing a small smile. Nothing. His jaw clenched as he looked up at me slightly and looked back at his plate.

Okay, maybe he didn’t hear me. Or maybe he did, and just decided to act like I was air.

Or, is he shutting me out on purpose? Does he want to piss me off by giving me silent treatment?

He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temple like something was bothering him. The silence between us felt unbearable and it was practically pressing against my chest.

I took a slow breath. “You’re quiet,” I muttered under my breath. “Too quiet.”

Still nothing, not even a flicker. He didn't even look up this time.

Was it me? Did I do something wrong? Or was this just his thing, pulling me close one second and shutting me out the next?

I looked down at my hands, feeling ridiculous. I’d worn this short nightie thinking maybe, just maybe tonight would be different. That he’d let me in a little. That he’d want me the way I wanted him. Scratch that. I know he wants me.

Ryan freaking wants me badly but he's holding back so much.

And now, he just looked… somewhere else. Cold and annoyingly breathtaking.

I stood from the table, forcing a tiny laugh to break the tension. “Well, guess that’s dinner,” I murmured, gathering my plate just to have something to do. My heart felt heavy.

He finally looked up at me. His eyes seemed soft but very distant. I didn’t even know what that meant anymore.

I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and managed a polite smile. “I should get some rest. I need to wake up early for work tomorrow.”

He gave a slight nod but didn't say anything else after that.

So I turned, walked out quietly, and shut the door before the silence swallowed me whole.



When I woke up this morning, I had gone downstairs and wandered around a bit. I just wanted to check if I'd see Ryan but I didn't.

I went to his room upstairs, placed my ears on his door to check if there would be any sound but nothing. I went into his study and couldn't find him either.

Did he leave for work already? He left without us talking about last night. Is Ryan avoiding me now?

I went back to my room, thinking of anything, just anything to stall me from going to work today.

Jeez, how do I put up with this man?

I muttered that to myself for the fifth time while struggling to pull my blazer over my shoulders.

My hair looked half-decent, makeup light, but my brain? Fried. I couldn’t get last night out of my head. His stupid clenched jaw, the way he looked right through me like I was just some employee who happened to share his dinner table.

I sighed, grabbed my bag, and stepped out of the apartment before I could talk myself out of it.

Maybe he was already at the company. Maybe he’d calm down today.

Or maybe he’d keep pretending I didn’t exist. Knowing Ryan? Definitely the third option.

\---

The office was already buzzing when I walked in. Typing sounds, coffee cups clinking, people fake-laughing at jokes they didn’t find funny.

Typical morning in a tech company. I dropped my bag on my desk and slumped into my chair, my brain on autopilot.

I glanced at the elevator. Perfect. Ryan is hiding again.

I opened my laptop, trying to focus on the code I was supposed to review, but all I could think about was how he hadn’t called for me. Usually, Dante would pop up by now with his calm little smirk and a “Ryan wants to see you.” But not today.

Instead, the intercom crackled.

“All staff are requested to assemble in the main conference hall in ten minutes. The CEO will be addressing everyone.”

I froze mid-sip of my coffee, my cup hovering halfway to my lips.

Of course. The CEO.

I rolled my eyes before I could stop myself. “Oh great. The almighty decides to speak,” I muttered under my breath.

A light cough sounded behind me.

I turned, and there she was…Rachel.

Her arms were crossed, her smirk painted on like she’d practiced it in front of a mirror. “Rolling your eyes at the boss’s announcement, Olivia? Bold move.”

I blinked, forcing a polite smile that was anything but polite. “Good morning to you too, Rachel. Nice to see your hobby of eavesdropping is still alive and well.”

She tilted her head. “Eavesdropping? Oh, honey, you rolled your eyes loud enough for the entire floor to hear.”

Oh, I swear, if eye-rolling were a crime, she’d be serving life by now.

I gave a dry laugh. “Guess my eyes have better timing than your mouth.”

Her smile faltered, but she quickly recovered. “Careful, Olivia. You wouldn’t want people thinking you’re ungrateful. Ryan’s been so… kind to you.” Her tone made “kind” sound like a dirty word.

I stared at her, unimpressed. “If by kind, you mean ‘breathing the same air,’ then yes, totally blessed.”

Rachel’s lips twitched. She leaned closer, whispering like she was sharing a secret. “You should really watch your tone. The CEO doesn’t play favorites forever.”

That one stung a little, but I refused to show it. I straightened my blazer, flashing her a confident smile I didn’t feel. “Then I guess I better make the most of my spotlight while it lasts.”

Before she could reply, another voice cut through the room. “Everyone, to the conference hall now!”

Rachel smirked again and walked off, hips swaying like she owned the place. I exhaled slowly, grabbed my notebook, and stood.

“Perfect,” I muttered. “A company meeting and a free headache before lunch.”

But as I walked toward the hall, something in my chest tightened. Ryan wasn’t just any CEO. He was my boss and after last night, I didn’t know which version of him I’d be
facing.

The cold one?

The angry one?

Or the one who looked at me like I was more than just another employee?