Chapter 135 Back to Work
Olivia: POV
After three months of maternity leave, I was finally heading back to Radiance Inc. The thought filled me with both excitement and a twinge of anxiety.
I'd missed the creative challenges, the team meetings, and yes, even the occasional office drama. But leaving little Ethan, even with Blake there to care for him, felt like leaving a piece of my heart behind.
"Are you sure you're ready?" Blake asked that morning, cradling Ethan against his chest while I applied mascara in the bathroom mirror.
"As ready as I'll ever be," I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "Besides, you've been practicing with the bottle feedings. You'll be fine."
Blake nodded, gently swaying to keep Ethan content. "I know. I've got this whole Mr. Mom thing down." He kissed the top of our son's head. "I'll handle the inside stuff, and you go conquer the business world. I'll trim some roses, take care of the house, and make sure this little guy is happy."
I couldn't help but smile at that.
Despite his casual tone, I knew Blake's garden center was more than just "trimming roses."
He'd built Bloom Haven into something special, and while he occasionally took on design projects, his more flexible schedule made him the logical choice for primary caregiver during my work hours.
"You know, every time you say that, I find it adorable," I said, capping my mascara and turning to face him. "Even though we both know your 'rose trimming' is actually running a successful business."
"A business I can mostly manage from home," he countered, adjusting Ethan in his arms. "I didn't reject the family company just to miss our son's first smile or first steps." His voice softened. "Or to leave you handling everything alone."
My heart squeezed at his words. For all his teasing and occasional stubbornness, Blake had been my rock these past months.
From midnight feedings to diaper disasters, he'd jumped in without hesitation, never once making me feel like I was shouldering the burden alone.
I leaned in to kiss him, careful not to squish Ethan between us. "I love you for that."
"For what? Being a halfway decent father and husband?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I love your appearance, your thoughtfulness, your humor, the respect you give me, and your stubbornness. Looking at it that way, I think that covers everything," I replied honestly.
He chuckled, "You certainly have a high opinion of me."
---
Walking into the Radiance Inc. headquarters felt both familiar and strange, like returning to a favorite restaurant after years away. The security guard greeted me with a warm smile, and the receptionist waved enthusiastically as I badged in.
By the time I reached my department, word of my arrival had spread. As I pushed open the glass doors to the product development floor, a chorus of cheers erupted.
"She's back!" Trevor from marketing exclaimed.
"About damn time," David from R&D called out with a grin. "We've been drowning in mediocre ideas without you."
My assistant Jen approached with a steaming cup of coffee—decaf, I noted with appreciation—and a tablet displaying my schedule. "Welcome back, boss. We've kept your seat warm."
"And by 'warm,' she means 'buried in paperwork,'" Mike added, appearing from his office with a smirk.
My foster brother had been covering some of my responsibilities during my absence, and judging by his tired eyes, it hadn't been easy.
"How's my nephew?" he asked, giving me a quick side hug.
"Growing like a weed and keeping us up all night," I replied with a laugh. "Blake's on daddy duty today."
"Still can't believe Blake Westwood is playing house husband," Mike chuckled. "The guy who once told me gardening was 'just a hobby' now runs a nursery and changes diapers."
"People change," I said simply, though I couldn't help the pride that swelled in my chest. Blake had surprised everyone, including himself, with how naturally he'd taken to fatherhood.
As my colleagues gathered around, asking about Ethan and sharing updates on projects, I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me. Here I was, surrounded by people who respected my work, coming home to a man who loved me and a baby who had my heart.
The perfect balance of career and family that once seemed impossible was now my reality.
"You know what?" I announced impulsively. "Dinner's on me tonight. Let's celebrate properly."
Cheers erupted again, and plans quickly formed for an after-work gathering at Lorenzo's, an upscale Italian restaurant nearby.
"Just like old times," Jen grinned, "except now you have to be home before the babysitter turns into a pumpkin."
"The babysitter is her husband," Mike corrected with a laugh.
"Even better," Jen winked. "No curfew!"
---
That evening, I led my team toward the private room I'd reserved at Lorenzo's. The restaurant hummed with the pleasant buzz of conversation and clinking glasses, and the rich scent of garlic and tomato sauce filled the air.
"Order whatever you want," I told them as we walked through the main dining area. "Don't be shy—this is my treat."
"Careful," Rachel teased. "David might bankrupt you with his appetite for truffle pasta."
"Worth every penny," I replied, genuinely meaning it. These people had kept the department running smoothly during my absence. A few expensive entrees were the least I could do.
As we approached our room, a flash of blonde hair caught my eye. I froze mid-step, causing Mike to bump into me from behind.
"Olivia? What's wrong?" he asked, steadying me with a hand on my shoulder.
There, entering a private dining room, was Charlotte Caldwell. I hadn't seen her in months— we'd joined forces to expose Jason's cheating months ago. She'd visited me once during my pregnancy and sent a thoughtful text after Ethan was born, but our paths hadn't crossed since.
"Just saw someone I know," I murmured. "You guys go ahead to the room. I'll be right there."
Mike followed my gaze, his expression darkening slightly when he spotted Charlotte.
"Want me to come with you?" he offered quietly.
I shook my head. "I've got this. Order a bottle of that Chianti you like. I won't be long."
As my team continued to our reserved space, I stood hesitating near Charlotte's private room. Should I go in and say hello? We weren't exactly friends, but after what we'd been through together with Jason, there was a certain bond between us.
Just as I raised my hand, debating whether to knock, a bloodcurdling scream erupted from inside Charlotte's room, sending a chill down my spine."