Chapter 153 The Only Gift He Wanted
Ethan's thirtieth birthday arrived without fanfare. The celebration, however, was anything but understated—a lavish affair at the Beverly Hills Hotel that drew power players from across the country.
Industry titans, tech moguls, real estate developers, and old money heirs—anyone with even a tenuous connection to Ethan Bennett had shown up. The hotel entrance was lined with Bentleys, Maybachs, and custom Rolls-Royces, creating an impromptu luxury car showcase that had tourists snapping photos from behind velvet ropes.
Inside the glittering ballroom, the champagne flowed endlessly as Los Angeles' elite networked, schemed, and paid homage to the man of the hour. Crystal chandeliers cast golden light across the sea of designer suits and couture gowns.
It was Tuesday, so Olivia had classes at UCLA. She hadn't attended the birthday celebration—though truthfully, even without class, she wouldn't have gone. Ethan hadn't asked her to come, and she hadn't volunteered.
By five o'clock, Ethan returned to Reeding Waters with alcohol on his breath. Olivia had just arrived home from campus, their paths crossing at the front door.
Harry was making trips from the car to the house, carrying box after box of gifts. The collection was staggering—at least fifteen limited-edition luxury watches, each worth well over a hundred thousand dollars, stacked in their individual cases.
"Dominic Knight sent this," Harry explained, carrying in an antique humidor crafted of dark mahogany with brass fittings. "Nineteenth-century piece that belonged to some Wall Street tycoon's grandfather. There are a few rare Cuban cigars inside too."
The parade of extravagance continued: a set of solid gold golf club miniatures mounted on marble, custom Tiffany crystal whiskey tumblers, limited vintages from Napa Valley wineries, cases of Dom Pérignon and Krug champagne, designer leather goods, diamond-encrusted jewelry boxes, premium membership cards to exclusive clubs, and even several prepaid cards for private jet hours.
Olivia watched wide-eyed, silently marveling at the display of wealth.
Ethan loosened his tie and unbuttoned his dress shirt as he sank into the sofa with languid grace.
"Are you feeling okay? Do you want some water?" Olivia asked softly.
Ethan caught her wrist and pulled her onto his lap in one fluid motion. His warm breath carried notes of aged whiskey as he murmured against her cheek, "Liv hasn't given me my gift yet."
Olivia poked his chest playfully, then gestured toward the mountain of gifts. "Look at all this—it must be worth millions. Do you really need something from me too?"
Ethan captured her delicate fingers, bringing them to his lips and gently nipping at their tips. "Yours is the only one I want."
Olivia wriggled out of his embrace and took his hand. "Just so we're clear—my gift isn't expensive. You can't complain, and if you don't like it, I'll throw it away."
Ethan rose lazily, allowing her to lead him outside.
In the garden, positioned carefully on the manicured lawn, stood a small oak sapling, its root ball still wrapped in burlap. Beside it was a small wooden sign that Olivia had crafted herself.
"I didn't know what to get you," she bit her lip. "Cars, houses—I can't afford those, and you don't need them anyway. Your clothes are all custom-tailored each season, delivered straight to you. And those fancy watches and wines—well, you've already received boxes of them today."
"I started thinking about your gift two weeks ago," she continued, shifting her weight. "Then someone told me oak trees symbolize strong foundations and good fortune. I thought it would make a nice gift. So I decided to buy you a tree."
She looked up at Ethan, her eyes crinkling into crescent moons as she smiled. "I bought an oak sapling online. The seller said if you take good care of it, it'll grow into a strong, sturdy tree in just a few years."
Folding her hands in front of her, she added with earnest sincerity, "Happy birthday, E. I wish you all the best."
In the golden light of sunset, her face glowed with a soft radiance, her eyes clear and bright with affection.
Ethan gazed at her, his heart melting at the sight. He pulled her into his arms and pressed a gentle kiss to the crown of her head. "Thank you, baby."
Little did they know that before the oak tree could grow tall, their paths would diverge, and they would become strangers to each other.
---
April arrived with perfect California sunshine.
That night, as they lay in bed, Ethan's arm draped possessively around Olivia's waist, he asked, "Where do you want to go this weekend?"
Olivia stared at the ceiling, genuinely considering the question before shaking her head. "I don't know."
Ethan chuckled. "Weren't you the one who said you'd decide our outings from now on?"
Olivia pouted, her lower lip jutting out. "I failed my exam. Not in the mood."
Ethan traced her plump lip with his finger, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Didn't you already pass your teaching certification? What else are you testing for?"
Olivia had failed her NT2, but she didn't dare tell Ethan the truth. "A girl can never have too many skills," she deflected.
Ethan laughed and pulled her on top of him.
Olivia playfully pounded his chest with her fists.
Ethan caught her hands and guided them lower. "Pound here."
Olivia leaned down and nipped at his jaw. "Maybe I should just bite you to death."
Ethan moved her hand to touch him through his pants. "Biting my jaw won't kill me. Biting here might—" He turned his head slightly, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered each word deliberately, "Make. Me. Die. Of. Pleasure."
---
That weekend, they stayed close to home. On Saturday, they hiked up a nearby mountain, taking their time to reach the summit. They sat together watching the sunset, then lingered to stargaze. Their tent, pitched high on the mountainside, sheltered them as they slept with Olivia tucked securely against Ethan's chest, his arm her pillow.
Sunday morning, after breakfast, Ethan watered the oak sapling in the garden. Afterward, they walked hand in hand through the grounds, enjoying the morning sunshine.
When the sun climbed higher, they retreated indoors to the study. Though the house had two separate offices, Olivia carried her books into Ethan's workspace and settled beside him.
Ethan smiled indulgently, stroking her hair before returning to his documents.
In the afternoon, they reclined in side-by-side hammocks on the veranda, gently swaying as they watched the day fade into evening. Olivia soon abandoned her own hammock, climbing onto Ethan's despite the tight fit.
Ethan laughed as they struggled to balance. "Why don't you just sit on my head while you're at it?"
Olivia buried her face in his shoulder, her voice a mischievous murmur. "It's not like I haven't ridden you before."
Ethan pinched her earlobe, his voice dropping to a suggestive growl. "Want to go inside so you can ride me again?"