Chapter 23
Chapter 15: Breaking the Bond–2
I stared darkly at my phone screen, now glaring with a red exclamation mark: “Olivia has
enabled friend verification. You are not her contact. Please send a request p>
Anger flared hot in my chest. She actually dared to delete me! After everything I’d done for her, after giving her a place to stay, after tolerating her presence for three years–this was how she
repaid me?
I gritted my teeth, my grip tightening around my phone. “So she’s got some backbone now,
even learned to block me p>
“Ethan, what’s wrong?” Cassandra’s fragile voice called from the hospital bed.
I forced my emotions down, not wanting to upset her further. “Nothing p>
Cassandra’s eyes shimmered with tears, her tone pitiful as she raised her bandaged hand. “Ethan, is my hand crippled? Will I never be able to play piano again p>
My expression softened as I looked at her. Cassandra had been a piano student at a prestigious overseas conservatory before returning to Harbor City. She’d also cultivated a million followers on her popular social media account, becoming a minor internet celebrity.
Her talent was part of what made her special.
“No,” I reassured her, moving closer to the bed. “The doctor said it’s only a flesh wound, no damage to nerves or tendons. You’ll be fine in a few days p>
She bit her lip, vulnerability written across her delicate features. “Really? You’re not just
comforting me p>
I gently ruffled her hair, the familiar gesture bringing a small smile to her face. “No p>
Her gaze turned watery again as she looked up at me. “Ethan, if–if my injury had been worse, and I could never play piano again, would you still forgive Olivia p>
My eyes turned icy at the mention of Olivia’s name. “Even with this injury, if she doesn’t apologize, I won’t forgive her. And if you really couldn’t play piano ever again, she would pay
for it p>
Cassandra leaned into my shoulder with a faint smile. “I knew you were the one who cared
about me most p>
I held her close, yet my mind drifted back to Olivia. Maybe I was too harsh telling her never to come back… But then I steeled myself. No, she hurt Cassandra first. It’s her fault. Blocking
Chap 15 Reaks the Ro
me? She’s just waiting for me to coax her–but this time, I won’t.
This time, she would have to come crawling back.
(Olivia’s POV)
14 Puntes
The Crescent Moon Hotel’s lobby was a marvel of modern luxury–all gleaming marble, crystal chandeliers, and tasteful art pieces. The moment I stepped through the revolving doors, my
eyes found Connor Rivers.
He stood tall and striking in a black shirt and trousers, his perfectly proportioned figure–broad shoulders, narrow waist, long legs–accentuated by the sleek lines of his clothes. His features remained as impossibly handsome as three years ago, sharp and cold yet undeniably alluring.
Beside him stood his assistant, Henry Morris, respectful and silent as always.
Catching sight of me, Connor strode quickly forward, his ice–blue eyes warming slightly. He took my suitcase gently from my hand and asked with quiet concern, “Livvy, are you alright p>
I lowered my gaze, suddenly feeling the weight of the night’s events. “I’m fine p>
Henry bowed slightly, ever the professional. “President Rivers, I’ll leave you now p>
Connor nodded, dismissing him with a subtle gesture.
The elevator ride to the top floor was silent. I could feel Connor’s gaze on me occasionally, but
he didn’t press for details. That was one thing I’d always appreciated about him–he never
pushed when I wasn’t ready to talk.
The duplex suite took my breath away. Vast floor–to–ceiling windows revealed Harbor City’s glittering night skyline, the lights of skyscrapers twinkling like earthbound stars. The living area featured plush sofas in cream leather, a state–of–the–art entertainment system, and
tasteful modern art on the walls.
Connor’s voice was low and gentle as he set my suitcase down. “Livvy, do you want the
upstairs bedroom or the downstairs one p>
Embarrassment flooded through me at the reality of sharing a suite with such an
extraordinary man. Even after all these years, Connor Rivers still had the ability to make me
feel like a tongue–tied schoolgirl.
“Either is… fine,” I stammered, hating how uncertain I sounded.
I heard his quiet chuckle, making me blush harder. Then his deep, soothing voice reassured me, “You stay upstairs then. If you need anything, just call me p>
Chapter 15: Breaking the Bon
My cheeks flushed crimson as I whispered, “Alright p>