[Previously titled 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲]
❝No, Ace. I can't do it," I sob.
"I know you can take more than that, sunshine, come on," he encourages, pummeling into me in fervent motions. "One more for daddy, yeah?" He coaxes in a gruffly voice...
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O L I V I A
I couldn't sleep well, thinking about what happened with Ace. I kept turning in bed, going over our talk again and again in my head.
I felt frustrated and angry, remembering how he acted like I belonged to him. How dare he think that after everything he did? How can he, after all the hurt he caused, declare his feelings for me and claim to want me back?
Sitting up in bed, I feel troubled by his words. I'm torn between keeping my heart safe and the strong feelings I still have for him.
His lies hurt me deeply, and his complicated situation only makes things harder. But seeing the morning light brings a hint of doubt. Ace's words made me question myself, even if just a bit.
With the sunlight streaming in, I shake off my thoughts. I hear my mom in the bathroom, getting ready, and I know it's time to face the day. After a fast shower and changing clothes, I feel better and head downstairs.
I'm relieved not to see Ace right away. It's a small relief after our talk last night. I say hi to everyone at breakfast, trying my best to put on a friendly smile even though I'm still upset. Sitting down, I start to serve myself but Marta interrupts, smiling at me warmly.
"Olivia, would you mind helping us set up the Christmas decorations today?" She asks and I nod eagerly.
"Of course, Marta. I'd be happy to help,"
"And don't forget, ma, we're missing a few decorations, and there's some food we need to buy for tomorrow's Christmas dinner," Marta's daughter chimes in, her voice filled with concern.
"I can go pick up everything we need," I suggest, my voice soft but steady.
As Marta is about to reply, Ace walks in. My heart does a little somersault as his eyes lock onto mine, and I blush, looking away.
Ace greets Marta with a warm kiss on the cheek, then surprises me by doing the same to my mom, who looks shocked but happy. Marta clears her throat, acknowledging the situation.
"Ace, mijo, Olivia has kindly offered to go to the supermarket and pick up the missing decorations and food. Would you mind accompanying her?"
I shift uncomfortably in my seat, torn between the awkwardness of being near Ace and the desire to help Marta. I glance at him briefly and Ace's gaze lingers on me for a moment before he turns his attention back to Marta.
"Of course, I'll go with her," he agrees.
As he sits next to me, I feel my heart beat faster as his cologne surrounds me. We both focus on our meal and eat quietly.
"Oh dear, I seem to have misplaced my glasses again. I can't seem to find them anywhere," Marta speaks, redirecting our attention to her.
"Did you check the bookroom? I saw you in there last night," he suggests, his voice calm and helpful, and Marta's face brightens as she recalls.
