Why Is He Back??

He Didn't Want To Do It....

It had been a week since Zack's confrontation in Olivia's office. The collaboration between Gucci and Éleganteafford had been a massive success, and Olivia had been trying to focus on the positive aspects of her life. Today, she was having lunch with her sister Alandra and niece Emma at a diner near her office.

The diner was bustling with the lunchtime crowd, and the sisters chatted animatedly while Emma and Zivia colored on placemats.

"I'm so proud of you, Liv," Alandra said, smiling warmly. "The collaboration with Gucci is huge!"

"Thanks, Alandra," Olivia replied, taking a sip of her coffee. "It's been a whirlwind, but it's all worth it."

Emma looked up from her drawing, her eyes sparkling. "Auntie Liv, guess what? I drew a picture of me and Zivia!"

Olivia leaned over to look at Emma's drawing. "That's beautiful, Emma! You and Zivia are such talented artists."

Emma beamed, her little face lighting up with pride. "Thank you, Auntie Liv!"

Alandra chuckled. "Emma, you should ask Auntie Liv if you can design for her brand someday."

Emma's eyes widened. "Really, Auntie Liv? Can I?"

Olivia laughed, "Of course, Emma. Maybe you'll be my assistant designer one day."

Emma giggled, pleased with the idea.

As they finished their lunch, Olivia received a text from her PA. "Mr. Mike Lombardi and his wife Ms. Rose are here to meet you."

Olivia's heart skipped a beat. Mike and Rose were mutual friends of hers and Zack's, and it had been years since she'd seen them. "I have to go," she said, looking at Alandra. "Mike and Rose are at my office."

"Go on, we'll be fine," Alandra replied, giving her a reassuring smile. "I'll take Emma to her father's office."

After bidding a quick goodbye, Olivia hurried back to her office. Mike and Rose were already waiting in her cabin. Olivia's heart swelled with emotion as she saw them.

"Mike, Rose!" Olivia exclaimed, hugging Rose tightly and then Mike, who gave her a brotherly hug.

"Liv, it's so good to see you," Rose said, her voice warm.

"You too," Olivia replied, feeling a lump in her throat. "Congratulations on becoming parents! I'm so happy for you both."

"Thanks, Liv," Rose replied, her eyes twinkling. "We're over the moon."

After some more small talk about their children and random things, Mike's expression turned serious. "Liv, we need to talk to you about something important."

"Sure," Olivia said, trying to keep her tone light. "What would you like? Tea, coffee, any soft or hard drinks?"

"Coffee for me," Rose said.

"Red Bull for me," Mike added.

Olivia asked her PA to bring the drinks and then turned back to Mike and Rose, trying to mask her nervousness. "So, what's this about?"

"Liv, stop. I know what you're trying to do," Mike said, his voice gentle but firm. "We're here to talk about Zack."

Olivia's heart sank. "I know you're both here as Zack's supporters, but I can't do it. I can't let him back into my life."

"Olivia, shut up and just listen to us," Rose replied, raising her voice slightly, her eyes filled with a mix of frustration and concern.

Olivia felt numb. "Do you know that Zack never wanted to be the mafia king?"

"What?" Olivia was about to say something when Rose stopped her again.

"Please, let me continue, Liv," Rose said. "Zack never wanted to be the mafia king. His father had been secretly training him for it. Hell, Zack didn't even know his family belonged to the mafia cartel until a few months after you left him. His father saw how emotionless, ruthless, and merciless Zack had become in the business industry and decided to step down from his role as the mafia king of the western world. Zack was forced into it, Liv. After you left, he stepped into the mafia world to avoid thinking about you. The anger fueled him, and his father and other family members kept instigating him. We tried to stop him, but the damage was already done."

Mike added, "Zack was protecting you and Zivia. He found out his aunt had sent goons after you. He did everything he could to keep you safe."

Olivia's mind flashed back to incidents where she had narrowly escaped danger-times when she had felt a presence watching over her, keeping her from harm. It all made sense now. Zack had been protecting her.

"Look at these pictures," Mike said, showing her photos on his phone. "These are from the day Zivia spent with Zack. Look how happy she is with him. Look at how much he loves her. He's capable of being a great father, Liv. He never changed his wallpaper-it's still a picture of you. He misses you."

The first picture showed Zack teaching Zivia to swim, his strong arms supporting her as she splashed in the pool, her laughter captured in the moment. The second showed them gardening, both covered in mud, with Zivia holding a small plant proudly. The third photo melted Olivia's heart-Zivia asleep on Zack's lap, while he read her a bedtime story, his expression soft and tender.

Olivia looked at the pictures, her heart aching. Zack and Zivia looked so happy together. She could see the love and care in Zack's eyes. Tears welled up in her eyes as she realized the truth.

"Oh my God, what have I done?" Olivia whispered, crumbling to the floor in despair.

As she sat there, trying to process everything, she heard a familiar voice outside her office. Carter was talking into his phone. "I need you to do something for me."

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