The Billornaire's Secret

Coffee and Curiosity

**Olivia stood there**, still processing the abrupt end to their brief interaction, her heart racing. As she made her way back to the theatre, the coffee cups felt heavy in her hands—not just from the weight of the drinks but from the lingering embarrassment of their encounter.

When she finally entered the theatre room, Mia and Ava were huddled together, going over their lines for the upcoming rehearsal. **Mia looked up**, her face lighting up as she spotted Olivia. **"Did you get our fix?"**

**"Of course!"** Olivia replied, handing them their cups, her mind still occupied with thoughts of the mysterious guy.

**Ava took a sip** and smiled. **"Nice! So, what’s up with you? You look a little flustered."**

Olivia shrugged, trying to play it cool. **"I just spilled coffee on someone,"** she said nonchalantly, though her pulse quickened at the memory.

**Mia leaned in, her curiosity piqued.** **"Was he cute? Please tell me he was cute!"**

Olivia hesitated, biting her lip. **"Yeah, he was... interesting."** She decided to leave out the details, not wanting to let on how much he had affected her.

**"Ooh, do you like him?"** Ava teased, raising an eyebrow, but Olivia shook her head.

**"No! I mean, I don’t know,"** Olivia stammered, her cheeks heating. **"We barely spoke."**

Before she could think of a way to change the subject, their theatre director entered, calling for everyone’s attention. The energy shifted instantly as the rehearsal began, and Olivia forced herself to focus on the stage, though her thoughts kept wandering back to the enigmatic guy with the piercing blue eyes.

**Days passed**, and each lecture was punctuated by the knowledge that he was always there, sitting at the front, seemingly lost in his thoughts. The more she saw him, the more her curiosity grew, even as she struggled to shake the feeling of intrigue.

Then one day, after class, she noticed him lingering near the door again, his attention fixed outside. This time, she felt a surge of determination. She had to talk to him.

**"Hey,"** she said, her voice steadier than before, cutting through the hum of students around them.

He turned to her, surprise flickering across his features. **"Hey."**

**"I’m Olivia,"** she introduced herself, offering a genuine smile. **"I just wanted to say sorry again for the coffee incident."**

His expression softened slightly, and Olivia could see a flicker of humor in his eyes. **"No need to apologize. It's just a shirt."** His voice was low and calm, as if he carried a weight beneath his easy demeanor.

**"Still, let me buy you a coffee to make up for it,"** Olivia suggested, feeling bold.

He hesitated, the flicker of amusement fading. **"Thanks, but I can’t."** His tone was polite but firm, creating an invisible barrier between them.

Olivia’s heart sank, but she pressed on. **"Why not? I mean, it’s just coffee."**

He turned slightly away, gazing out the door, his shoulders tense. **"I just don’t have the time for that right now."** There was an edge to his voice that made her realize he was serious.

**"Is it because of the shirt?"** she asked, her curiosity battling her disappointment. **"Because I promise, I’ll be more careful this time."**

He looked at her, the warmth in his eyes replaced by a guarded expression. **"It’s not about the shirt, Olivia. I just... prefer to keep things simple."**

Olivia felt the air between them thicken with unspoken words. **"But we could get to know each other,"** she pressed, her voice softer. **"I promise I’m not that scary."**

A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, but it didn’t reach his eyes. **"It’s not you; it’s just... not the right time for me."**

The disappointment washed over her, and she nodded, forcing a smile to mask her feelings. **"Okay, I understand."**

As they stood there, the moment hung heavy between them. She wanted to ask more, to peel back the layers of the mystery that was Alexander Grey, but she sensed he wouldn’t let her in.

**"I should get going,"** he said finally, breaking the silence. **"See you in class."**

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Olivia standing there, feeling the weight of unanswered questions and unfulfilled curiosity.