The Billornaire's Secret

Secrets in the Stacks

The next day, Olivia entered the library with a mix of excitement and apprehension. She arrived early, hoping to get a good table before Alexander showed up. The familiar scent of books surrounded her, grounding her as she found a spot near the back, where the sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the wooden table.

As she set up her materials, her thoughts drifted back to Alexander and the fleeting moment they shared last night. She couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to him than what he revealed—a hidden depth that intrigued her.

Soon, she heard the sound of footsteps, and her heart raced as she looked up to see Alexander entering the library. He glanced around, his gaze finding hers almost instantly, and for a moment, the noise of the world faded away. The corner of his mouth quirked up in a subtle smile, which sent a thrill through her.

“Hey,” he said as he approached, his voice low and steady.

“Hey! I saved us a spot,” Olivia replied, gesturing to the table. “I thought we could work on our project and maybe get some research done.”

“Sounds good,” Alexander replied, settling into the chair across from her.

As they pulled out their textbooks and notes, Olivia couldn’t help but notice how focused he was. His brow furrowed slightly as he skimmed through the pages, and she found herself stealing glances, intrigued by his intensity.

“Do you think we should focus on the historical context for our project?” Olivia suggested, trying to break the silence.

“Yeah, that could work,” he replied, looking up momentarily. “But we should also incorporate some recent studies to balance it out.”

Olivia nodded, impressed by his insight. “Good idea. I’ll look up some articles on that.”

As she began typing on her laptop, she felt a twinge of curiosity about Alexander’s tattoo. She wanted to ask him again but worried that it might push him away. Instead, she decided to keep the conversation light.

“So, what do you like to do when you’re not buried in books?” she asked, glancing at him.

He paused, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before his expression turned contemplative. “I guess I like to explore… you know, just wander around sometimes.”

“Really? Do you have a favorite place?” she prodded, eager to learn more about him.

“Not really,” he replied, shrugging. “I just like being outside. It clears my mind.”

Olivia smiled, appreciating his straightforwardness. “I get that. There’s something peaceful about nature.”

They continued to work, sharing ideas and notes, the atmosphere between them shifting to something more relaxed. With each passing moment, Olivia felt the walls around Alexander slowly beginning to lower, revealing a glimpse of the person he might be beyond his guarded exterior.

After a while, Alexander leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. “I think we’re making good progress.”

“Yeah, we are,” Olivia replied, her heart lightening at the thought of spending more time together. “We should definitely do this more often.”

He looked at her, and for a moment, she thought she saw a flicker of something in his eyes—maybe appreciation or interest. “I wouldn’t mind that.”

Just then, a loud crash echoed through the library as a stack of books tumbled to the floor nearby. Startled, Olivia jumped, her heart racing as she turned to see a group of students laughing and joking by the stacks.

“Ugh, they’re so loud,” she muttered, rolling her eyes.

“Yeah,” Alexander replied, his expression unfazed. “They’re kind of ruining the vibe.”

They both chuckled, and for a brief moment, the tension from earlier dissipated, replaced by a sense of camaraderie. It was in that moment that Olivia decided to take a leap.

“Okay, I have to ask,” she said, her voice dropping to a whisper. “What’s the story behind your tattoo?”

His expression changed, growing serious as he looked down, his fingers tracing the edge of his notes. “It’s… a reminder,” he said quietly, avoiding her gaze.

“Of what?” she pressed gently, wanting to draw him out without making him uncomfortable.

He hesitated, and she could see the internal struggle playing out on his face. “It represents things I’ve lost,” he finally admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Olivia felt her heart ache for him. “I’m sorry if I overstepped. You don’t have to share if you don’t want to.”

He met her gaze then, his eyes dark and stormy. “It’s not that. It’s just… it’s complicated.”

“I get it,” Olivia replied softly. “But if you ever want to talk, I’m here.”

A brief moment of vulnerability passed between them, and she could see the wheels turning in his mind. He opened his mouth as if to say something but then closed it, the moment slipping away.

“Let’s get back to the project,” he said, the intensity fading back into his usual reserve.

Olivia nodded, sensing the shift but determined to stay present. They resumed their work, the tension lingering in the air like an unspoken promise—a promise that one day, maybe, he would let her in.

As the hours slipped away, Olivia knew she was drawn deeper into the mystery of Alexander Grey, and she couldn’t help but hope that, with time, he would share his secrets with her.