Why Is He Back??

Beneath The Stars

The party guests had left, leaving only close family members. The atmosphere in the room had shifted into a more intimate, familial one. Meredith walked over to Olivia with a soft smile.

"You were wonderful tonight," Meredith said, her voice filled with warmth.

"Thanks, Meredith," Olivia replied, feeling a sense of gratitude, despite the tension earlier.

Meredith's expression turned serious. "I'm deeply sorry for the accusations made by Adeline. I'll talk to her, though. She shouldn't have overstepped like that."

Olivia took a deep breath, steadying herself. "It's okay, Meredith. I know she didn't mean it, but yeah, it'd be good if you could talk to her. Zack and I... we're still figuring things out."

Meredith placed a gentle hand on Olivia's arm. "We all are, Olivia. It's family, after all. But Lucius and I believe in you both, we truly do."

Olivia's gaze softened. "Thank you, that means a lot."

Meredith turned towards Zack, who had been observing the exchange quietly. Lucius joined her side, and after exchanging a few more words, both parents hugged Zack and Olivia in a heartfelt embrace.

"We'll be here for you," Lucius added, looking at Zack with a serious yet reassuring expression.

After saying their goodbyes to Zivia with soft words and hugs, Meredith and Lucius left. The tension dissipated as the next round of farewells began.

Sasha and Raghav, with their typical teasing banter, approached Olivia and Zack.

Sasha, with a playful smirk, placed her hand on her baby bump. "I hope I can be as badass a mom and aunt as you, Liv."

Olivia chuckled, squeezing Sasha's hand. "Oh, please. I'm not a badass. But I know you'll protect your niece and your little one just as fiercely."

Raghav couldn't help but pipe in, "You know, I think Zack's the one who's got the badass title. I mean, mafia king and all." He winked at Zack, who rolled his eyes but smirked.

"Right," Zack replied sarcastically, "because being a mafia king and babysitting two little girls is the same thing."

Everyone laughed, and the teasing continued as Olivia hugged Sasha goodbye, wishing her the best for the upcoming months. They hugged Zivia and Emma one last time before making their way out.

The house now quieted as it was just the family left. Olivia stretched with a loud yawn, cracking her neck. "I'm soooo fucking tired," she groaned.

Zivia and Emma, curled up together, giggled at Olivia's exaggerated stretch, but Emma was clearly struggling to stay awake, her eyelids drooping as she leaned on Zack's lap. Zivia was already curled into a ball, half-asleep beside them.

"I should probably get them bathed before they pass out completely," Olivia muttered, glancing at Zack.

Zack gently scooped up Zivia in his arms. "Yeah, before they turn into little zombies."

As Olivia stood, preparing to take Emma, Natalie entered the room with a serious look on her face. "Mr. Zack, there's something you need to see."

Zack's face immediately hardened, his entire demeanor shifting from relaxed to alert. Olivia noticed the change and nodded, understanding.

"I'll take care of the girls," Olivia whispered as Zack kissed her forehead, muttering, "I'm sorry."

"It's fine. Go."
Zack handed the sleepy girls over to Olivia and gave her a soft, lingering look before heading out with Natalie. His usual commanding presence returned, the mafia king slipping back into his role seamlessly. Olivia watched him leave, feeling the weight of his responsibilities, but she knew she had her own.