We are not going back

Chapter two

The next morning, sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. I stretched out, feeling the familiar weight of Olivia beside me. For a brief moment, everything felt simple, as though the complications of our lives hadn’t yet seeped into the day. I rolled over and slid my arm around Olivia’s waist, pulling her close. She stirred, groaning softly, but melted into my embrace.

"Hi,” Olivia mumbled, voice still heavy with sleep.

I kissed her shoulder, murmuring back, "Hey.”

We laid in silence for a few more minutes, the rhythm of our breathing syncing as we held each other. It was moments like these that reminded me why I'd  fallen in love with Olivia in the first place—before the politics, the public scrutiny, before everything got so complicated.

Eventually, Olivia shifted, turning to face me,“You have work today?”

I nodded, “Yeah. I’ll make coffee before I head out.”

With a soft sigh, Olivia released me and I slipped out of bed. I padded to the kitchen, my mind already wandering to the day ahead. After filling the French press and letting the coffee steep, I poured two mugs and left one on the counter for Olivia before grabbing my own. The warm bitterness of the coffee grounded me as I went through my usual morning routine.

I glanced at the clock. Time to go.

My car was waiting outside—a sleek, expensive vehicle that always turned heads. Olivia’s family had insisted on it, part of the perks of marrying into wealth. I had long ago accepted it, though sometimes I felt the weight of it.

As I pulled up to the White House, I spotted Tyler waiting for me just outside the entrance. Tall, beautiful, and ever flamboyant, Tyler wore his usual loud ensemble—a deep purple blazer with gold accents and designer sunglasses perched on his nose. His grin widened as he saw her approaching.

“Girl, you are late! I’ve already had three coffees. Look at me, I’m vibrating!” He laughed, shaking his hands dramatically I stepped out of the car.

I smiled, “I’m not late. You’re just too early.”

“Same thing in my book,” Tyler looped his arm through mine as we made our way inside, “But enough about me—how’s the Republican Queen this morning?”

I gave him a warning look, “Ty, please.”

“What? I’m just saying, Olivia could stand to loosen up a bit. That whole ‘must control everything’ vibe isn’t a good look.”

“She’s under a lot of pressure,” I defended, though it felt hollow even to my own ears. I’d been feeling the strain more and more these days.

Tyler waved his hand dismissively, “A lot of pressure doesn’t mean you have to act like you’re running a dictatorship at home. But whatever. We’ll put her aside for now,” His eyes sparkled as he leaned in conspiratorially, “You know who does handle pressure well?”

I groaned, knowing exactly where this was going, “Ty…”

“The President! I swear, Kamala is just… perfection,” He swooned dramatically, “Did you see her speech yesterday? She just gets it, you know? Confident, poised, smart, and not to mention gorgeous.”

I could feel her chest tighten, “She’s… very good at her job.”

Tyler’s eyebrows shot up, “Good at her job? Sweetheart, she’s magnificent at her job. She’s like a role model for everyone in this building. And don’t even get me started on how she looks in a power suit.”

I shifted uncomfortably, trying to focus on the bustle of the White House halls around us rather than Tyler’s relentless praise, “Let’s keep it professional, okay? She’s our boss.”