Falling For The Forbidden

CHAPTER 1

Olivia's POV

The Parker estate hadn't changed. The towering marble columns, expansive windows, and pristine landscaping still screamed of wealth and status. Olivia had grown used to these displays for the past two years her mother Sofia had been married to David Parker. Still, stepping inside the house after months away felt like walking into someone else's life.

She took a deep breath, adjusting the collar of her blazer as she stepped into the grand foyer. Work was her safe space, and the law firm had been her sanctuary. But here? Here, she felt out of place, despite how long her mother had been married to David.

"Olivia!"

Her mother's voice carried through the wide hallways, breaking her reverie. Her heels clicked against the marble floors as Olivia made her way through the house. "You didn't have to come by today, you know," her mom said, stepping forward to give her a quick embrace. "I know you're busy with work."

"I had some time," Olivia replied, her tone cool but not unkind. "Besides, I figured I should check in."

Her mother beamed, seemingly oblivious to the tension Olivia felt every time she stepped back into this house. "Ryan's here, too," her mother added casually, the words twisting something tight in Olivia's chest. "I'm sure he'll want to catch up."

Olivia nodded; her throat suddenly dry. "Of course." She hadn't seen Ryan in months—not since their last family gathering, where the atmosphere between them had been as tense as ever. It wasn't just because he was her stepbrother, or that he was the CEO of his father's company now. It was the way he made her feel.

Like she was on the edge of something dangerous.

Her mother left her to finish unpacking some decorative boxes, and Olivia made her way toward the back of the house. The weight of being here, in this grand home, felt heavier with every step she took.

Just as she reached the kitchen, she heard a familiar voice, deep and commanding, coming from the study down the hall.

Ryan.

She hesitated in the doorway, catching sight of him through the half-opened door. He was on the phone, pacing slowly, his voice low and controlled, the way it always was when he was conducting business. As CEO, Ryan had a presence that demanded attention, respect, and—if she was honest with herself—something much more unsettling.

He hadn't noticed her yet, so she took a second to take him in. He was dressed in a tailored charcoal suit, every inch the powerful executive he'd become. His jawline was sharp, his dark hair perfectly styled, but it was his eyes—the intensity in them—that always left her breathless.

"Olivia."

His voice cut through the air, and she blinked, realizing that he had seen her. He ended the call and slipped his phone into his pocket, his gaze locking on hers. His expression was unreadable, but something in the way his eyes lingered made her pulse race.

"Ryan," she replied, her voice steady but guarded. "I didn't mean to interrupt."

"You're not interrupting." He stepped toward her, that familiar, confident stride sending her heart into overdrive. "I was just wrapping up."

The last time they'd seen each other, they'd barely exchanged pleasantries, keeping up the façade of being polite step-siblings. But there had always been an undercurrent of something else. Something neither of them wanted to acknowledge.

"I hear you've been busy at the firm," Ryan said, leaning casually against the doorframe, though his eyes never left hers. "Winning cases left and right, I'm sure."

"Keeping busy," Olivia corrected, forcing a smile. "And you? How's running the empire going?"

A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. "You know how it is. Meetings. Mergers. Making sure everything stays in line."

His words were casual, but there was an intensity in his gaze that told her he wasn't just talking about business.

The space between them suddenly felt too small, too charged. She shifted her weight, trying to regain her composure. "You seem to be doing well."

"Does that surprise you?" he asked, his smirk deepening.

"No," she replied, her voice softer now. "You've always been driven. I'm sure your father's proud."

Ryan's expression faltered, just for a second, but then the mask was back in place. He straightened, brushing off the comment. "David has his expectations. I meet them."

Olivia didn't push further. She knew the complicated relationship Ryan had with his father—the weight of expectations that had been thrust on him when he took over the company. Ryan thrived under pressure, but there was always something more lurking beneath the surface. Something unresolved.

"Mom said you'd be here," Ryan said, breaking the silence as he stepped closer, his voice lowering. "But she didn't say why."

Olivia cleared her throat, suddenly feeling exposed under his gaze. "No particular reason. Just visiting."

"Is that all?" His voice was soft now, almost teasing, but with a dangerous edge that sent a shiver down her spine.

She hated that he could do this to her—make her feel like the ground was slipping beneath her feet with just a look, just a few words. They were adults, professionals, and even family by technicality. But none of that mattered when he was this close.

"Yes," she replied, her voice steadier than she felt. "That's all."

Ryan's eyes lingered on hers for a moment longer before he nodded, stepping back just enough to give her space, but not enough to ease the tension. "Well, it's good to see you, Olivia."

"You too," she managed, turning on her heel before the moment stretched on any further. She needed air. She needed distance.

But as she walked down the hall, her pulse racing and her thoughts spinning, one thing was painfully clear.

This was going to be harder than she had ever imagined.

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