Chapter 6

Olivia's expression was stoned the entire time, was it because she saw Roberto again? Or was it Bernardo Elizondo?

Not only did he lie about his name, he lied about everything else and she'd been gullible enough to believe in him. It's been eighteen years already and it felt like was only yesterday when he'd chosen to disappear from her life.

Why was she still affected by him?

Maybe it's because seeing him with a happy family irks her, it's not fair. She thought.

She felt a hand on her shoulder, and when she turned round it was Manuel, now her husband of eighteen years.

''we should go.'' He told her and she didn't protest when he guarded her out. The chauffeur held the car door open to them and as soon as they'd settled in, the drive home began. Olivia scanned the large sketch pad page by page. The past few days had been exhausting, she didn't want to slack off this time and risk been toppled by casa Gabriela. She'd put in too much effort to back down now.

These could well be the most crucial moments for casa olivina and she ought to do this in other to gain more clients and to keep the ones she already has.

Olivia smacked her hand on the sketch book desperately.

''this is not it.'' She said desperately. ''this isn't what I want. Come on people, is this all you can give me? These designs are dull and tacky therefore they are unsuitable for the romance collection. I want something that spells out attraction, a dress that makes one stand out—shiny, sensuous, love.'' Olivia glanced back and forth at their rabitt faces. ''now, I want you all to sit back and give me romance.'' She said but the designers hesitated.

''come on people.'' Niki the assistant head designer urged clapping his hand ''you heard the boss lets get to work.'' He shooed.

Niki walked Olivia out.

''I think you should get some rest Olivia.'' He suggested taking her hand.

''stop doing that.'' She countered , referring to his hand holding. ''people might think otherwise.''

''that must be a joke right? They must be blind or something to insinuate something like that.''

''you're so confident.'' She dropped smilingly.

''that's cause I have nothing to hide. Or do you have something to hide? Maybe you fancy me.'' He grinned sheepishly.

''niki!'' she exclaimed pocking him with her grab.

And as they neared her office, the secretary reported.

''ma'am your husband is waiting for you in your office.''

''thanks ava.''

''oh I sense some romance in the air.'' Niki teased in a singsong voice. Olivia blushed then put on a hearty smile. ''I should go on, I'll keep you updated on the designs.'' He gave her a peck before leaving.

Olivia pushed open the door to her, feeling blessed at the sight of the man behind her huge mahogany desk. Manuel was breath taking as always with his black hair styled to enhance his boyish looks. He got on his feet and walked up to her across the desk with a warm smile curved on his lips and handed her a bouquet of lilies.

''a beautiful flower for a beautiful woman.'' She grinned before his mouth captured hers in a soulful kiss.

''you look pale.'' Manuel observed while propped against the desk in front of her. ''have you been losing sleep over the fashion house again?'' it was more of a reprimand than a simple question.

''casa olivina is like my child, and I'm going to take care of it.'' She countered.

''maybe you should take a break and let me handle things around here.''

''I truly appreciate the kind gesture but I can do this manuel.

''are you sure?'' his eyes narrowed, he didn't want to believe that.

''of course.'' He leaned in for another kiss.

''by the way, mom sends her regard.'' He prompted after the kiss.

''how is she?''

''so-so. And oh, she wanted me to tell you how proud she Is to have you as a daughter-in-law.''

''did you make that up?'' she inquired raising a brow.

''Course not. Quoted word to word from the grand dame herself.'' She chuckled in that sexy way she always had.

''do that again.'' She poked him in the chest thinking he was just teasing her, but the serious look in his eyes made her blush. He circled his arms round her slender waist maintaining a steady eye contact.

''when I first set my eyes on you Olivia, I knew right there and then that you were not a mistake.'' He muttered huskily, ripe tangerine eyes burning into hers.

''don't look at me like that.'' She stated her voice almost a whisper as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

''like what?'' he leaned in, his face only inches from hers.

''like that, it makes me want to do anything.''

He raised a brow. ''oh yeah?'' she nodded. ''why don't we have lunch together. And you might want to take the rest of the day off.'' He cooed.

''why you silly…'' the rest of her protest was swallowed by his mouth crushing hers

Manuel glanced over at her, she was looking out the window. He let out a sigh wondering what was on her mind, she wasn't usually this quiet.

He reached out and took her hand, she stop looking out the window and was gazing into his eyes. The concern she saw in them made tears threaten to blind her eyes; he was too good to be true, no one not even her own father showed any concern about her the way this man did.

And each day, she tell herself to not forget how lucky she is to have someone like manuel by her side.

''you've been quiet ever since we left the show, are you okay?'' she squeezed his hand affectionately and forced a smile.

''I'm okay. Just tired I guess.''

''or disappointed that you didn't win.''

''how shallow. I may have lost the crown but casa olivina can still win other shows.'' He kissed her hair.

''glad to hear how confident you are.''