Chapter 2 No way out!

A heavy headache throbbed through Olivia's temples as she slowly opened her eyes the next morning. For a few seconds, she remained still, staring blankly at the ceiling as the memory from last night came rushing back.

She squeezed her eyes shut and slowly sat up on the bed. A painful groan escaped her lips as she placed a hand against her forehead. She looked around the room.

For a moment, her mind went completely blank, then Austin came to mind.

Her heart tightened. "Austin," She opened the drawer of the nightstand and pulled out a wristband, staring at it silently.

The wristband brought back a memory she had tried so hard to bury.

She remembered the chaos, and how the only man who had risked his life to save her was almost beaten to death.

Then, in the middle of everything, the wristband had accidentally slipped from his hand. She had noticed it fall. Without thinking, she had quickly picked it up before Philip could grab her again.

She didn't even know why she had kept it. Maybe because she was feeling guilty about what happened to him.

Olivia slowly placed the wristband against her chest and closed her eyes for a brief moments. "I hope you are safe wherever you are dear stranger." Her voice was barely audible.

She hid the band inside the drawer and locked it, pulling herself up subsequently, despite the pain.

When she stepped downstairs, the mansion was already busy.

The servants were moving around, carrying out their morning duties. Some were cleaning the living room while others were arranging things around the dining area.

The moment they saw Olivia, they paused and greeted her. Olivia managed a small smile and nodded as the servants returned to their duties.

At the dining table, Senior Servant Isha was already arranging breakfast.

Isha was an elderly woman who had worked in Lucas's mansion for years. She was respected by everyone in the house and was treated almost like a mother by the younger servants. She had also grown very fond of Olivia.

The moment Isha looked at her, however, the smile on her face disappeared. She noticed the way Olivia walked and she stared at her for a moment before speaking. "Careful." Isha said, helping her to sit.

"Thank you." Olivia whispered.

Isha looked at her closely. "Madam Olivia, when will Lucas stop hurting you?"

Olivia's heart sank. she looked away, trying to hold back her tears. "What's for breakfast?"

Isha frowned. "Don't do that, madam."

"Nanny," as she fondly called her. "Can I get something to eat first?"

Isha sat close to her. "You think I don't notice?" she asked quietly. "Every time Lucas hurts you, you pretend everything is fine the next morning. But I see you. I see the pain you go through everyday and I see the bruises you try to hide."

Olivia's lips trembled as she lowered her head, trying to hold her self together.

Isha gently placed both hands beneath her chin and lifted her face. Tears rolled down her cheeks at once.

Isha pulled her into her arms. "Nanny, I'm tired. I'm fucking tired, I don't know what else to do."

Isha gently patted her back. "I understand, my dear. Just take a deep breath, everything is gonna be fine, trust me."

* * *

LS FLORAL LTD

Lucas had been managing the LS FLORAL for several years, and the business had grown considerably under his leadership.

Money had never been a problem for him. But despite his success, Lucas was known for his terrible temper.

The glass door to his sparsely furnished office opened and a lady stepped in.

"Sir, you called?"

Bianca, Lucas's secretary, stood in front of his desk with a notepad in her hand. She began fidgeting the moment she saw the threatening look on Lucas's face.

She had accidentally sent Lucas the wrong supplier quotation, the one with outdated prices. Lucas used those figures to negotiate a large corporate order, only to discover later that the supplier's current prices were much higher.

“Do you have any idea how much money your mistake could have cost this company?”

“I'm so... sorry, sir. I didn't realize I... I had attached the old quotation.” her fingers vibrated as she stammered.

“You didn't realize?” Lucas slammed his fist on his desk. “You had one simple job, Bianca.”

“Please, sir. Give me another chance to rectify it. I promise I'd do better."

“Well, too late because you're fired!”

Blanca immediately got on her knees, crying . "No, sir...please don't fire me. My entire family depends on this job, I don't wanna loose it."

Lucas got up and walked around the desk, his hands in both pockets as he stared at her. Then a disturbing smile appeared on his face.

"You don't want to lose your job?"

Bianca shook her head. Then Lucas moved closer. "What if I gave you another option?"

Bianca looked confused. "What option?"

Lucas reached toward her and asked her to stand up. She did.

His voice went low. "You either do what I want, or you walk out of this company without your job."

Bianca knew where he was driving at but pretended to be confused. "What are you talking about, sir?"

Lucas's expression hardened. "I don't think you understand your situation young lady. Okay, let me head straight to the point..." He grabbed her arm and drew her closer to his chest "Get laid with me and save your job."

Bianca withdrew herself from his grip, shaking her head in refusal. "I won't do anything like that. I rather loose the job than get laid with some piece of shit!"

Lucas's jaw tightened. "Get out of my office and don't ever step your feet into this company again!" His thick voice circulating the office.

He called the security on her, within seconds, they bounced in.

Lucas dropped back into his chair, furious. No one has ever challenged him, and he couldn't stand the fact that Bianca had just insulted him. He picked up the phone again.

"Prepare a new secretary for me first thing tomorrow morning." He ended the call.

He had no reason to remain at the office.

so he grabbed his coat and left.

* * *

Lucas arrived home earlier than usual. The servants greeted him as he matched inside but he ignored them.

His mood was still dark from what had happened at the company.

He headed straight upstairs. "Olivia!" But he got no answer. He walked into the bedroom and found it empty then he heard footsteps behind him.

"Lucas?"

Lucas looked behind him. "Where have you been?"

"I was downstairs." She forced a small smile but was already trembling. "You're home early."

Lucas said nothing.

Olivia watched him carefully. "I'll get your lunch ready." She turned to leave but Lucas suddenly grabbed her arm and pulled her on the bed, taking off her clothes.

"Let go of me, you monster!" She struggled to free herself.

Downstairs, nanny Isha froze when she heard Olivia screaming. Her eyes shut in pain and anger and the moment she couldn't take it anymore, she grab

bed a kitchen knife and started heading towards the stairs.