Olivia North

I was infuriated by my insensitive brother. What did he think of me? A robot? I know he has a point about me mingling and strengthening my connections with other businessmen, I get it, I swear. Those events were really a great platform in adding your connections in business world but shouldn't I attend other events instead? I don't want to attend the Distillery Night for two reason, one is because I know I will be exhausted hence the second reason, I won't be as beautiful and fresh as I would be. Zac, just you wait, I will get my payback soon.

I huffed and sat on my chair. I turned on my computer to check my emails, then I heard a knock. I looked at the door and saw Nikkie's head popped in.

"Ms. North, Eddie and Mike from the textile division are here to discuss about the production next week." Nikkie informed me and I nodded to her.

"Let them in, I want you also here to take notes." I told her seriously.

"Yes, ma'am." she said, she nodded to her left and gestured to the two to come in while she gets her notes.

"Good afternoon, Ms. North." the two said in unison.

"Afternoon, take a sit." I ordered them as I pointed the chairs in front of me. Nikkie went in with her notes and sat on the couch, ready to take notes.

"So, what is it that you wanted to discuss?" I asked in a business tone and with a face void of emotion.

"It's about the production, miss. As per the report, we have accounted that we'll be a little short of production next week." Mike said in nervous tone.

"In terms of percentage, how short are we?" I asked looking straight into Mike's eyes. I saw him gulp and I know that this will just add up to my boiling anger.

"Roughly 40%, Ms. North, but we are..."

I slammed my left hand on the table.

"40%?! How did this happen? I can clearly remember that when we had our monthly meeting last 2 weeks ago, you," I pointed my index finger at him and continued, "said that we'll reach a maximum of 120% production this month. Explain to me how did this happen!" I said in a dangerously calm tone. But I guess he can see the anger in my eyes.

"It's because in this document." he started to explain and handed me a report but I tossed it lightly to the side.

"I said explain." I glared at him.

"Apologies, Ms. North. As I was saying, what made us short in producing the cloth was because of the technical problems we had in the factory, one of the machines overheat. We already called a technician to fix the machine but after three days, it overheat again and after they fix it, they tried to start it again but the machine won't operate. We've consulted about the machine and the technician told us that it malfunctioned because of the old age." he explained carefully assessing my reaction.

"So we already have 60% produced. How many did we promise to deliver to Mr. Cheng?" I asked, please be near 60%, I hoped.

"3,000 cloths, Ms. North, and that is the 55% of the 60%." Eddie told me.

"So we still have 5%, which are our clients that we can persuade or propose to a staggered delivery this month?" I asked him and he handed me a list and he enumerated 5 clients at me. I nodded and told him to email them that due to technical mishap, we would be proposing a staggered delivery this month but we rest assured them that next month we'll be back to our normal operations.

"and you, Mike, I want you to inspect the factory tomorrow and coordinate with our head engineer there. Send me a report what needs to be replaced and look for a repla..." I was cut by a loud ringing of a phone, I frowned because the ringtone was irritating so I ordered them to find it.

"Find that, shut it, or I'm gonna get angry." I said as I pointed at Mike and Eddie. Eddie took his phone out and put it in a silent mode. I took a deep breath and continued.

"Now, as I was saying, I want you to find a replacement machine. Include it also in the report. Draft the email now Eddie and send it to me for review. And you Mike, I want your report on Friday, do you understand?" I asked as I pointed my finger to the both of them and they both nodded.

"Anything else?" I asked again.

"None, Ms. North." Mike answered and I dismissed them.

"Did you get all of that, Nikkie?" I asked my secretary before she went out.

"Yes, Miss. Do you need me to send the minutes to you? she asked and I nodded.

I leaned my back to my chair and closed my eyes, seconds after that, I heard a soft knock. I sighed and uttered a soft come in.

"I hope I didn't come in a wrong time?" I opened my eyes as I heard Nick's voice. There he was standing in front of me in my office looking so handsome. His right hand was inside his pocket while his left hand holding his Louis Vuitton gray briefcase.

"What are you doing here? I thought you have a meeting with Zachary and dad? Take a sit." I asked as I sat properly on my chair while he took a sit in front of me.

"We had but we were only finalizing the deal. Anyway, I'm here to ask you to have dinner with me?" he asked carefully as he's gauging my reaction.

"What time is it? Isn't too early to have dinner?" I asked confuse.

"It's already 6 in the evening, Olivia. I guess you were too busy to notice the time." he said smiling at me. Really? Our discussion went that long? Anyway I won't take down his offer because I am famished, I could eat a whole cow tonight.

I sighed and nodded at him.

"You know what, let's go. I badly need food in my system. All these meetings, discussions and such are draining me." I said. I shut my computer as well as my laptop and put it in my handbag. We stood up at the same time and walked side by side. He put his palm again on my back but before he opened the door I spoke.

"You will be paying, okay." I looked at him sideways and I saw his smile broadened.

"As always, my lady."

"You'll drive me home too." I added because I didn't bring my car, Jowee was the one who drove us this morning.

I heard his chuckle and I punched his arm lightly then we headed out for dinner.

"I'll have tomahawk steak with asparagus and marble potatoes, please don't add cheese on the potatoes. For dessert, I'll have a pecan pie topped with whipped cream." I ordered and thanked the waiter.

"You really are hungry, huh?" Niccolo asked  in disbelief.

"I am famished, exhausted, stressed and frustrated. The only thing that can make me forget those and feel good again is food. So if someone denied me food tonight, that person better be ready for he will be the one receiving my wrath." I declared my warning to him.

He chuckled.

"You know it's funny because I thought you're one of those girls who are conscious about the food they eat and about their body. But it turned out you're otherwise." he commented and it's my turn to laugh.

"You know Nick, I love food and I wouldn't trade it for anything else. Why would I choose to starve myself instead of eating the food that I want, that is just sad." I answered and drank my water.

"Yeah, food is life. So, as you said a while ago, you were frustrated and stressed. Is it safe to say that you're hangry?" he asked carefully but still smiling at me. Those smiles, he looked even more handsome in that boyish smile.

"I was hangry especially when I was discussing with Zac. Can you believe him? He wanted me to attend the Distillery Night on Saturday. I already told Jowee that I can't come because I'll be arriving from Dubai that day. But Zac being an insensitive jerk, he was so adamant for me to attend that party." I huffed and crossed my arms on the table.

"Why do you have to come? I know you're father would be present there." he told me as our order arrived and placed it in front of us. I dug in immediately because I was so hungry. I didn't even care what would Niccolo think of me, besides I am now his girlfriend so he has to learn to live with my appetite.

"Well, the jackass wanted me to expand my connections and the legacy night will be a great opportunity for me to do so. I understand where he is coming from but Niccolo, I don't think my body can handle the exhaustion. You know, from the time I started working there, I did not complain a single word about the things he wanted me to do. Did you know that he would tell me last minute to attend his meetings, and to draft a proposal that he needed either within the day or the next day? Oh, you know what's the worst he asked me to do? He told me to go to our sugar mill factory and that was at 4 in the afternoon. I had to drive for 3 hrs to get there, and I got home at 1am." when I finished my rant, I drank my water again and as I looked at him, I saw amazement in his eyes. I raised my brows at him.

"Are you listening to me?" I asked annoyed.

He blinked and chuckled, he held my right hand that rests on top of the table. I lightly gasps because it was the first time he really touched me since the announcement.

"I am listening. You know Olivia, I don't think that Zac's doing all that to annoy you. I believe he just wants you to know and get accustomed in the business world especially you're company is one of the largest in the world. He's doing all that for you to become tough and knowledgeable not only one part of your company but as a whole so that no one can take advantage of you." he said gently. I frowned at him, leaned back on my chair and folded my arms across my chest.

"So you're siding with him?" I asked annoyed. I know he's just using reason to make me understand but I don't care, I am his girlfriend, he needs to side with me emotionally. I don't need reasons tonight, dad and Erin are there to give me one.

"No, I'm not siding with him. I just said what he proba..." he saw me glaring at him, "Okay fine, some of them are unreasonable like you driving alone in the middle of the night. You know, if he asked you again to do that, call me and I'll drive you wherever and whenever." he stated.

I smiled at his statement and resumed eating my food.

"Really? You're busy Niccolo, I can't let you do that." I said before I popped the meat inside my mouth.

"I'm not busy when it comes to you and Dylan." he stated and I looked up at him to see if he's joking but he's serious.

"You know, you don't have to say things like that especially if you won't commit." I said flatly but gently. Let's see what he will answer.

He sighed, he put his fork on his plate and held both of my hands. For the second time, I felt the electricity when he touched me.

"Livy, I already committed when I promised your dad that I will take care of you. You just have to let me do it." he said genuinely. I can feel my heart's rapid pulsation, oh my god Niccolo, I hope those were not empty words.

"I am not a liability, Niccolo. And you're only doing that because you think that I am your responsibility now." I told him as I removed my hands from him. He gripped it tighter without hurting me and he looked me in the eyes with the same intensity it held a while ago.

"I know you're capable of taking care of yourself, you're not a liability for me. I know you're a strong independent woman and please don't think that I am only doing all this because you're my responsibility. It's far from that, you're far from that, Livy." he said and my heart beats even more when he said Livy. We stared at each other for a minute until I was the first one to look away. I removed my hands from his and spoke, "You know what, our food's getting cold." he smiled and we resumed eating.

While he paid for our bill, I excused myself to go to the toilet. I checked myself in the mirror and thought about what he said a while ago. I could really see the sincerity his eyes held when he's saying those things. Niccolo, it's hard to hate you, if you continue being kind like this, I might like you for real.

We arrived at my apartment building. He parked his car by the entrance. I looked at him and smiled, "Thank you for dinner."

"My pleasure." he smiled

I was about to open the car door but I remembered something. I turned around and spoke, "On Saturday, you don't have to wait for me. I'll just come straight to the party when I landed, okay?"

"Oh, Ok. So you will come? I thought you said..."

"You need a date, and I don't want Zac to nag me about ditching you and the party." I said and smiled.

"Are you sure? You're going to be very exhausted, you need rest, Olivia." he suggested and my smile broadened.

"You will take care of me." I said as I opened the car door and went out.

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I was applying my lipstick when the pilot announced that we're about to land.

I went to the plane's parlour and buckled myself for landing. It's the night of Jowee's company anniversary, I've gotten ready in the plane. Tonight I'm wearing a red gown that has a long slit on my left leg, it hugged my body tightly but not so tight to the point that I couldn't breathe or sit properly.

I straightened my hair and just parted it in the middle because I was so tired to curl it. As per my makeup, I only put a think cat eyeliner and a gorgeous mink eye lashes to give an illusion that my eyes are wide open even if I so wanted to sleep. To top everything, I used a classic shade of red lipstick.

As we landed, I thanked again all the crew for the safe landing. I checked myself in the mirror one last time to see if I still look presentable despite the exhaustion and lack of sleep.

I went out of the plane and saw Jones standing by the Rolls Royce. I smiled at him and he welcomed me home. He opened the door for me to come. I closed my eyes for a moment to ease the headache that's starting to form.

"Livy. Livy, wake up. We're near." I heard Jones waking me up. I opened my eyes slowly and sat straight up. I took out my foundation powder from my purse to touch up my makeup.

After 5 minutes, we arrived at the grand ballroom. Jones opened the car door for me and as I stepped out, I thanked him.

I got inside the ballroom and immediately looked for Niccolo. Geez, I forgot to ask for his number so I can't call him. Seriously Livy, sometimes you're so dumb.

I wandered around to look for him. I saw a lot of familiar faces and they greeted me. I acknowledged their greeting with a smile.

At last, I saw Nick talking to a guy and I went to him. He probably sensed me as he looked up my way, he smiled when he saw me. I walked quickly to him and hugged him, I didn't know why I did that, I think it's the fatigue. I knew he was surprised by my actions because he didn't return my hug immediately.

I released the hug and linked my arm to his.

"Hey." I greeted and smiled at him.

"How was your flight?" he asked while removing something on my hair.

"Exhausting." I said in a small tone and leaned my head on his shoulder. Then I heard someone cleared his throat. I looked in front of me and saw a man, probably in his late twenties or early thirties, looking at us weirdly.

"Olivia, this is Alexander Vice, my best friend." Niccolo introduced the guy to me.

I smiled at him and removed my right hand that linked to the arm of Niccolo and offered it to Alexander for a handshake.

"Hello, I'm Olivia North, Nick's girlfriend." I said.

"It's nice to finally meet you. I've heard a lot about you." He smiled at me, took my hand and kissed the back of my palm. I chuckled and I felt Nick's arm snaked around my waist.

"I hope that what you heard didn't come from the media." I said and he chuckled.

"It's from the guy beside you." he stated and suddenly I realized something.

"Are you the son of Bryan Vice? The owner of Vice Air?" I asked and he nodded. I knew it.

"So I heard you just landed?" he asked as he sipped his champagne.

"Yes." I affirmed and looked at the man beside me and smiled at him. He smiled back and kissed the side of head. There goes my heart again, beating rapidly. It wasn't even fully recovered yet from his touch and then he did that. Oh my God, why am I feeling like this.

"Livy! You came!" I heard Jowee's excited voice. I looked to my side and saw her and Erin walking towards us. As they approached us, we hugged each other.

"I thought you said you won't attend tonight." Jowee asked

"Well change of plans. Anyway, I want you two to meet Niccolo Knights, my boyfriend, and Alexander Vice, his best friend. Nick, Alex, these two are my best friends Jowee Bradley and Erin McAfee." I said as I introduced them with each other. They shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Niccolo." Jowee commented while shaking her hands with him.

"It's nice to meet you too." He smiled "Are you the Jowee Bradley?" Nick asked and Jowee nodded with an amused smile plastered on her face.

"All this time I thought that Jowee Bradley was a man." Nick voiced his thoughts as Jowee laughed.

"Don't worry, everyone thought that I was a man until they met me." Jowee said while she picked up a glass of champagne from the roving waiters.

Meanwhile, I heard Alex asked Erin. "Are you related to the McAfees?" Erin smiled at him and spoke, "Yes, I am their youngest daughter but I didn't join the family business." She said with class.

"Where are your dates?" I asked both of them.

"Oh yeah. We left them because we heard that you came so we went looking for you, and they're annoying, so we left them, right E?" Jowee said nonchalantly and I laughed.

We heard the emcee spoke informing us that the program will start in 5 minutes and we went to our own table.

I sighed as I sat on the chair. Geez, I can now feel the fatigue again. I heard Niccolo whispered to my right and looked at him.

"Are you alright? Do you want to go home now?" He asked concerned etched on his face.

I gave him a reassuring smile as I hooked my right arm on his and leaned my head on his shoulder.

All throughout the program, I focused on myself to stay awake and Niccolo kept asking me if I wanted to go home and I kept saying I'm alright.

I was about to close my eyes when the emcee informed us that it's time to dance. I wasn't planning to but Jowee forced both Niccolo and I to join them in the dance floor. We went in the middle and Nick was about to hold my right hand and snaked his right arm on my waist but I put both of my arms on his neck and leaned my head on his chest. I really need to lean on to something because I was too tired to move not to mention that this is also comfortable for me and I can smell his sandalwood scent.

He placed both of his arms around me and swayed us both.

"You know, we can stop now and get you home." He broke the silence between us after a while.

"I'm fine." I mumbled sleepily.

"Are you sure? You look like you will passed out anytime." He said gently.

"I swear, I'm fine." I assured him as I looked up at him. He held my face with his left hand and spoke, "You don't look fine Livy, after this dance, I will drive you home." He's being serious about this. I smiled at him and nodded before I leaned my head on his chest again.

True to his words, after we danced, we bid our goodbyes to Mr. and Mrs. Bradley, Jowee, Erin, and his best friend Alex. He held my hand as we walked outside the ballroom, I frowned when he removed his hand but I was taken aback when he took off his blazer and put it on me then held my hand again. I smiled at his gesture, I looked at him and he was so serious.

"You know, I will talk to your brother about this. This should not happen again. You really need to rest, Livy." He said seriously but I can see anger in his eyes.

I noticed that he calls me Livy whenever he's serious, mad, or angry while he calls me Olivia when he's being playful. Usually, people call me Olivia when they're serious and calls me Livy when they're having fun with me, but Niccolo is the opposite and I quite like it.

His car arrived and he opened the car door for me. He started driving when he stepped inside.

I thought about what happened in the party and smiled before I shut my eyes and sleep.