Logan

My heart was still reeling from the aftermath of the almost-shared kiss with Olivia. If my phone hadn't interrupted us, I would have messed up. I didn't even know why I followed her in the first place. I didn't expect to see her at the restaurant. Yes, I know the place is near her clinic, but the chances of meeting her were slim. Why was I so worried about what she thought when she saw me with Julia? Julia is just a business partner that I had to meet on behalf of my client. There was nothing more to it. Why was I overthinking Olivia's perspective then? My fingers ran through my hair, ruffling them. "Logan, pull yourself together."

"How can a businessman own a phone and not pick up his calls!" Brian's loud voice resonated through the office as he kicked the door open.

I glanced at my phone. I hadn't even noticed the incoming call. "Sorry, I didn't hear it ringing," I said, withdrawing my hand from my hair and letting out a light sigh.

"Looks like your brain is currently in chaos," Brian remarked as he crashed down on the couch. I followed suit, occupying the space next to him.

"You're right. My brain is actually in chaos. Something is definitely wrong with it."

"It's Olivia, right?"

"How did you know?"

"It's pretty obvious. Work doesn't take your attention like this. It has to be something else. And my heart is telling me it has to do with Olivia. What did she do this time around?" The way Brian emphasized the last part made me want to smack him. She isn't that much of a troublemaker.

"We met at the restaurant earlier," I started, breaking the lingering silence that had fallen in the room.

Brian shot me a questioning look. "And?"

"She saw me with another woman."

"A woman?" Brian trailed off. "When did you meet a new woman?"

"This is not the time for jokes, Brian," I hissed out. "I met the woman to talk business on behalf of my client. Olivia saw us and left the restaurant. I followed her, and she lashed out on me." The next thing that followed was his laughter.

"Can you shut it or leave my office?" I threatened, clenching my jaw. Why was I even telling Brian? The best thing he's good at is laughing his ass off serious matters.

"Okay, I'm sorry. This is really funny. Why are you worried then? I mean, you were there to talk business. Why would you feel guilty?"

Right. Why should I bother when I don't even like Olivia? I'm just being paranoid over nothing. Brian is right.

"I'm not guilty. So let's drop the topic."

"You don't look convinced to me. Talking about it is the only way to relieve your heart. You have feelings for her, right?"

"No!"

Our gaze lingered on one another. My voice came out in a high pitch. "You do. And you can't tell me otherwise."

"No, I don't. Get out of my office," I gestured towards the door, but instead, he plopped his legs on the center table. "If you want me to leave, you have to be honest with me first. I have known you for years. Beating around the bush is not your portion."

"What do you mean?"

"Your feelings for Olivia. I can see it all over your face."

"Thank you, seer."

I knew if I wasted any more time talking to him, I would clearly lose my remaining cool. I stood up, adjusting my suit. "Since you don't want to leave, I will. I need some rest," I said without waiting for him to respond, and gathered my things and head out.

I could feel his gaze on me as I walked towards the elevator. Maybe he was calculating what to say next. I couldn't care less. What I know was that I don't have feelings for Olivia. I was just doing what needed to be done. Nothing more. The elevator door slid open, and we got in. Brian cleared his throat, and I turned to him with a glare. "Don't even say anything."

"In as much as I am Brian, I will talk. I don't see the point of hiding your feelings. You and Olivia are legally married. You two are bound by a baby. What more do you want?" I went silent. Everything he had said was true. There were ties that bound us together. Not only the marriage but the baby as well.

Brian placed a hand on my shoulder as we walked out of the elevator. "Look here, Logan. I don't know the reason why you're shying away from expressing your feelings. What I know is that Olivia is different from all the women you have been with. Trust me when I tell you, it's worth giving a try."

As Brian and I parted ways, I drove back home. However, our conversation still lingered in my mind. Why are things so complicated? I'm not ready to tell my family everything yet, especially when the company is in high demand. I don't want to create another scandal that will jeopardize my career.

The living room was quiet, as usual. Not that I expected much from any of the family members. We were used to the routine already. "Logan, you're back," my father's wife's voice came as she made her way out of the kitchen.

I passed her a brief smile with a nod of my head and proceeded to walk away. "Can I have a word with you later?" Her voice came through again just as I took a step forward on the stairs. I watched her briefly, wondering what the need for us to talk was. I don't normally engage in any activities in the house. I can't point out the last time she and I sat to discuss something. "Can we talk about it now?" I ushered, withdrawing my legs back from the stairs. "I don't think I can leave my room later. That rest is much needed."

"Sure." We grabbed our seats on the couch, but an undeniable thick silence fell on us. She wasn't saying anything, and I didn't know how to make her. So I just sat there.

"It's about Liam," she finally spoke.

"Liam?" I found myself repeating his name instantly. What about him? I hope she's not trying to lecture me over the conversation Liam and I had because I'm not going to venture into that. We're in no position to have such a discussion.

"I know for a fact that you're trying your best for the growth of the company. Liam is my son and your brother. I won't be happy seeing him lagging behind in his own share of work." I shot her a questioning brow, not quite getting where her words were heading. She looked nervous. "Liam—"

"I think the garden will be the perfect place to demonstrate what I'm trying to tell you." The sound of a familiar voice resonated from the stairs.

"I'm not going to shy away from that," Liam's face was squeezed into a smile as he stepped down the stairs together with Olivia, who was obviously smiling. We met each other's gaze. And for the life of me, the first thing I noticed afterward was how their bodies were touching. What are they doing together? When did Liam and Olivia become acquaintances? And much more, what are they heading to the garden to do? Bitterness settled in the pit of my stomach as the two walked past us as if we were invisible.

I don't know whether what Olivia was doing was on purpose to get back at me for earlier. I mean, did I do anything wrong? My eyes trailed off to their backs as they sauntered away. Questions still lingered in my head. My stepmother's words were void to my ears. First, I wasn't interested in what she was saying, and second, seeing Liam and Olivia together didn't sit well with me. Not at all.

"Logan?"

My attention was diverted towards the not-so-excited woman seated in front of me. "Can we talk about it some other time?" I said, standing up. I have exceeded the remaining strength in me already.

"Oh... that won't be a problem. We can—" The rest of her words were far away from my ears as I'd already landed halfway through the stairs.

As I shut the door behind me, I leaned my back on it. What are they doing together?

What are they going to the garden for? All my questions were left unanswered since I was asking myself and no one else.

"That's none of your business, Logan. You don't even like her," I muttered, letting out a light smile.

Fifteen minutes later, I found myself standing outside my door, glancing at the hallway. There was no sign of Olivia or Liam. Are they still at the garden? I spared my phone screen a quick glance. Midnight is fast approaching. Not a good time for Olivia to be outside and that with another man.

I contemplated whether to call her or not. If I call, she will have the wrong impression. And if I don't, I won't be at peace. Funny enough, I was supposed to be in bed resting.

I stood there, feeling like a night watchman, waiting for someone I had claimed not to harbor any romantic feelings for. "Remember, you're worried for the sake of the baby," I tried to assure myself, even though I knew my brain and heart were far from listening to that.

Just when I inhaled sharply, my eyes caught a glimpse of Olivia. Liam wasn't with her. I cleared my throat, pretending I was on a phone call. "Oh, Olivia, you're still up?" I uttered absentmindedly as I approached her.

"Oh, Logan, you're up too?" It took an ounce of self-control not to roll my eyes. I had stood outside my door for more than twenty minutes waiting for her, and her response was just, "Oh, Logan, you're up too?"

"Yeah. Was taking care of one or two work stuffs. What about you?" I instantly regretted my choice of words as I saw her lips curve up.

"Me?" She pointed to herself. "Didn't you see me going out?"

"Is that a deliberate question?"

"No. Goodnight." She turned to leave. She might think walking away will solve the situation I was battling with in my heart. Before she could open her door, I grabbed her arm and pulled her back.

"Are you trying to get on my nerves?" I muffled out, looking her straight in the eye. I wasn't going to let this conversation slip by without getting to the bottom of it. "Was it because of earlier?"

"I don't know what you're talking about. Did something happen earlier?"

Our gazes locked heatedly. I closed my eyes momentarily and opened them again. "She's just a client," I confessed, casting my head down. I didn't even know why I was explaining that to her. What difference would it make?

"Who?" Olivia asked, an amused smile playing on her lips. Great.

"Seriously, Olivia! I'm talking about something important," I shook her. Her smile widened. "Okay, I get it. I never complained before. Why did you then act like you don't know me in front of her?"

"Did I? I was just surprised to see you there. You know, you don't normally go there."

She shot me a suspicious look. "Are you spying on me? How did you know I don't go there often? It's close to my workplace, after all."

"Well, I just guessed. But know that there's nothing between us."

She nodded her head, I nodded mine too. The silence between us lingered, making me feel unsure of what to do next. Should I stay or should I leave? Part of me wanted to stay, while another part was urging me to leave.

I don't have feelings for her. I repeated to myself, trying to convince my heart to stay focused on the reason I was doing all this – for the sake of the baby.

"Um, I should get going. It's late," Olivia finally broke the silence. I nodded in agreement. "Yeah, probably. It's late, and you have work tomorrow," I said, but I didn't move an inch. Olivia seemed hesitant to leave too.

Ask away, Logan.

No! She will get the wrong impression. My mind protested, but another voice in my head insisted, Ask, dumb head!

Her hand around her doorknob ignited the words out of me. "What did you and Liam talked about?" I blurted out.