She sat in her perfectly decorated loft knowing the decision she had to make. Looking around at the contemporary furnishings, Olivia didn't see any of herself in her own home. True, her loft was a rental but it wasn't her decorating taste or style. It was his, although she wouldn't allow him to live here with her. A loft wasn't her idea of a "home". It was his. Chicago wasn't where she wanted to live. It was his. For the past 2 years of their 4 year on and off relationship, Olivia had simply went into robot mode. Other than her real estate career as her passion and outlet, her life revolved around his. His career always was more important and discussed. He only wanted them to be around his circle of friends. Her dreams, wants and even needs never mattered to him. So long as John had his gorgeous brunette by his side, he couldn't be bothered with how Olivia felt. She realized almost 2 years ago that he truly never loved her, she wasn't even sure if he even cared for her. And if she was being honest with herself, she could admit that she was never "in love" with him. Sure she knew she cared about him but what does it say when you get excited at your boyfriend traveling so much? Olivia was certain that her business connections had been the reason he sought her out and pursued her. She couldn't deny the first 2 years had been good, or so she thought. Once she found out about his cheating, she should have ended things but against her own better judgement, she stayed. The more she sat on her sofa listening to the conversation in her head, the more pissed off she got realizing that she had lost herself in a relationship going nowhere. Not that she needed or wanted a ring for that matter, the thought of marriage terrified her. The topic of children could send her head first off the tallest building. No, Olivia didn't need to be married, had no desire to have children, she just simply wanted to be "enough" for someone. To keep her independence at the same time being the "other half" to someone. To be that one person to someone who was the be all end all to them. That was no where near what she had found in her relationship with John. Now came decision time…end her relationship & stay in Chicago or end her relationship and accept a job offer in a small California town where she could start over. No question….California here I come!

Two weeks prior…

Olivia was finally home after yet another exhausting day dealing with clients who wanted high end luxury but couldn't afford to buy ice due to their terrible finances. Walking into her bedroom, she was thankful to slip into her favorite yoga pants and tank top. Her first thought was to crawl up into bed and sleep for the next 12 hours but she was starving. For hours she had been dreaming of a large spinach salad with extra tomatoes and mushrooms. She would have her salad then go to bed for some much needed rest, not to mention some extra sleep. Finishing cleaning up after dinner she began walking to her bedroom when she heard her phone beep. "Great, what could they possibly be wanting to see now", thought Olivia as she reached for her phone. Her latest clients were slowly grating on her nerves, wanting to see every house this side of the Mississippi that was over 5000 square feet….was a 6-digit commission really worth it? "Yes, it is." Looking at her phone she smiled seeing she had a text from a very much missed long lost girlfriend. Olivia hadn't seen her in almost 2 years since Tara had decided to return to Charming and complete her medical residency. Olivia was sad to see Tara leave Chicago, but after what she had survived, she understood completely. CALL ME…..Understand you have a job offer! T "Well Elliott, you didn't waste anytime" thought Olivia. Dialing Tara's number she couldn't help but think back to their last conversation before she moved.

"You're doing the right thing Tara. With everything you've been through these last few months, staying here will only bring you more unwanted drama. We both know if he ever finds out, he'll hurt you again. You made the decision that was best for you…don't you ever doubt that. I would have done the same thing if it happened to me. I hate that you're leaving Chicago but your heart and soul have never been here…it never left Charming and from what you told me about Jax, I highly doubt you two can't find your way back to each other. Go home, show everyone what a badass doctor you are and forget Chicago. Just be sure and not forgot about your partner in crime!"

After a 4-hour conversation that covered every topic known to man, Olivia was exhausted. Tara had ran into Elliott at the hospital, informing her that he had made Olivia a job offer to help him develop new communities near Charming. By luck 3 years ago, Elliott Oswald had been in Chicago at a contractor design fair where he met Olivia, at the time an up and coming interior decorator. After several corporate dinner meetings, Elliott boldly told Olivia (and her boss) that if she ever decided to venture out into real estate developing to give him a call. Thinking he was just being polite, she never gave it another thought…until 8 days ago when he called and offered her not only a fantastic job opportunity but an out. And after many, many arguments with her now ex-boyfriend John, she was leaving his life in Chicago and starting hers in a small town called Charming.