I just wanna say, I'm not holding any readers hostage. If you don't like my stories...don't read them. But it's rude to come and tell me; I'm a bad writer especially when I know it's not true. And liv isn't being "played down or portrayed as stupid". It's an AU fanfic so there will some things that are different. This is the last time I will say it you don't have to read it if you don't like it. And if you think one story is bad why would you read the second story? LOL

"Fitzgerald, What were you thinking" Gerry scolded.

"I was thinking like a man. He did that to her because she asked for a divorce." He pointed to the door.

"The exact reason...I told you to stay away from her."

"I don't care." He shook his head.

"You better start caring." Gerry lowered his voice "I understand why you did it." Gerry sat down. Clasping his hands. "But it caused problems. Olivia is basically family but son...you need to think about your career," he reasoned.

Fitz backed up giving his father a disgusted look. This was the first time Fitz didn't agree with his father. Fitz knew in his heart that he was right and what he did was the right thing to do. Maybe it doesn't look good right now.

"Dad, are you serious right now?" He asked in total disbelief.

"Yes, I am. What you did was stupid and reckless."

"So what happens now?" Fitz asked.

Olivia sat in the living room waiting for Fitz and his father to finish. Upon getting a call from the D.C police.

"Hello," Liv answered.

"Hello, Am I speaking with Mrs. Ballard? I'm detective Lory. I have the police report you filed. It came across my desk within the last hour or so. I was hoping you had a minute to talk?"

Olivia snuck off to the bathroom. She shut the door behind herself "How can I help you."

"I just want to follow up with a couple of questions involving your assault."

She hesitated at first. "Uh...yeah anything you need."

"Can we meet tomorrow at the station if possible, at 10 am?"

"That's fine."

Gerry's nonchalant attitude was starting to aggravate Fitz. The way he only focused on the blowback of the company was getting on his nerves he didn't know his father could be so heartless or just not care at all.

"Are we done?" Fitz asked abruptly. Interrupting his father's rant.

"Okay...you're suspended. The board will decide what happens." He chided.

"I defended the woman I love and I'm being punished?" He cut his eyes at Gerry.

"Fitzgerald you know I'm proud of you and I love you...but you will NOT use my company as a fight club. And then get mad at me for being mad. You could have found a better way." with that Gerry exited the room.

Fitz followed without a word. Liv, still sitting where Fitz left her. Fitz watched as his father descended onto the elevator.

A look of devastation washed over his face.

Soft like a whisper "Fitz, what's wrong?" She asked.

"My father," he rolled his eyes.

Liv scooted to the edge of the couch, carefully "Is he mad?"

"He suspended me," he shook his head.

"I'm sorry, Fitz" she watched as his body became less tense.

"Don't apologize. Even getting suspended doesn't make me regret what I did" Fitz joined her on the couch.

"Suspended? So when is it over?"

"He's letting the board decide." Fitz leaned back, observing the worried, guilty expression spread across Liv's face. "Come here." He smiled warmly, holding his arms out.

Liv scooted up snuggling into him.

"Liv, I wanted to fire jake anyway. I couldn't exactly tell him that I just don't like him. We would get sued. And my father would be mad about that too." He kissed her forehead.

"I understand that. But I don't like how your father is treating you because of it. I feel responsible." She sighs tightening her grip around his waist.

"I hated the guy so I don't care. And neither should you," he assured.

"I got a call from a detective. She wants me to come in tomorrow and go over my first statement," she said not bothering to look at him.

He moved to look her in the eyes "Now they want to press charges?" He asked annoyed but not surprised "What time?" He added as a courtesy

"I was just gonna go and get it over with," she replied.

"Do you want me to come?" He asked. Directly this time.

"Wouldn't that be wild if I showed up with you?"

"I don't see how?" he frowned.

"Ok," she said skeptically.

"Our relationship won't be used against me. I have actual footage of him attacking me, twice actually." He assured, "But I'll just drive you and wait in the car okay?"

Her cheeks flushed pink "Okay. Oh Um, did you get your suit yet?"

"I Have one. Should I buy a new one?"

"No, it just feels like this wedding is right around the corner. I wasn't sure if you still wanted to go."

"I'm going. Weddings are my favorite." He smiled wide. "Sarah told me she made your dress...can I see it." He gave a sly smirk.

"Yeah...on July 17th," She teased.

Fitz rose "Come on let's go to bed." He pulled her up with him carefully.

She got up slightly balancing on her right leg but not fully.

Fitz held her hands helping her "Are you in pain," he asked concerned.

"My ribs...yeah. Not my leg but I don't want it to start hurting."

"You won't. This is the first and last you'll ever have any broken bones," he said sternly but in a comforting, protective way.

Olivia smiled. "I lo- I love this show," she stammered nervously.

Whew, she almost let it slip. She was ready to say it because it's how she felt. But she didn't know if he felt the same. Obviously, there was something, she felt it that night in New York; when he swam with her, she knew at that moment she was in love with him. Still, she reserved actually saying the phrase.

"Yeah, reality tv huh," he laughed playing it off. Just for a second he almost thought she has gonna say she "loved him." Maybe he was mistaken he thought.

"I'm gonna park. Text me when you're done."

"Ok" Fitz helped liv out and grabbed her crutches.

"Are you nervous? I could go in with you if you are" he offered.

"I'm fine. I just want this to be over with. I'm tired of this chapter of my life." she said defeatedly.

"Baby, I'm always here. Tell me what you need." he rested his hands on her hips pulling her closer to him.

"I don't know," She responded, turning away walking into the station.

Fitz sighed. He hated seeing her distressed.

"Hi, I have a meeting with detective Lory," she gave the clerk and her name.

"Let me call her," the clerk told her.

"Thanks" Standing there nervous, she tapped the counter waiting.

"You can take the elevator up to the 4th floor, she'll be waiting," he instructed.

She gave a polite smile.

/

"You must be Olivia nice to meet you." Dt Lory greeted shaking her hand.

"That's me." She gave an awkward smile mainly because these are the worse circumstances to meet somebody. Albeit she knew she was just being polite.

"Right this way," Lory led the way to her office.

"Before we get started I just wanted to let you know that Mr. Ballard posted bail last night."

Liv scoffed " I'm not surprised. Can we move on to your questions...or whatever." She shook her head still processing the information she received.

"Can we start from the beginning? If you've been separated from him how did he know you were at the galley that day?"

"I don't know. I went over this with the officers. I was packing sculptors and I turned and there he was."

"Okay. Well did you tell anyone where you were going?"

"Just Abby, I've been staying with her since I left home." She took a deep breath.

"Is there any possibility it was Abby?" she leaned forward, searching for more information.

She readjusted herself in the chair. "Abby, wouldn't tell him anything. The last person I talked to was Quinn. She wanted to have lunch." her face contorted into a disgusted frown.

Dt Lory gave a confused expression. Trying to pick up on Olivia's revelation. "Ms. Ballard?" She began.

Liv shook her head. Tears were brimming in her eyes, daring not to fall. "she asked me if I wanted to go to lunch with her. I told her; no. Because I was at the gallery. Honestly, I just didn't want to go. Jake asked her to find me." Finally, a single tear fell, she didn't even bother hiding it.

Dt lory peered at her with warm eyes letting her know she was safe "I'm-" she cleared her throat. Starting again "The officers who took your statement, didn't give Mr. Ballard the routine questions-"

"What did they asked him?' Olivia spoke up.

Lory looked at the papers below her. "Here it just says he has an alibi." She scoffed looking over the report; that might as well be blank. There wasn't a single question that asked if he did it. " Mrs. Ballard you have options here."

"Can you please stop calling me that" She requested? Every time she was reminded of that name she felt her stomach churn. "Ms. Pope."

"I'm so sorry" Lory offered "Would you like to repress charges and I'll see to it that he goes down for this"

"Can I get a restraining order too?"

"Yes"

/

"How did it go?" he asked.

"When you're a wealthy white boy the law doesn't apply and I got a restraining order," she said as she activity tried to choke back her tears. Unsuccessfully

Fitz's shoulders dropped as he sighed taking her into his arms. "What do you need?"

"Can you take me to Abby's?" she said. Coming off colder than she meant too. "I'm sorry"

"No, no, no...I'll take you. But can you please eat something?" He knew eating would not be her top priority so he made sure to remind her.

Olivia gave a small nod "yea" she said quietly.

Fitz dropped her off and headed back to the penthouse where his father was waiting for him.

Stepping off the elevator. Fitz went from worried to irritated in a matter of seconds. Big jerry and his mother sitting there waiting for him.

"Hi, Mom." Fitz purposefully didn't greet his father.

"Hi, honey." she embraced him swiftly "Greet your father" she commanded in a whisper as she hugged him.

The hug ended. Mary faced them, giving both Grant men a "Go talk or else" grin

"Go!" she shooed Fitz away.

"I'm sorry, son," Gerry said once they were behind closed doors.

Fitz scoffed "Oh, now you're sorry?" he said boorishly, as he chuckled

"Fitzgerald, I'm trying to give you a chance to go back to work. Your Mother and I saw the tape."

"So am I not suspended anymore?" Fitz asked.

Gerry paced "Well, I didn't say that. You still need to work on your image before the board takes their vote."

"If you saw the tape why do I need to rework my image?" Fitz felt insulted.

Gerry glared at Fitz with pricing eyes "We both know why there isn't any sound attacked to those tapes. You said something to him. Now I don't want to keep going on about this Fitzgerald. you'll reinvent your image and we will decide what to do with you."

Fitz hung his head giving a silent nod. "And by we? you're voting too," he said matter-of-factly.

Gerry shook his head up and down "You already have your mother's vote. You just have to earn mine and the others."

"Ok" Fitz opened the door to leave.

"Wait...how is Olivia?" Gerry asked sincerely

"She's good" Fitz walked out.

Gerry was being harsh and Fitz couldn't figure out why? Fitz, couldn't ever remember a time where he and his father weren't on the same page. This was definitely about the company. Gerry had every right to be angry at Fitz. When two stubborn men are on opposite sides there's no reasoning or disagreeing it always ends the same way.

/

"Sarah did a good job." Liv admired her dress.

She had a smile on her face but she didn't actually seem happy. Abby could tell Olivia was hiding something. By the looks of it, whatever it was. It bothered her to the point where she was faking joy.

"Liv, what's going on?" Abby watched her.

"Nothing I told you, I went to the police station-"

Abby cut her off

"You already said that. What else happened?" Abby asked in a demanding tone.

Olivia's eyes rounded the room careful not to land on Abby's eyes.

"I'm not leaving you alone. So you might as well say it. Is it Fitz?

Liv sighed bringing her eyes up to meet Abby's. "Gerry suspended Fitz. And now he could lose his job."

"Gerry is the sweetest, he really did that?" Abby asked incredulously.

"That's what I said. I think he's trying to teach him a lesson. Fitz acted like it didn't phase him but I know it did." She dropped her head in her palms.

"Abby, I'm in love with him but-"

"You're on the fence because of that asshole who shall not be named." Abby rolled her eyes "Liv, I completely understand where you are right now. Do you think he loves you too?"

"I almost said it but I caught myself. I don't want to feel stupid and he doesn't have to say it back but-"

"No buts. Liv, he basically lost his dream job. He definitely feels something. But as your best friend, I'm here to make sure you do what's right for you." Abby hugged her. "his best friend is probably giving him the same talk right now."

Olivia busted out laughing "Yeah" they laughed.

Abby broke the hug "Oh...I almost forgot. You remember James right?"

"Yeah, why?"

"He told me that his lease is up and he's moving. So I thought you would be interested. Stephen and I love having you here so you don't have to even consider this." Abby searched through her bag. She pulled out the application.

"Of course I'll consider it you and Stephen are about to get married and you need space." Olivia reached for the papers "Are there pictures?"

Abby rejoined liv on the couch "uh...yeah the third page I think."

"Abby this is huge." Liv smiled.

Abby flipped the page "And there's a guest bedroom. You can use that as a studio."

"Thanks, Abby." Liv smiled.

It's been a month since Olivia's visit to the police station. Although the case is still ongoing Olivia decided it's something that doesn't have to consume her, even though Jake isn't in jail. There will be hearings and he still has to sign the divorce papers. Fitz still hasn't been back to work. He's been working charity events "rebuilding his image" so she hasn't seen him as much.

"Where do you want this?" Stephen asked, bringing in more boxes.

"You can leave it right there" she pointed. "Is that all?"

"Yup," Fitz said walking in with another box.

The corners of her mouth tugged into a smile "When did you get here?"

Fitz sat the box down. Pulling her to his chest and in for a kiss "I wanted to come sooner but-"

Standing on her tiptoes. She hushed him with a soft kiss "It doesn't matter."

Sarah tripped coming in "Enough you two" she teased.

"Thanks, guys I really appreciate it."

"Hey Liv, Stephen and I are gonna go get ready for the rehearsal dinner." Abby reminded.

"Ok, well see you there" Liv hugged her "Thanks Abby"

"You're so welcome I hope you like it here."

"See you at dinner," Stephen double cheek kissed her. "Nice to see you again Fitz," Stephen shook his hand.

/

"You look beautiful." Fitz smiled.

She did a little twirl. She wore a pink floral print, longsleeved knee-length dress. "Even with my boot?" she teased.

He leaned in stealing a kiss "Even with the boot." he laughed.

"I almost forgot my mom and brother are gonna be there tonight."

"Did you tell your mom and Harrison what happened?"

Olivia sighed when he mentioned it. She'd rather not bring it up to her Mother or Harrison.

"I'm fine now. But I told them that I fell." she gave him a knowing look.

"Ok." he agreed "Well let's get going."

Olivia and Fitz arrived at the restaurant.

Olivia looked over smiling at him "Are you nervous? I mean about my mom and harry."

"No. I think they like me. right, do they?" Fitz nudged her playfully.

"Yeah, they do." She said proudly.

"Good." he extended his hand helping her out.

"A gentlemen" she crooned.

Walking inside Olivia spotted Harrison, Abby and, Sarah.

"Livvie" Maya called out. Catching her before she reached her target.

"Mom, how was your flight?" Liv smiled wrapping her arms around her mother.

"It was okay. We got here in one piece" She joked. "Well hello, Fitzgerald."

he walked into her arms next "Hello, how are you this evening?"

"Wonderful, glad to see you're still around," Maya said, earning a pricing glare from Olivia. Noticing her stare, Maya apologized.

"That's alright" he offered before Olivia pulled him in the opposite direction.

"Olivia, Fitz" Abby waved them over "Dinner is starting."

Dinner went bye fast, Abby was most excited about the maid of honor gifts.

Abby stood up. Tapping her glass with a fork. "Okay, so I have gifts for mom and my Lovely maid of honors. Olivia and Sarah"

"And I have something for my groomsmen. Hey Fitz, buddy I didn't forget about you" Stephen laughed.

"Thanks, man," Fitz said.

"Liv and Sarah, I love you guys so much" Abby signaled for the servers to come out.

They sat down two boxes for Liv and Sarah and three for huck, Fitz, and Harrison.

"Open them" Abby squealed excitedly.

"Awe, Abby" Liv smiled hugging her heart.

It was a necklace that said "Sisters for life"

"Thanks, abbs" Sarah quipped.

"Ok guys go ahead" Stephen encouraged.

He got them matching dress jackets for the wedding.

"Thanks, Stephen, I'm honored," Fitz said.

"Thank you all for coming and we hope to see yall tomorrow." Abby dismissed dinner.

Olivia and Abby said goodnight to their parents.

"So Stephen are we going out?" Harrison asked.

"Abby suggested it so I guess so" Stephen smirked.

huck gave a mischievous grin.

"no, no, none of that. we're gonna have a chill night." Stephen said shaking his head.

"Are you gonna invite Fitz?" Harrison asked.

"yeah, where is he though?" Stephen looked around.

Fitz was already in the lot with Olivia.

"Baby, I'm gonna ride with Abby and Sarah" Liv quipped

Fitz pursed his lips kissing Olivia goodnight. "Call me in the morning" Fitz pulled back saying.

Liv went in pecking his lips a few more times. "Okay, goodnight"

"Goodnight Sarah" he waved to her. She was sitting in the back seat of Abby's car. "behave" he joked.

"night, big bro" she replied.

Stephen and the guys finally caught up to Fitz in the parking lot.

"hey, Fitz are you doing anything? we were gonna go out celebrate with Stephen."

Fitz cocked his head to the side "are we doing bachelorette stuff or..."

Stephen chimed in before Harrison or huck had the chance to say anything.

"We're gonna play poker at the hotel and drink"

"Are we taking bets?" Fitz asked sounding more interested.

"put your money where your mouth is" Harrison joked seriously.

"Count me in" Fitz agreed

"That's what I'm talking about" huck laughed.

The guys departed to their respective vehicles.

"I'll catch up with yall" Stephen waved.

Stephen walked up to Abby "I can't for tomorrow" he held her hand.

"I thought I would be nervous. I'm jittery because all I want now is to be; Mrs. Abby finch now" Abby cringed at the name, playfully. "We'll hyphen it" she joked.

"I could just be; Stephen Whelan" he teased right back.

They laughed " I love you baby" She kissed him and got in the car.

"I love you too" he blew her a kiss.

Abby sat down a tray of snacks and champagne.

"Sorry, we didn't go out. Stephen and I agreed we didn't want to do that."

"I'd rather be doing this anyway," Sarah said.

"Same" Liv agreed.

They each grabbed a glass.

"To Abby and Stephen," liv stuck her glass in the air.

'To Abby and Stephen," they toasted.

"Omg, remember Abby being scared to even talk to him" Sarah regaled.

"Oh don't remind me" Abby scowled, laughing.

"He was cool and an art major. I'm a redhead who likes to cook."

"And he likes to eat" liv added chuckling.

"That party Halloween party" Sarah laughed.

"Oh yeah, and we dressed up as playboy bunnies. Stephen said he saw me from across the room, but I know you sent him over to me. Because I would never have the guts to do it myself."

"And now yall are getting married" Sarah squealed.

"Well, enough about me. why didn't you invite joey to the dinner?" Abby asked.

"We broke up after I came back from California," she said sadly. "He said he needed space," she said, whirling her drink around.

"he's an ass" liv scolded.

Sarah could feel herself getting worked up but she had already cried enough and wasn't gonna ruin the night.

She quaffed the remaining drink in her glass and changed the subject. Liv and Abby eyed each other but didn't say anything else about joey.

"you and Fitz how's that going?" Sarah asked grabbing the neck of the champagne bottle.

"we're fine, taking it slow" she hesitated spilling that one detail. Without actually telling them they hadn't done the deed.

Abby leaned smirking "wait you haven't" she gave a knowing look.

the heat filled her cheeks "well almost" she admitted, "like he had my panties off and...uh and then Sarah called."

"sorry, emergency" she smiled foolishly

"no, I understood.' she smirked, "we were almost there but I'm kind of glad we haven't yet."

/

"Don't you run a law firm why do you keep taking my money?" huck mocked.

"you lose so easily" Fitz taunted.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah just deal em" Stephen jeered.

"aye, man we don't have to keep playing, we don't wanna keep talking your money either"

Harrison and Fitz burst out laughing. Fist-bumping and teasing the guys.

"Whatever" huck sucked his teeth "y'all some cheaters"

"Nah, we make money, not lose it" they slapped hands laughing again.

"So Stephen the big day" Fitz congratulated as he dealt another hand. "are you nervous?"

"Nope I can't wait," he said proudly.

"I'm happy for you and Abby" Harrison quipped, picking up his cards looking them over. "How are you and liv?"

"We're good. She's great everything about her make me happy." he confessed full of pride. "she's happy." he nodded self-awarely.

"that's what I like to hear. you're a good dude, Fitz" he praised

"Yeah, Fitz, major points after you punched out jake." Stephen let slip. Unbeknownst to him that Olivia wanted that; to be kept from Harrison.

Fitz nudged him under the table trying to be discrete before Harrison caught on. too late.

"You fought jake?" he asked the obvious question, knowing there was more to the story.

Fitz and Stephen reserved comment which annoyed Harrison. Of course, he had a right to know. But it wasn't Stephen's place to bring it up. Olivia should have told him. Huck who was sitting there completely oblivious to what was happening.

Harrison chuckled irritably upon realization of what they were eluding from. "Olivia didn't fall huh?" he enquired knowing the answer.

their silence was enough to know he hit the hammer on the head.

he scoffed, disgusted at the fact no one told him and they didn't have plans to tell him.

"She's my sister" Harrison reasoned.

"I know, but don't be mad at her." Fitz defended. "She was scared."

"I'm sorry, man I thought you knew. I wouldn't have said anything." Stephen added.

"I'll talk to her," Harrison said shaking his head. He got up grabbing his jacket "goodnight, I'll see you tomorrow afternoon."

"Goodnight" they said almost all in unison.

Enjoy! I've been taking my time with certain chapters more than the others. The next chapter will come quicker I promise. The wedding is coming up. Have anice day or night wherever you are and stay safe.

Hugs and kisses.