Author's note: to that guest who left a review saying that I was being too biased, you are kinda right, LOL. Here's an entire chapter from Fitz's POV. Hope you enjoy and don't forget to leave a review.

Two Days Later

The door to Fitz's office closed with a soft click, and he sighed heavily, sinking into the leather chair behind his desk. He ran a hand through his hair, the weight of the conversation he was about to have pressed on him like a ton of bricks. Across from him, his corporate lawyer, Scott, sat with a thick file in his lap, his expression serious but neutral. It was the look of a man who'd handled far too many messy situations for clients.

"So," Scott began, flipping open the file. "You want to terminate your secretary's employment."

Fitz nodded, feeling a sour taste rise in his mouth at the thought of her. He'd made the biggest mistake of his life by letting her cross a line that should've never been crossed, and now, every time he walked into the office, the sight of her was a reminder of how far he had fallen.

"Yeah, I do. I can't work with her anymore, Scott. Not after… you know." Olivia hadn't asked him if she was still working at the company, probably an oversight from being emotionally spent, and he was hoping that before she did, he would be able to get rid of his little problem.

Scott gave him a look, raising an eyebrow. "You understand this could backfire if we don't handle it properly, right? You're her boss, Fitz. If she gets even a whiff that you're terminating her because of personal reasons, she could file a lawsuit for wrongful termination. We need to tread carefully."

Fitz groaned, rubbing his hands over his face. He didn't want this to become a bigger mess than it already was. "I don't want to drag this out, Scott. I just want her gone. I'll do whatever it takes to make it happen cleanly."

"We need to create a clear, professional reason for her termination," Scott said, flipping through a few pages in the file. "We can't have anything on record that points back to your… indiscretion."

Fitz winced at the word. It felt too light for what had happened. Too easy. He wasn't just guilty of an indiscretion—he had betrayed Olivia, the woman he loved more than anything in the world.

"Yeah, I get that," Fitz muttered. "So, what do we do?"

Scott looked at him for a long moment before speaking. "We start documenting any performance issues. Keep it strictly professional. If she's late, document it. If she makes any mistakes, document them. And then, when we have enough, we can let her go with cause."

Fitz nodded slowly, hating how long this process was going to take. Every day she remained in the office felt like an open wound that wouldn't close. "Fine. Do it."

Scott closed the file and gave Fitz a sympathetic look. "Just be prepared for a fight. She's not going to take this lying down."

Fitz exhaled, feeling the weight of his mistake pressing down on him again. "Yeah, well, I'm prepared to fight for Olivia. That's all that matters right now."

Later that evening, Fitz sat on the edge of his bed, his phone in his hand. He stared at Olivia's name on the screen, his thumb hovering over the call button. He had called her a few times over the past few days, and there were times when she wouldn't answer, and when she did every conversation felt strained, and distant. Like they were walking on eggshells, both afraid to break the fragile peace they were trying to build. He thought that the night in Central Park was helping them move forward. But it was like one step forward and ten steps back. He was ready to move forward and he knew that he should be patient as their therapist cautioned him to be but he had enough of being home alone without her there, in their home, in their bed, in his arms.

But tonight, he needed her. He needed to hear her voice, to know that she was still willing to work on this with him. He had been trying so hard to fix things, to show her that he was all in, sending her favorite flowers, her favorite chocolate, and even a Birkin to make up. But the space between them was suffocating him, and he couldn't stand it anymore.

Taking a deep breath, he pressed the call button, listening to the phone ring on the other end.

"Hi?"

Her voice came through the speaker, soft but guarded. He knew she was still at Nicole's place, and every time he thought about her being away from home, from their home, it tore at him a little more.

"Livvie," he said, his voice softer than he intended. "I know it's late, and I know I've been calling a lot, but I need you to hear me out."

There was a pause on the other end before she responded. "I'm listening."

"I want you to come home," he blurted out, his heart pounding. "I know things aren't perfect right now, and I know you're still angry. But I miss you, Livvie. The house isn't the same without you. I'm not the same without you. We can work on this together—just come back, please."

He heard her sigh, and for a moment, he thought she was going to shut him down. But then, she surprised him.

"Fitz… I've been thinking about it. About coming home. But things have to change. I'm not coming back to how things were."

His heart skipped a beat, hope flickering to life. "I swear, Livvie. I'll do whatever it takes. I'll show you every day that I'm serious. I just need you here with me. We'll take it slow, but we'll figure this out together."

Another long pause, and then finally, she spoke.

"Okay. I'll come home. But we're still in therapy. And I need space sometimes. This doesn't mean everything's fixed."

Fitz grinned despite the seriousness of the conversation. "Deal. You can have all the space you need, as long as you're under the same roof." He couldn't believe that she had so easily said yes. He was willing to beg her until she did but felt good that she was already thinking of reuniting under the same roof.

"Alright," Olivia said, her voice softening slightly. "I'll be over tomorrow."

Fitz let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "Thank you, Livvie. I mean it."

As they said their goodnights, Fitz leaned back against the pillows, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. She was coming home. But there was still so much work to do.

The next day, when Olivia returned to the penthouse, Fitz felt a strange mix of excitement and nerves. He had cleaned every inch of the apartment, hoping to make it feel like a fresh start. She walked in, her bags slung over her shoulder, and for a moment, he just stood there, taking her in. She looked beautiful, as always, her hair pulled back with her braids cascading down her back, her eyes scanning the space with that cautious look he had grown familiar with.

"Welcome home," he said softly, stepping toward her.

She gave him a small smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Thanks."

They stood there for a moment, the awkwardness of the situation settling over them like a fog. He didn't know whether to hug her, kiss her, or give her space. So, he did the only thing that felt right—he took her bags and carried them to the bedroom.

As the evening wore on, they settled into a strange rhythm, eating dinner together and making small talk. It wasn't perfect, but it was something.

Later, as they got ready for bed, Fitz couldn't help but notice the way Olivia's eyes lingered on him when he took off his shirt. He smirked, knowing they weren't ready for full reconciliation just yet, but maybe a little playfulness wouldn't hurt.

"Like what you see, Livvie?" he teased, raising an eyebrow.

She rolled her eyes, but he could see the hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "You wish."

"Come on," he said, stepping closer to her, his voice dropping to a low rumble. "You know you've missed me."

Olivia raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Maybe. But I'm still mad at you."

Fitz nodded, his hand resting on her hip, his voice softening. "I know. But we're getting there, right?"

She sighed, her defenses softening just slightly. "Yeah. We're getting there."

He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her temple. It wasn't about sex tonight—it was about reconnection, about rebuilding the trust they had lost. But as he pulled her closer, he couldn't help but feel the warmth of her body against his, the familiar spark between them that hadn't gone away.

"Slow," Olivia whispered, looking up at him with a mix of vulnerability and desire.

"Slow," Fitz agreed, his lips brushing hers gently. "I'm not going anywhere."

Next Evening

The soft glow of the television bathed the room in a warm light as Fitz and Olivia sat at opposite ends of the couch. A romantic comedy was playing—one of Olivia's favorites—and though Fitz wasn't really paying attention to the movie, he could sense the comfort it brought her. It was their first movie night since she'd moved back in, and despite the awkwardness that lingered between them, it was a step forward.

Olivia curled up at the far end of the couch, a blanket draped over her legs, her eyes focused on the screen. Fitz, meanwhile, sat on the other side, trying to act nonchalant as he sipped from his glass of wine. The distance between them felt strange, like a physical reminder of everything that had happened between them. But it wasn't uncomfortable—just different.

He glanced over at her, noticing the way her face lit up during the funny parts of the movie. Her laughter, though quiet, was like music to his ears. It had been too long since he'd heard that sound, and it eased something inside him.

"You really like this one, huh?" Fitz teased, trying to break the silence between them.

Olivia turned toward him, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "It's a classic. I don't care what you say, it's funny."

Fitz chuckled, nodding. "Alright, alright. I'll give it that. It's... okay."

Olivia rolled her eyes playfully but didn't push. She turned her attention back to the movie, and for a while, they simply existed in the same space, watching the screen but also very aware of the other's presence.

After a while, Fitz shifted slightly, adjusting the pillows behind him, and the movement caught Olivia's attention. Her eyes flicked over to him for a brief moment before returning to the movie. But something in her posture changed—she seemed less rigid, more open.

As the movie progressed, Fitz found himself inching closer, subtly, not wanting to push her. It wasn't a conscious decision, but every few minutes, he would move just a little bit closer, the space between them shrinking.

Olivia didn't seem to notice at first, too engrossed in the film. But when their knees finally brushed together, she tensed slightly, her eyes darting to his for just a moment.

Fitz held his breath, waiting to see if she'd pull away. But instead, she relaxed, leaning just a fraction closer to him.

Encouraged by the subtle shift, Fitz gently rested his arm on the back of the couch, close to her but not quite touching. He didn't want to rush things or make her uncomfortable. He wanted her to feel safe, to know that he was here, but also to respect her need for space.

A few more minutes passed in comfortable silence, and then, without a word, Olivia leaned into him. It was small at first—just her shoulder brushing against his—but it felt like a massive step. Fitz didn't hesitate; he lowered his arm, gently wrapping it around her shoulders.

Olivia let out a soft sigh, sinking into the warmth of his embrace. Fitz could feel the tension leave her body, and he relaxed too, pulling her just a little closer. They were cuddling now, a simple act that felt monumental after everything they'd been through.

The movie played on, but neither of them was really watching anymore. Fitz pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head, breathing in the familiar scent of her hair. It was a small, tender gesture, but it made his heart swell.

"I missed this," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of the TV.

Olivia didn't say anything for a moment, but her hand found his, fingers gently intertwining. When she spoke, her voice was soft, almost vulnerable. "I missed this too."

They stayed like that for the rest of the movie, their bodies molded together, the tension between them melting away little by little. It wasn't perfect—there was still so much they needed to talk about, so much healing left to do—but in that moment, they found comfort in each other.

As the credits rolled and the room fell into quiet, Fitz tightened his hold on her just slightly, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. They were finding their way back to each other, step by step, moment by moment.

And as they sat there, cocooned in each other's warmth, Fitz knew that no matter how long it took, he was willing to fight for this—for her.

A few days later, during their next therapy session with Dr. Dublin, Fitz found himself opening up in ways he hadn't expected. He had thought therapy was mostly about listening to Olivia's pain and finding ways to fix what he had broken. But today, something shifted inside him, and he felt the need to lay his own emotions bare.

"Fitz, how have you been feeling since Olivia moved back in?" Dr. Dublin asked, her calm gaze settling on him.

Fitz hesitated, glancing at Olivia before answering. "Honestly? It's been great having her home. But… I've been feeling this... insecurity. Like I'm not good enough for her. I know that sounds crazy, but sometimes it feels like no matter what I do, I'm always falling short."

Olivia blinked, her eyes widening in surprise. "What? You've got way more going for you than I do. I don't understand why you'd feel that way."

Fitz chuckled, but it was a humorless sound. "Yeah, well, that's the thing. From the outside, it probably looks like I've got it all figured out. But the truth is, sometimes I feel like I'm just... not enough for you, Livvie. I mean, you're this amazing woman—smart, successful, beautiful. And I'm just... me."

Dr. Dublin leaned in slightly, her voice soft but probing. "Why do you feel that way, Fitz? Where do those insecurities come from?"

Fitz sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I don't know. Maybe it's because we've been together so long, and there's always been this part of me that wondered if you wanted more. I mean, we're not married, right? And I guess, deep down, I thought maybe that was because I wasn't enough."

Olivia's face softened, her eyes searching his. "Fitz, I didn't know you felt that way. It was never about you not being enough."

"I know that subconsciously but I still have this feeling of inadequacy," Fitz said, his voice thick with emotion. "And instead of talking to you about it, I let it fester. I let myself get in my own head, and I screwed up."

Dr. Dublin nodded, her voice gentle. "It sounds like there's a lot of emotional weight tied to your sense of self-worth, Fitz. And that's something we'll need to explore further. But for now, it's important to recognize that you're both carrying hurt. Fitz, you're dealing with your own insecurities and Olivia, you're working through the betrayal. Healing takes time, and it requires both of you to be vulnerable with each other."

Dr. Dublin, ever the calm and composed guide, sat across from them, her eyes gently urging them to continue speaking as they were making progress.

"Fitz, I feel like there's something else on your mind," she said softly, breaking the silence that had settled in the room after observing his body language. "Is there something you'd like to share?"

Fitz exhaled, glancing over at Olivia. She sat beside him, her posture upright but not rigid. She looked calm, but he could tell she was on edge too. They'd been through a lot, and sometimes these sessions brought out the best and worst of their feelings.

"Yeah," Fitz began, his voice a little rough. "There's something I've been thinking about for a while now, and I need to get it off my chest."

Olivia turned to him, her eyes narrowing slightly in curiosity and concern.

"It's about my fortieth birthday," Fitz said, looking down at his hands. "I know we've touched on it before, but we never really got into it. I downplayed it because I didn't want to make a big deal out of it. But the truth is, it was a big deal. And it hurt me a lot."

Olivia's brows furrowed. "Fitz, I know I forgot, but... I don't understand how that could lead to—"

"Livvie, wait," Fitz interrupted gently, holding up his hand. "I'm not saying it justifies anything. What I did was wrong, period. There's no excuse for cheating. But that day... that was a big trigger for me."

Dr. Dublin leaned forward slightly, her pen poised over her notebook. "Fitz, can you explain to Olivia why that day was so important to you? What did it represent in your relationship?"

Fitz took a deep breath. "It's not just about the birthday itself. It's more than that. Quality time is huge for me. I'm not asking for much—just time together, acknowledgment, feeling like I matter. When my birthday came and went, and you didn't even realize it, Livvie, I felt like I didn't matter. Like my emotions, my needs, weren't a priority."

Olivia blinked, clearly taken aback. She opened her mouth to speak but hesitated. Dr. Dublin glanced at her, sensing the tension. "Olivia, it's clear this is surprising for you. Can you share what you're feeling right now?"

"I... I didn't think it was that big of a deal," Olivia admitted, her tone defensive. "I mean, people forget things all the time. I was swamped with work, and I didn't mean to hurt him. But I didn't think forgetting a birthday would cause him to cheat."

Fitz winced, his jaw tightening. It wasn't just about that day, and he needed her to see that.

"Olivia," Dr. Dublin said calmly, her voice soft yet firm, "I understand why you might feel defensive right now. Forgetting a birthday isn't usually seen as a reason for something like infidelity. But let's focus on Fitz's feelings here. He's not saying the birthday caused him to cheat. He's saying that moment made him feel like he wasn't important, that his emotional needs weren't being prioritized. And that feeling built up over time."

Olivia exhaled sharply, her shoulders dropping slightly. "I didn't know it was that deep," she said, her tone softer but still confused. "But, Fitz, you can't just shut down and act out because I missed something. You should've told me how you felt."

"I know," Fitz said, his voice steady but hurt. "And I should've talked to you. But back then, I felt like I couldn't. You were so wrapped up in work, so busy with everything else... I didn't want to add more to your plate. So, yeah, I bottled it up, and that was wrong. But Liv, you need to understand how lonely that felt. How disconnected I felt from you. And then someone else came along, and she made me feel seen... and I made the biggest mistake of my life."

Olivia looked down, her fingers playing with the hem of her shirt. She stayed silent for a moment, and Fitz could see her mind working, processing everything he'd just said.

Dr. Dublin leaned in slightly. "Olivia, can you take a moment to reflect on what Fitz is saying? He's shared that he felt neglected, and that his emotions weren't being acknowledged. Do you see how that could have contributed to the rift between you two?"

Olivia nodded slowly, her defensiveness giving way to something more thoughtful. "I see it now," she said quietly. "But I guess... I just didn't realize how much pressure you were under. You always seemed so laid back, like nothing got to you. I didn't know you felt like I wasn't making you a priority."

Fitz gave a small, humorless laugh. "Yeah, well, I guess I've always been good at hiding it. I didn't want to seem needy or whatever. But deep down, I was struggling. I know it sounds ridiculous, but when you forgot my birthday, it felt like the final straw. Like I was invisible in my own relationship."

Dr. Dublin nodded, her eyes moving between the two of them. "This is important. Fitz, you've expressed that feeling seen and valued is a core emotional need for you. It's not ridiculous to want acknowledgment, especially from the person you love. Olivia, it seems like this is new information for you. How do you feel about what Fitz is sharing?"

Olivia sighed, her shoulders relaxing as she leaned back against the couch. "I feel... guilty, I guess. I didn't realize how much that day meant to you. I thought it was just another birthday, and I was so caught up in work that I brushed it off. But now I see how much it hurt you. I should've made more of an effort. I should've been more present."

Dr. Dublin smiled gently. "Acknowledgment is a powerful thing. We're not here to place blame on one person or the other. Healing requires both of you to take accountability for your actions and your responses. Olivia, it's clear that this is a learning moment for you. Fitz, this doesn't excuse your actions, but it gives context to your emotions. Now that you've both shared your perspectives, how do you feel about moving forward from this?"

Olivia turned to Fitz, her gaze softening. "I'm sorry," she said sincerely, her voice filled with emotion. "I'm sorry I didn't make you feel important. I never meant to make you feel invisible. I didn't know you were struggling."

Fitz smiled weakly, feeling the weight of her words. "I'm sorry too, Liv. For not telling you how I was feeling, and for... everything else. I should've talked to you instead of shutting down. I won't do that again."

There was a moment of silence between them, a peaceful kind of quiet that felt different from the awkward pauses of earlier sessions. It felt like something had shifted—something important.

Dr. Dublin, sensing the change, smiled warmly at them both. "This is a good step, but it's only one of many. Continue to talk to each other about how you're feeling, even when it's uncomfortable. Emotions like anger, frustration, and disappointment don't just go away on their own—they need to be acknowledged and discussed. You're both doing the hard work, and I encourage you to keep going."

Fitz and Olivia stepped out of the building where their therapy session had just ended, a lingering sense of vulnerability hanging between them. The air was crisp with the scent of fall as leaves danced on the Manhattan sidewalks. As they descended the steps, George, their loyal driver, was already waiting by the car, holding the door open for them.

"Good evening, Mr. Grant, Ms. Pope," George greeted them with his usual warm professionalism. He was a man of few words, but his calm presence was comforting.

"Hey, George. We're headed to that Thai spot we like tonight," Fitz said, flashing a grin as he helped Olivia into the backseat before sliding in next to her. He had been craving their favorite upscale Thai restaurant ever since they'd left the therapy session, knowing that good food might lighten the weight of the heavy discussions they'd just had.

George gave them a polite nod, closing the door behind them before heading to the driver's seat.

The cityscape blurred past as George expertly navigated the Manhattan streets, the low hum of the car's engine providing a calming backdrop to the silence between them. Fitz glanced over at Olivia, who was staring out the window, her fingers idly tapping against her thigh.

"You okay?" he asked softly, his hand gently covering hers.

Olivia turned to face him, offering a small smile. "Yeah, I'm good. Just thinking."

Fitz nodded, squeezing her hand. He knew therapy brought up a lot of emotions for both of them. Today had been particularly heavy with him opening up about his insecurities, something he hadn't even realized had been eating away at him for so long.

"I was thinking," Olivia said, her voice hesitant. "What you said in therapy… I had no idea you felt that way about marriage. I mean, for years, we've been on the same page, right? Neither of us really believed in the whole traditional thing."

Fitz nodded, leaning back in his seat, his eyes fixed on her. "Yeah, that's what I thought too. But things have changed for me, Livvie."

She raised an eyebrow, curiosity flickering across her face. "How so?"

Fitz exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. He hadn't meant to bring it up yet, but the words were already on the tip of his tongue. "I don't know… After everything that's happened, I've been thinking a lot. About us. About what it means to commit to someone fully. I guess... I feel differently about marriage now than I did before."

Olivia turned toward him, fully facing him in the car, her eyes widening slightly. "Really? What changed?"

He hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. "I used to think that we didn't need a piece of paper to define what we had, you know? That we were solid without it. But now… after what I did, and seeing how close I came to losing you, I realize it's not just a piece of paper. It's a promise. A pledge to love someone forever, no matter what. And I don't know... I crave that now. I want to be able to stand in front of you and say, 'I'm yours. Forever.'"

Olivia's face softened as she listened to him, her eyes reflecting a mixture of surprise and tenderness. "Wow," she whispered. "I didn't know you felt that way."

Fitz shrugged, trying to play it off with a small smile. "Yeah, well, maybe therapy's making me more outspoken than I thought. It's making me realize that I wasn't communicating as well as I should. Dr. Dublin's good, huh?"

Olivia laughed, shaking her head. "You think?"

Before Fitz could respond, the car came to a gentle stop outside their favorite Thai restaurant. George stepped out to open the door for them, and as Fitz got out, he extended a hand to Olivia, helping her out with a soft smile.

"Thank you, George," Fitz said. "We'll call when we're ready."

George tipped his cap before sliding back into the car and pulling away from the curb.

As they entered the restaurant, the familiar scent of lemongrass and chili peppers filled the air, instantly warming them against the brisk Manhattan evening. The restaurant, elegant and upscale with soft lighting and deep mahogany tables, was always their go-to when they wanted something special. Tonight, the ambiance seemed perfect for the conversation they were about to have.

"Right this way," the hostess greeted them, leading them to a cozy corner booth by the window, offering a view of the bustling city streets outside.

Once they were seated, Fitz picked up the menu, though he already knew what he wanted. "I'm thinking Pad Kee Maoand the Massaman curry," he said, glancing at Olivia. "What about you?"

Olivia looked over the menu briefly before setting it down. "Definitely the curry. And maybe some fresh spring rolls to start?"

Fitz smiled, flagging down the server to place their order. As soon as their food was ordered, he turned his attention back to Olivia, his face more serious than before.

"So… about what I was saying in the car," he began, his fingers tracing the rim of his water glass. "I know marriage wasn't something either of us ever prioritized. But lately, it feels different to me. I've been thinking about it a lot, and I guess I'm wondering if you'd ever change your mind. About getting married."

Olivia blinked, her surprise evident. "Fitz, we've been together for years, and we've always been okay with just being us. What's making you feel like you need to change that now?"

Fitz leaned forward, his gaze steady. "I guess it's the idea of having something concrete—something that says no matter what happens, we're in this together. I know I messed up, and I'm not saying marriage is a fix for that. But pledging to love someone forever, in front of people we care about, feels... significant to me. Like a way of showing that I'm all in, no matter what."

Olivia was silent for a moment, her eyes searching his face. "I didn't expect this from you. You've always been so... chill about the whole thing."

Fitz let out a small laugh, leaning back in his seat. "Yeah, well, I guess I'm full of surprises these days."

Their food arrived, breaking the tension for a moment as the server set down their dishes. The aroma of the Pad Kee Mao and curry filled the space between them, but neither of them reached for their utensils just yet.

Olivia took a deep breath, her expression thoughtful. "I don't know, Fitz. Marriage was never something I felt strongly about. But I see where you're coming from now. It's not about the wedding or the ring—it's about what it represents."

"Exactly," Fitz said, his voice earnest. "It's about us. About me wanting to stand in front of you and make that promise. To say, 'I'm yours. Always.'"

Olivia smiled softly, her eyes warming as she reached across the table and took his hand. "I didn't know this was something you were thinking about, but… I'm not against it. I just need time to wrap my head around it for when we're there. But right now, we're not there yet."

Fitz's heart leaped in his chest, and he squeezed her hand. "That's all I'm asking for. Time to figure this out together."

They sat there, holding hands across the table, the flicker of candlelight casting a soft glow around them. For the first time in a long time, Fitz felt hopeful like they were moving toward something real, something lasting.

And as the night went on, filled with laughter and stolen glances, Fitz couldn't help but feel that maybe, just maybe, they were finding their way back to each other—one small step at a time.

But even in that quiet moment, his mind drifted to what it would be like to have Olivia in his arms later that night. He smiled to himself, knowing that they were far from perfect, but willing to fight for whatever came next.

And whatever that was—whether it was marriage, healing, or just holding onto each other for a little while longer—he was ready for it.

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