Chapter 38
With a quick flurry of precise keystrokes, Fitz punches in the code and swings the imposing wooden door open. In the grand foyer with its gleaming marble floors, the sound of Olivia's elegant footsteps resounds as she deposits her shopping bags onto the floor with a bright, contented smile. She wraps her arms around her husband's neck in an embrace that speaks volumes, drawing him in for a deep, lingering kiss filled with unspoken emotion.
"Thank you for my shopping spree," she murmurs softly, her voice warm and teasing as her lips still tingle from his caress.
"You're welcome," Fitz replies tenderly, pressing a gentle kiss against her forehead before playfully tapping her on the ass. With a mischievous glint in his eye, he adds, "Now go change into something comfortable. I'll order dinner."
Gliding out of the room with a graceful sashay, Olivia leaves Fitz to his thoughts as he makes his way to the modern, well-equipped kitchen. Opening a drawer filled with menus from various upscale restaurants, he browses them with a furrowed brow. A subtle anxiety gnaws at him—he is well aware that he's been showering Olivia with gifts and constant attention since the reappearance of his haunting nightmares. Yet, he cannot bring himself to reveal the bitter truth behind his actions: the heavy burden of guilt tied to Rainbow Records, Edison, and Josh.
As he awaits the arrival of their dinner, Fitz dims the living room lights, meticulously placing flickering candles around the space and syncing his Bluetooth speakers with a soft, romantic playlist. Every detail is calculated to create an atmosphere charged with intimacy, a hopeful prelude for an impending confession of truth.
The atmosphere shatters when Olivia reenters the room, draped in an exquisite silk pajama set, her hair still damp and fragrant from the shower. In that magnetic moment, every anxious thought evaporates into the background as his body instinctively gravitates toward her. Unable to resist, he inches forward, pressing his lips against hers in a kiss that rekindles their shared passion.
"What's all this?" Olivia purrs against his mouth, teasingly breaking their kiss as she arches an inviting eyebrow.
"I ordered your favorites from Luigi's," Fitz responds with a playful smile, revealing a neatly wrapped box resting on the table. "There's a special box just for you. I'm going to take a quick shower."
"Make it quick," Olivia replies with a soft kiss planted on his cheek before sauntering back to the couch.
As Fitz lets the warm cascade of water wash over him in the shower, Olivia settles onto the plush sofa. She reaches for a slice of her favorite pizza, letting the warm, gooey cheese melt on her tongue with each bite. Her eyes light up, and she allows herself a little shimmy of delight with every mouthful. Surveying their luxurious living room—from the designer furnishings to the subtle glow of the candlelight—she marvels at her fortune.
She lifts the black box perched on the table, its ribbon—a soft cream bow—adding a touch of refined elegance. Gently lifting the lid, she finds a delicate card handwritten by Fitz, the ink proclaiming her name in looping script. Her heart flutters as she reads, "to the love of my life."
Her eyes widen and her breath catches when she discovers the documents tucked inside—the papers bear Brian's signature, unmistakably transferring full ownership of Destiny Advertising Agency into her name, with no mention of Fitz anywhere on the formal paperwork.
"It's yours," Fitz says quietly as he takes a seat beside her on the couch, his voice a gentle caress juxtaposed with an underlying tension.
Olivia gazes up at him, the twinkle of gratitude in her eyes now mingled with a dawning concern as she notices the sadness lurking in his features. "Thank you. But is there a reason for all of this?" she asks softly.
"I thought you wanted Destiny," Fitz replies, taking another bite of pizza as though the simple comfort of its flavor could calm the storm inside him.
With a delicate sigh, Olivia places the envelope and its compelling contents onto the table, her appetite suddenly waning as the weight of the evening's surprises sinks in. "The shopping spree, my favorite foods, making me owner of Destiny…" she trails off, her voice barely above a whisper.
Fitz's expression darkens minutely as he savors the last bite of pizza. "You're my wife," he states, his tone laced with both pride and a hint of despair.
"You're having nightmares again?" Olivia presses, concern overtaking her initial delight. "Is something triggering them?"
Fitz's guilt weighed on him like an anchor as he spoke, "I thought I had them under control until recently… but now…I'm not so sure." His throat tightened with each word, and he reluctantly steeled himself to confess the truth. Running a hand through his tousled hair, he met Olivia's gaze, its tremble betraying the dread in his heart. With a slow, burdened breath, he continued, "After you told me about Edison's proposal, I signed him to Rainbow Records. It was the only way I could keep an eye on him. He had no idea I owned the label. I let my jealousy get the best of me."
Olivia sat frozen, her shock evident as her fingers traced a slow, almost absent path down her legs. Her voice, delicate yet quivering, asked, "Why would you be jealous of Edison? I don't want him." Her eyes widened with both disbelief and hurt.
"I'm jealous of any man who's had the chance to know you intimately," Fitz declared, his tone a bitter mix of regret and raw honesty.
"What has Edison been up to?" she pressed hesitantly.
Fitz's face contorted with disgust as he replied, "He's been fucking a bunch of women, blowing every dime he earns on his vices, and treating Josh like absolute shit." The harshness of his words sharpened the room's stillness.
"Josh?" Olivia's brow knit in confusion as the name hung in the air, heavy with implications.
"Yes," Fitz clarified, "I assigned him as Edison's producer. He's been giving me updates on everything he does."
A wave of nausea hit Olivia, and she abruptly stood, her voice thick with betrayal. "I thought Josh was my friend."
"Sweetheart, if anyone should be blamed, it's me, not Josh. I was the jealous asshole who wanted to keep Edison away from you," Fitz admitted, remorse lacing every syllable.
"Is Benjamin with Edison? He was Callie's boyfriend and a music producer," Olivia asked, her tone laced with cautious inquiry.
"I believe so," Fitz confirmed quietly.
With a newfound resolve, Olivia declared, "I chose you, Fitz. I chose this life with you instead of the one Maya wanted me to have." Her explanation tumbled out, "She wanted me to marry Edison, have his children, and live comfortably in Georgia. But that's not the life I want."
"Olivia, I know what I did was wrong and I'm sorry," Fitz pleaded earnestly, his voice trembling with vulnerability. "But I won't apologize for loving you and wanting to protect you. As your husband, it's my job. I can be a possessive asshole when it comes to what's mine—and you are definitely one of those things."
Olivia exhaled a frustrated sigh. "I have nothing left to say. I'm going to bed."
Fitz moved slowly toward her, every step weighted with the tension crackling in the air. "There is something else I need to tell you," he began, his tone low and hesitant.
Olivia's shoulders slumped as fresh tears gathered and spilled over. "I can't handle any more revelations tonight," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper.
Lowering his voice even further, Fitz revealed, "I think Edison may have had something to do with Callie's death." His words, cautious yet filled with apprehension, broke through the fragile silence.
Olivia quickly wiped at her tears, her eyes blazing with a furious mixture of anger and sorrow. "Don't," she snapped. "I won't let you drag Callie into this mess. Edison had nothing to do with her death. He was there for me during one of the hardest times of my life. I won't let you pin it on him just to save your own skin."
"Olivia," Fitz began, trying to offer an explanation.
But she cut him off, shaking her head with resolute finality. "No. I can't even look at you right now." With that, she turned and ascended the stairs, leaving Fitz alone in the quiet, dimly lit kitchen.
Despair washed over Fitz as he watched her disappear from sight. He knew he had hurt her deeply and feared the damage might be irreparable. Yet, the secret he carried had grown too heavy to hide any longer.
At the top of the stairs, Olivia paused, tears streaming down her face as she listened to the distant echo of Fitz's desperate voice. The sound lingered behind her, a haunting reminder of the night's revelations, but she couldn't bring herself to turn back. Tonight, she needed space—a brief respite to reclaim her shattered pieces.
Without another word, she walked toward the spare bedroom and closed the door softly behind her, clinging to the hope that sleep might grant her some much-needed clarity.
X
Olivia sits at the sleek, dark desk, her fingers tapping a nervous rhythm on the polished wood as she methodically flips through the document that will make her the proud owner of Destiny Advertising Agency in just thirty days. Her eyes wander around the silent, dimly lit remnants of Brian's old office, and she inhales deeply, as if trying to draw in courage along with the stale air. This morning, despite Fitz's repeated, earnest attempts to apologize, their conversation had been reduced to terse nods and fragmented words during the quiet ride to the office—a ride that weighed heavily with isolation and an unspoken loneliness.
Her gaze drifts back to the scattered papers before her, an overwhelming burden of responsibility looming in every word and signature. Resting a trembling hand against her forehead to stave off the creeping headache that has been her unwelcome companion all morning, Olivia allows herself a moment of vulnerability. With a heavy, resigned sigh, she rises and steps out of the cramped office into a broader space where she immediately spots Gabriel, immaculately dressed in his crisp suit, his confident demeanor commanding the corner as he converses with Huck.
"Hey," she greets them both, her voice tentative yet determined.
In one smooth movement, Gabriel steps forward. His presence radiates professionalism, his sharp suit and assured stance making him seem as though he were sculpted from success. "Do you need something, Mrs. Grant?" he inquires, his tone laced with courteous formality.
"A ride," Olivia replies without hesitation, her words clipped by urgency.
Huck, his voice gruff and straightforward as ever, interjects with a simple, "Where to?"
"If it's all right with you, Huck, I'd like to speak with Gabriel alone," she directs, her tone firm yet polite.
Huck acknowledges with a nod, leaving them to speak alone.
Gabriel's polite smile returns as he asks, "How can I help you?"
"Can you take me to Rainbow Records?" Olivia requests, her eyes reflecting both determination and a hint of apprehension.
Gabriel instantly responds with a note of dutiful professionalism, "Let me check in with Mr. Grant."
Before he can continue, Olivia interjects quickly with a soft squeeze to his arm and a small, reassuring smile. "Please don't. I'm just going to visit my friend Josh for a little bit."
Acknowledging her request with a quiet "Okay," Gabriel pushes off from the wall, his movements seamless and purposeful.
Inside the office once more, Olivia flits about gathering her essentials—her purse and jacket—each item a small piece of the armor she wears to face the day's challenges. She rejoins Gabriel outside, and soon the sleek limousine pulls up. The ride is surprisingly swift and smooth, yet as the luxurious vehicle comes to a stop, a sense of unease settles over her. Stepping out, she pauses to take in the sight of the tall, elegant building looming before her—a structure of glass and steel that seems to pulse with an air of mystery. It's her first visit here, and as she approaches the front desk, a profound feeling of being an outsider washes over her while she announces her arrival.
Gabriel, ever the steady presence, guides her to the elevator. The soft hum of conversation and the subtle scent of polished marble in the lobby contrast with her internal whirlwind, providing a momentary comfort in the unfamiliar environment. The elevator doors open with a gentle chime, and they step onto the designated floor, warmly greeted by a friendly receptionist before making their cautious way into the bustling studio.
The moment Josh sees Olivia, he springs to his feet, his face a tapestry of surprise and curiosity painted with traces of anxiety. "Olivia, what are you doing here?" he exclaims, his voice betraying the tension of the moment.
Olivia's reply is cool and measured, laced with a hint of reproach. "I should ask you the same thing," she says, her eyes sharp with expectation.
"I'm working," Josh stammers, his attempt at casualness undermined by the nervous tremor in his voice.
As they move further into the studio, Olivia's attention shifts to a sound booth where soft, muffled voices and ambient sounds intertwine. Peering inside, she immediately recognizes Edison, unmistakable even amidst the dim lighting, as he is entwined with a woman whose hands seem to roam with a familiarity that prickles Olivia's skin. Turning away to quell the sudden surge of anger bubbling within her, she speaks in a hushed, strained tone, "Fitz told me everything."
A palpable sigh of relief escapes Josh's lips. "Thank God. I hated keeping this from you," he confesses, his voice laden with regret.
But Olivia is unyielding. "You're not off the hook," she asserts firmly, her tone resounding with disappointment. "You lied to me."
An apologetic tremor creeps into Josh's voice as he pleads, "I'm sorry, Liv. I was caught between a rock and a hard place."
Her response is sharp and unyielding—a final verdict imbued with the weight of betrayal. "I'm tired of hearing apologies," Olivia declares, her final words hanging heavy in the charged air. "I'm just here to talk to Edison."
The heavy wooden door creaks open suddenly, and Benjamin strides into the studio with an air of unspoken urgency. "Olivia, it's so good to see you," he declares, his voice warm and inviting as he extends his arm for a heartfelt embrace.
Olivia meets his greeting with a hesitant return of the hug, then pulls back slightly, her eyes drawn to the gleaming gold necklace that rests against his chest. The pendant, engraved with a delicate charm bearing Callie's picture, sparkles under the studio's harsh lighting. "How have you been?" she inquires, her tone carrying a mix of curiosity and caution.
"Not too bad," Benjamin replies with a modest, wry smile that hints at deeper stories, before his gaze shifts to the conspicuous ring on Olivia's finger. "I heard about your wedding. Congratulations," he adds, the words laced with genuine sentiment.
"Thank you," Olivia responds, her smile fleeting and tinged with lingering conflict.
Benjamin's eyes dart toward the sound booth where Edison remains isolated. "I'm glad you dodged this bullet," he comments, a subtle nod in the direction of the booth.
"Can I talk to him?" Olivia asks, her voice steady despite the tension that swirls around them.
"Sure, he's wasting my time anyway," Benjamin replies dismissively, his tone carrying both exasperation and relief. He then calls out for Edison, urging him to join them outside the cramped confines of the booth.
Edison stumbles out, his movements clumsy and his speech slurred, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. A disheveled woman clings desperately to his side, but upon seeing Olivia, Edison abruptly shoves her away. "Shit," he mutters under his breath before greeting Olivia with a disheveled familiarity. "Liv, baby, hey."
"I'm not your baby," Olivia retorts coldly, her words sharp and burdened with old wounds.
Before Edison can respond, the woman interjects in a singsong tone, "Eddy," calling him by his familiar nickname.
"Shut the fuck up, my girl is here," Edison snaps harshly, his mood souring further as he turns his attention back to Olivia. "I see you married that white prick," he bitterly observes, flicking a small toothpick between his fingers as if using it to punctuate his disdain.
"You look like shit. What happened?" Olivia fires back curtly, her eyes narrowing with accusation.
"You left me, Liv. That's what happened," Edison spits out with fiery anger, his words laced with betrayal. "My whole life was you, Olivia. You fucking left Georgia, left me... the rest is fucking history."
"Don't blame me for your fucked-up life," Olivia snaps, her voice sharp and laden with hurt. "I didn't come here for that." She steps back from the table, her muscles trembling with contained emotion. "Did you have something to do with Callie's death?"
Edison bursts into a loud, mocking laugh, seemingly amused by her probing question. "Did your new husband put you up to this?" he taunts, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Answer me!" Olivia's voice echoes fiercely through the room, each word charged with raw anger and desperation.
"You know me, Olivia. I was with you after Callie died," Edison replies, his voice deceptively calm, yet underlined by a simmering tension that crackles between them.
"Not that night, you weren't. Where were you?" Olivia fires back, her eyes blazing with fury and a desperate quest for truth, scanning his face for any flicker of deceit.
"He's putting shit in your head. I was at home," Edison retorts defensively, his left eye twitching uncontrollably as he speaks.
Olivia shakes her head slowly, a single tear shimmering at the corner of her eye before she forcefully blinks it away.
"Liv, don't let him put you against me," Edison pleads, his voice softening with a note of genuine concern. "I would never hurt you."
Olivia, her emotions battling against her resolve, carefully wipes away her tear as she tries to reassert control over herself.
"I'm doing a concert in Georgia in a few weeks. Come see me. I'm going to sing your song," he offers, reaching out and brushing his fingers tenderly along her cheek. Olivia pulls back instinctively, her hand trembling as she wipes away the tears streaming down her face. "No," she murmurs softly, the large diamond wedding ring on her finger twisting subtly as she speaks.
"Don't give up on me, Liv. I'm going to get my shit together so we can get back together," Edison insists, regret and longing evident in his voice.
Olivia twists the worn door knob, her face set in determination as she prepares to leave. But before she steps away, she turns sharply to face Edison, her eyes hard and resolute. "I'm married, Edison. There is no hope for us."
Gabriel trails behind Olivia as she strides toward the elevator, the atmosphere tense with unspoken words. The elevator doors slide open, revealing Fitz standing in the confined space, his icy blue eyes locking onto Olivia's with an intensity that speaks of unresolved conflict.
"Retreat," Fitz orders quietly to Gabriel, who steps to the side, ensuring Fitz can stand next to Olivia. "I know you're mad at me, but going to see Edison isn't fair, Olivia," he states, his voice laced with a mixture of anger and imploring concern.
As the elevator doors fling open on the lobby, Olivia bursts out, her hand shaking violently as she whirls toward Fitz, her face contorted with pure terror. "He's lying," she gasps, every word quivering with fear and fury. "I saw it, Fitz. His left eye was twitching just like it always does when he's lying. He had something to do with Callie's death."
"What?" Fitz demands, his eyes widening in a mix of shock and incredulity.
"Edison had something to do with her death," Olivia sobs, tears streaming unchecked down her face, each drop a testament to her inner torment. "He...he..." Her voice breaks off as she crumples under the weight of the overwhelming grief, her body convulsing in a desperate breakdown.
"Sweetheart, please calm down," Fitz pleads, reaching out with a gentle urgency to comfort her, his tone soft yet frantic.
But Olivia's breathing becomes erratic, her panic swelling until she seems unable to draw a full breath.
"Shit!" Fitz exclaims in exasperation, his own frustration and anger bubbling over. He turns to Gabrielle. "Get me an ambulance now."