Chapter 5 Unexpected Help
1060 Words
As Olivia stood before the towering office building, an overwhelming urge to flee gripped her.
She was still reeling from the shock that Arthur, the man she casually bumped into on the street, was actually the CEO of Aurora Group!
But the solid weight of the business card in her hand was a constant reminder that this was no dream.
With a deep breath to steady her nerves, Olivia pushed through the grand doors.
The lobby was a stunning masterpiece of flowing lines and dynamic tension, bold and avant-garde like a modern art piece, exuding an undeniable beauty.
People in designer suits bustled around, their eyes flickering with curiosity or disdain as they noticed Olivia.
Olivia met their gazes with unflinching composure.
Ever since that fateful encounter with Arthur, Olivia felt a shift within herself.
In front of the elevator, Tony was already waiting. Tony greeted her with a warm smile and an outstretched hand.
In an instant, envy replaced the curiosity in the eyes of the employees.
Olivia joined Tony, who pulled out a black card adorned with gold lines and swiped it against the wall behind him.
An opulent elevator descended with a soft whoosh.
"This is the VIP elevator, directly to the CEO's office. Only two people hold this card—the CEO and now, you."
As Tony spoke, he handed the card to her amidst the astonished gazes of the crowd.
Olivia was taken aback, her surprise evident, just about to say something when Tony waved her off with a smile.
As the elevator doors slid open, a tall, striking blond man stood in the center of the hall, a hint of nervousness in his stance.
Olivia stepped out of the elevator—truth be told, her nerves were just as frayed.
Tony shot a knowing glance at Arthur, then Olivia, and with a slightly resigned smile, said, "I'll leave you two to it."
With a soft ding, the elevator doors closed, prompting Arthur to clear his throat and offer a simple, "Hi."
"Hi," Olivia replied.
A moment of silence stretched between them.
Their eyes met, and suddenly, laughter erupted from both of them, breaking the tension. It took a while before they calmed down.
"First off, I owe you an apology, Miss Tyler," Arthur said with a smile, yet earnestly, "About that day in the car... I wasn't... I mean, I didn't..."
"Olivia."
Arthur seemed a bit dazed, and Olivia smiled, saying, "Just call me Olivia."
With that, there was no need for further explanation. Arthur quickly replied, "And you can call me Arthur."
The air was tinged with a hint of romantic tension. Olivia quickly unfolded her sketchpad. "So, Arthur, what style would you like for your portrait?"
"Oil painting, nothing too modern," Arthur said, brushing back his blond hair with a smile. "I'm a bit of a traditionalist."
"Coincidentally, I'm a bit old-school myself," Olivia smiled, picking up her brush and pondering. "How about we go with an Ingres style for that classic touch?"
"That would be too traditional," Arthur said, getting interested. "Something like Millet's style would be perfect. He's my favorite painter."
"You have excellent taste," Olivia praised. "I also prefer Millet's works over other realist painters."
Olivia unfurled the canvas, mixing the colors of the oil paints. They chatted about art, almost losing track of time.
Before they knew it, time had slipped away, and the atmosphere returned to that slightly awkward yet more intimate vibe.
"Shall we start now?" Olivia asked. "How do you envision your pose for the portrait?"
Arthur was silent for a moment. When he looked up again, Olivia saw a spark in his eyes.
"About that..."
He unbuttoned his suit jacket.
Then, under Olivia's gaze, he unbuttoned his vest and shirt.
"Arthur?"
A blush crept up Olivia's cheeks, and she turned her head, but couldn't resist sneaking a peek.
With the shirt off, his chiseled physique came into view.
"A bare-chested pose paired with suit pants—it has a beauty that mixes wildness with order. Don't you agree?"
As he spoke, he moved closer to Olivia, his deep, velvety voice whispered in her ear.
"Yes, you... you have a very good physique."
Olivia tried to keep her composure, though her gaze couldn't help but linger on him.
Arthur leaned in beside her, enveloped in her intoxicating scent, his mind almost in a haze as he blurted out:
"Wanna feel it?"
Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow! Everything was unfolding at lightning speed! Olivia's mind was spinning, trying to make sense of the situation, but her hand had already found its way to his abs!
'Okay, I know this isn't right. I'm supposed to be painting his portrait, not getting this up close and personal.
'But oh my God, the sensation...
'Get a grip, Olivia! He's a CEO, likely a playboy, and I'm just a street artist. If this keeps up, things are going to spiral out of control...
'Wow, he must hit the gym hard. Check out those pecs...
'Cut it out, Olivia! Look at you! You're completely losing it!
'Wait, losing it?! Why?!'
Yes! She can't be losing control like this! This isn't like her! Something's off, clouding her mind!
Thinking back, ever since she stepped into this room, there's been this enticing scent in the air—like the cozy aroma of a blanket sunbathing on a spring day.
'Is it Arthur? Did he do something to me?
'Whatever it is, it has to stop! Right here, right now!
'Oh, he's so close, and those blue eyes are clearer than the sky...'
A soft cough broke the tension.
A woman in a sleek black business suit stood by the elevator, shooting Olivia a disapproving glare.
The interruption snapped Olivia back to reality. She quickly pushed Arthur away, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Arthur's emotions were a whirlwind. On one hand, he knew his behavior was out of line. But on the other, a part of him wanted to let it all unfold.
So when the moment shattered, Arthur turned to the woman with a frown:
"Mandy? I thought I made it clear I didn't want to be disturbed right now?"
Mandy calmly adjusted her glasses:
"I'm sorry to interrupt, Mr. Conte. But I just received word that your brother has landed at the airport. He would like to have dinner with you."
- Writer
