Under his wing

--- “Olivia!! Olivia!!” A muffled voice filtered through the heavy fog of sleep. Ugh, what's that noise? Olivia groaned, pulling her blanket over her head. It couldn't possibly be morning yet. “Olivia, if you don’t come downstairs, I’m gonna s***k your ass!” Her eyes shot open at the threat. Before she could fully register the situation, her bedroom door creaked open, and she felt a sharp swat on her leg. “Ouch! Mum, what was that for?” she whined, sitting up. Her mother stood over her, hands on hips, her no-nonsense look firmly in place. “If you don’t get up this minute, get ready to starve for the rest of the day.” Olivia’s eyes widened as she glanced at her phone. “Mum, that’s not fair! It’s not even—" she froze. "Wait, it's 8 a.m. already? Who turned off my alarm?” Her mother sighed, shaking her head. “Instead of asking rhetorical questions, why don’t you get up and help me in the kitchen? I’ll be downstairs. You’ve got 15 minutes to get ready.” Olivia groaned as her mother left the room, the door clicking shut behind her. Mondays... I hate them so much. She rubbed her eyes and threw off the blanket. "I didn’t even do my laundry on Saturday. It’s all Stephanie’s fault. Why did I agree to go to that stupid art show?" she muttered to herself as she shuffled through her clothes. Most were wrinkled, except for her work uniform, which hung neatly on the back of her chair. I’ll wash them when I get back. Probably. A glance in the mirror confirmed her worst fear—her brown hair was a mess. She sighed and hurried to fix herself up. At least her work clothes were clean. She’d have to change later though; no way she could wear them to the shop. --- Downstairs, the warm scent of food greeted Olivia as she stepped into the kitchen. “There you are,” her mother said, glancing up from the stove. “For a second, I thought you’d chosen the other option of staying in bed.” Olivia rubbed her stomach, eyeing the spread on the table. “Mum, this smells so good.” Her mother chuckled. “Of course, you’re always motivated by food. Too bad it doesn’t show on your body. You’re as slim as ever.” “Not funny, Mum.” Olivia wrinkled her nose and started to grab a plate. Her mother paused, looking at her with narrowed eyes and crumpled nose. “Wait a minute… Livia, why do you stink?” Olivia stiffened, then broke into a nervous laugh. “It’s probably the trash. I should take it out.” She dashed toward the door before her mother could say anything more, calling over her shoulder, “I’ll meet you at the shop, okay?” Her mother sighed, shaking her head. “Make sure you clean it up before I get there. And if Mrs. Collins arrives first, tell her I’m on my way.” --- At the shop... Olivia arrived at her mother’s shop, a small but tidy corner store with shelves lined with colorful spices, canned goods, and a fresh selection of produce. The old wooden counter at the front had seen better days, its once-polished surface now scratched from years of wear and tear. Still, the shop had a cozy charm, with potted plants perched on the windowsill and a small radio playing soft music in the background. She unlocked the door, stepping inside and tossing her bag onto the counter. It was quiet, peaceful even. She closed her eyes for a moment, leaning against the counter. Maybe I can just sit for a minute… Suddenly, the door flew open. “Hey, pookie! Don’t tell me you’re sleeping?” a familiar voice teased. Olivia jumped, blinking. “Huh? Who’s there?” Davis laughed as he stepped inside, his tall frame filling the doorway. “It’s me, dummy. Who else would it be?” “Davis!” she groaned, rubbing her temples. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at work?” He feigned offense, clutching his chest dramatically. “Wow, what a warm welcome. That’s just what I needed from my best friend first thing in the morning.” Olivia rolled her eyes but smiled. “Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that.” “Yeah, yeah, I’m just kidding,” he said, grinning as he held up a basket. “I forgot something at home, so I stopped by to see you. Your mum asked me to bring this—your breakfast.” Olivia’s eyes lit up. “Aww, thanks! Wait—” she caught him sneaking a bite. “Hey! I didn’t say you could eat my food!” Davis chuckled, swallowing a mouthful. “My bad. I forgot how serious you are about your food.” Olivia narrowed her eyes. “You know I don’t joke about that, Davis.” “I know, I know,” he said, still laughing. “Anyway, I better get going. See you later?” --- At Vincent’s Mansion... Vincent stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, looking out over the city skyline. His assistant, Daniel, hovered nearby. “Yes, sir. Your meeting with Harmon & Co. is scheduled for 12 p.m.,” Daniel said, flipping through the files. Vincent nodded. “And after that?” “No other meetings for today, sir.” “Good. Have the files ready. I’ll be in the office shortly.” Just then, the door creaked open, and a woman walked in, carrying a tray of food. “Good morning, my little cutie,” she cooed. Vincent’s jaw tightened. “I’ve told you to stop calling me that.” She waved off his irritation. “Must you be serious all the time? It’s only 9 a.m., and you’re not even in the office yet. Relax a little.” “I don’t have time for this,” Vincent muttered. “I have to get to the office.” --- Back at the shop... Olivia finished wiping down the counter as her mother arrived. “I have to get going now, Mum,” Olivia said, grabbing her things. “Alright, but be back early, okay?” Olivia gave a quick nod. “Yeah, I’ll try.” I’m not a kid anymore, she thought as she rushed out the door. She checked her phone. It was already past 1 p.m., and she was definitely late for work. Great, Mr. Thompson is going to kill me. --- In the car... Vincent’s driver, Diego, was navigating the busy city streets, the car moving smoothly until— SPLASH! Water sprayed up onto the sidewalk, hitting a pedestrian. Olivia froze as she felt cold water soak her clothes. “What the—?!” she shouted, glaring at the black car pulling away. The car screeched to a stop as Diego slowed down. “Who’s that lady ranting outside?” Vincent asked, glancing out the window. “Uh, sir, I think I accidentally splashed water on her,” Diego mumbled. Vincent raised an eyebrow. “So? Do you know I’m late because of your slow driving?” Olivia stormed toward the car, but before she could reach it, it sped off again, leaving her fuming. 123.RH.579, she noted the license plate. You won’t get away with this. --- 2:30 pm…At the restaurant... Olivia slipped inside quietly, hoping no one would notice her. “And where do you think you’re going?” His voice rang out, sending a chill down her spine. Of course. Just when I thought today couldn’t get any worse...