The Billionaire's Unknown Offspring

Chapter No.8

Olivia Bennet:-

When I stepped into the office early on a bright Monday morning, my heart was full of expectations and excitement. I think it has been a while since I started working with Joel again. After all, some time had passed, those wounds healed up and now we are developing productive relationships in our professional field. We were at it again today, working together, on a very important project.

Joining me, sitting down at the desk he was in a usually calm, friendly mood. His transformation was becoming more obvious almost daily. The hostility and tension that characterized our previous meetings dissipated; we now came together motivated by the desire to make it in our work.

“Good morning, Olivia,” he said with a smile, and although it was not often done these days, I took it warmly "Is today’s project in order?

I smiled back and felt the newly-founded friendship. “Of course, Joel. I’ve gone through this data and I believe it is taking us in the right direction."

"That's really good to hear. So, shall we get started on it then?”

During this project and data analysis, we were completely devoted to our work as discussed and analyzed the data, brainstormed ideas, and laid out the strategies for the day. Excitedly, one could tell that our collaboration was running smoothly, and being genuinely impressed with Joel’s commitment, as compared to his previously pompous character. Instead, he was a coworker who gave priority to my opinion and showed me respect as an expert.

Finally, as the day ended, we completed our presentation, pleased with how far we went. Joel relaxed on his chair, smiling with satisfaction as he looked at me and I asked with a smile.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked and he leanded forward to place his hand on my cheek and caressd it. Sending shivers down my spine and in good kind of a way. I was enjoying his touch so much and wanted him to do more. I don't know why, but in th epast few weeks my feelings for Joel has increased because of his new side that he refused to show others.

"Well, Olivia, let me tell you, you are not just a beautiful and sexy woman. You have the brains too and know where and when to use it. You are capable of doing business and something tells me that you are going to be a very successful woman one day. Trust me, I’ve learnt so much from working with you today, the things I didn't know and I am not ashamed to tell you that."The compliment made me laugh gently.

"No, I am not good. I just learned from the best. You, my dear boss." I tell him while wrapping up the items placed on the table.For a brief moment, Joel’s eyes met with my own. It seemed that there was a little reluctance in this gazing.

"Olivia, do you mind if I ask; if you have any plans for dining out tonight? I would want us to discuss more on the project before we consider….other things" he asked in a polite and gentle tone.

I blinked, surprised, at his sudden request. I had not even thought about dinner, for instance, with Joel, outside office hours. However, he had been attempting to transform himself; thus maybe there was need to try and achieve a deeper personal relationship.

"Dinner probably would be lovely,” I said cautiously, feeling my face flush a bit "But let’s keep it professional, okay?"

Joel smiled, his eyes showing real excitement. "Of course, Olivia. Professional it is. I will call in advance for an Italian restaurant, as you have recommended several of times but I was an asshole not to listen to you. Shall we say 7 o'clock?" he asked and I nodded.

"Yes, seven sounds good." I said, experiencing an unusual combination of jitters and anticipation that was rapidly spreading throughout my abdomen. "7 o'clock it is, Joel."

After heading home, I took a quick shower and put on a simple black plain dress but frowned as I looked at my appearance. I look like a nun in this dress but why does it matter? It is a professional dinner, right? I was the one who asked it to be professional then why is it bothering me so much? I opened my closet and took out a blue dress that reached just below my knees. The dress had the spaghtetti straps and sweetheart neckline and when I put it on I nodded impressed to myself because I looked down.

I applied a little amount of makeup and put on the heels and waited for Joel. He was suppose to be here anytime now when my phone pinged with a message from Joel informing me that he is waiting for me at the restaurant and sent his driver to pick me up.All of a sudden I felt bad. Shouldn't Joel be coming to pick me up but then again I was the one to keep things professional. It's not like it's a date or we are dating or something.

And, besides if we do date, then it is not going to end well because our status are different. Joel is a tycoon, belongs to a prestige family while I am a nobody. I sighed and shook the thoughts away as I stepped out of my apartment and locked it behind. When I exited my residential building and inhaled the chilly night air, I could not help but get excited nervously.

Upon arrival, I found that Joel had already been waiting for me at a cozy, dimly lit corner table. His appearance was truly splendid- he wore a tailored suit. How could one not notice an endeavor like that?

He rose and pulled out a chair for me saying “Olivia” with a warm smile as I got near. "You look stunning."

"Thank you. You look good too." I tell him with a blush.

As the night wore on, it became only natural for us to move away from business talks and dwell on more private matters. When it came time for conversation, Joel was open enough to share memories from his childhood, to talk about his most cherished dreams and fantasies, as well as about problems he had encountered in his personal life. The side of him which was so peculiar was one sided never been observed much earlier, thus it made me more and more inquisitive about how he had transformed into such a multi-dimensional personality.

I too shared my dreams and love with them; dreams that were shelved due to my quest for financial stability. When I shared my aspirations for the future, it felt incredibly freeing and real.

Dessert was brought by the waiter, and we enjoyed it in peaceful silence. Then, Joel leaned forward, his eyes seeking mine with traces of unease.

“Olivia,” he stated in a soft and sincere tone, “thank you for allowing me this opportunity to have a dinner with you. I had a freat time with you tonight. I felt alive.”

The praise made me feel good and it felt like I had some butterflies in my stomach as I sat down " I had a great time with you too, Joel. You are not as tough and ruthless as you show it to the people."

"Maybe, I just stopped being an asshole and ruthless to you because you are special?" he asked and I chuckled nervously.

"I am not special at all, Joel. I am just a normal woman like others." I tell him when all of a sudden he was in front of me, raising me chin and smashing his lips on mine for a kiss, taking me back with his sudden action. I tried to resist it, I know it as wrong but it felt right which made me get lot into him too and ended up kissing him back by wrapping my arms around his neck.