My Sweet Olivia.

Chapter One Olivia If staring at the clock could make time move faster, I would've been home an hour ago. I've checked the oversized clock hanging across from my desk at least fifty times today, and every glance seems to mock me. The hands barely move. I've had a brutal day at work, and all I want is to go home. Unfortunately, I still have another hour to survive, along with a meeting that's scheduled to begin in the next fifteen minutes. I've spent the entire afternoon making sure every file for Monday's presentation is flawless. This presentation will determine whether I earn the opportunity to become the next Chief of Marketing—or whether I'll have to start looking for another job altogether. And I don't like the second option. Losing to Monica isn't something I want. Not when I love what I do. Not when I've worked this hard to get here. My mom always said I was stubborn when it came to chasing my dreams, and she wasn't wrong. Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a marketing director. Most kids watched the Super Bowl for the game and the adrenaline. I watched it for the commercials. While everyone else cheered touchdowns, I sat beside my dad critiquing every advertisement that aired. I still do. In fact, I still host a Super Bowl party every year—even though my team never seems to make it to the big game. Such a big bummer! I'm pretty sure my friends secretly hate me because I spend half the night explaining how I would've designed each commercial differently. I truly enjoy judging their creation. And, of course, I still watch everything else that accompanies the advertisements. It's not so much fun because I don't know who to cheer for. The only halftime show I've genuinely loved was the legendary performance by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, and 50 Cent. Now that was entertainment. The commercials that year, however, were disappointing. Creative? Sure. Memorable? Not really. I still think I could've done better. One day, I'd love to own my own marketing agency. Why not? The industry can be incredibly rewarding for people with creativity, determination, and a willingness to take risks. I'd like to think I have all three. The collection of awards displayed on my desk certainly supports my confidence. Landing a position at Marketing Dynamics Group felt like winning the lottery. Heck yeah. They're one of the most respected marketing firms in Northern Virginia. What started as a small, family-owned company eventually grew into a multimillion-dollar business, and becoming part of that success has been one of the greatest accomplishments of my life. So I will do everything within my power to keep it that way. When Amelia and I moved north after college, there was only one company I wanted to work for. This one. I had no professional experience when I submitted my résumé, and that terrified me. Fortunately, graduating at the top of my class from Harding University—and completing a two-year internship with Cardinal Productions during my final years of college—gave me a fighting chance. My internship supervisor even wrote me a glowing recommendation letter. Apparently, they saw something in me. Two years later, I'd say they made the right decision. The climb hasn't been easy, but every challenge has pushed me to become a better designer. Seven months after joining the company, I earned my first Top Production Award. Since then, I've consistently ranked among the firm's highest-performing designers. So when the opportunity to compete for the department's leadership position came along... I didn't hesitate. I might be shy in social situations, but when it comes to my career, I'm relentless. No one hands you success. You earn it. "Hey, gorgeous." Levi leaned casually against my office doorway, impeccably dressed as always. His charcoal-gray slacks looked freshly pressed, and not a single strand of his dark hair was out of place. Honestly, I was convinced the man woke up looking like he'd stepped out of a magazine. "The boss is ready for us," he said, flashing me one of his signature smiles. His gaze traveled from my face to my outfit before he clicked his tongue dramatically. "And before you ask... yes, Monica has already been glaring at you like she wants to file a restraining order against your existence." I laughed despite the knot twisting in my stomach. "Good afternoon to you too, Levi." I had been buried with work all day, that I hadn't seem him. "I'm serious." He pushed himself off the door frame and walked over to straighten the lapel of my blazer. "Also... don't let that witch steal your confidence. Or your moisturizer. You look way too good today to let her ruin your mood." "You're ridiculous." "And devastatingly handsome," he corrected with a wink. "Don't leave that part out." I rolled my eyes, smiling as I gathered my laptop and folders. "Thanks, Levi." "Anytime, sweetheart." He bumped my shoulder affectionately. "Now come on before Tim sends out a search party." As we walked toward the conference room, he leaned closer and lowered his voice. "If Monica starts acting crazy again, I'm volunteering as tribute." I laughed "You watch too many movies." "I absolutely do." He grinned. "Speaking of which, Brandon wants me to watch that new action movie tonight, and I'm trying to convince him that dinner should come first. A man shouldn't have to choose between tacos and explosions." I laughed again. Leave it to Levi to make me forget I was seconds away from walking into what could be the most important meeting of my career. Everyone deserves a friend like him. We never had meetings on Fridays—especially not this late in the afternoon. It was nearly five o'clock, and everyone in the office was counting down the minutes until the weekend. Instead of heading home, we were making our way to the conference room for one last meeting. Mr. Lewis wanted to make sure everything was in place for Monday's presentation. This wasn't just another campaign. Our client was Lidia Roberts. The Lidia Roberts. Movie star. Three Oscar Awards. Businesswoman. Fashion icon. After marrying Supreme Court Justice Clarence Hayes the previous year, she'd traded Hollywood for Washington, D.C., and now she was preparing to launch her first luxury clothing collection. And landing her account would be huge for our firm. Lidia already had a wildly successful perfume line, but fashion was a completely different beast. She wanted a marketing campaign that would establish her clothing brand as more than just another celebrity label. I'd seen every sketch. Every fabric sample. Every color palette. Her collection was breathtaking. Elegant without being predictable. Bold without trying too hard. She didn't need someone to reinvent her vision. She needed someone who knew how to tell its story. And I knew I could. Tha's right. Olivia Baker was exactly what she needed. Coffee in one hand and my favorite leather notebook tucked beneath my arm, I followed Levi into the conference room. Yes, I own an iPad. No, I wasn't giving up handwritten notes. Something about putting pen to paper helped me think. Besides... The coffee was doing most of the heavy lifting today. I slid into my chair and glanced at the clock. Just one more hour. Then I'd be home. Home with Noah. The thought alone melted away some of the tension tightening my shoulders. For real. By the end of tonight, the only presentation I planned on giving involved shedding every stitch of clothing I had on. Hopefully Noah planned on doing the same. "Ladies and gentlemen," Mr. Lewis began, taking his place at the head of the table. "I'll keep this brief." The room fell silent. He looked first at Monica. Then at me. "As all of you know, Evelyn will be retiring in six months." A few people exchanged glances. I guess not everyone knew that. "I've narrowed the candidates for her replacement down to two." He paused just long enough to build the suspense. "Monica." Her lips curved into a smug smile. "And Olivia." My stomach flipped. "I've asked each of you to assemble your own team. Monday's presentation for Lidia Roberts will be the first step in determining who will become our next Chief of Marketing." The room erupted into quiet murmurs. And some dirty looks. "This competition will remain strictly internal," he continued. "Lidia has no idea she's evaluating two candidates for the same position. She believes she's simply receiving presentations from two of our best marketing coordinators." If looks could kill... Monica would've been fitted for an orange jumpsuit. The kind that doesn't look well with a hairdo and makeup. She stared at me from across the table, her perfectly manicured nails tapping slowly against her coffee mug. Tap. Tap. Tap. A smile spread across her lips. Not a friendly smile. A warning. She wanted me to know this was already her victory. She'd hated me since my first day at Marketing Dynamics. Not because I'd done anything to her. Because I'd become competition. And Monica couldn't stand sharing the spotlight. She wanted to be the brightest star in every room. Unfortunately for her... I wasn't interested in dimming my light. "Monica," Mr. Lewis said, looking in her direction. "Is your team ready?" She crossed one perfectly manicured leg over the other before offering him a dazzling smile. The kind she reserved exclusively for him. "Of course we are... Tim." There it was. His first name. She always found a reason to say it. "Our team has worked incredibly hard for this opportunity, and I'm confident we'll prove we're the strongest choice." She shot me a quick glance before turning her attention back to him. "Experience matters. Leadership matters. I've invested years into this company, and I think that dedication speaks for itself." She didn't have to say my name. Everyone knew exactly who that comment was aimed at. I almost laughed. She left out a few things. Monica accused me of flirting with Mr. Lewis, yet she practically batted her eyelashes every time he walked into a room. The irony was almost amusing. Almost. Mr. Lewis was an attractive man. I'd be lying if I said he wasn't. Tall. Confident. Successful. But that was where my interest ended. Besides... I already had Noah. Who was no match for any of the guys who had ever expressed any interest in me. Four years together, and somehow that man still managed to make my heart race with one smile. There wasn't another man on this planet who could compete with him. "Thank you, Monica," Mr. Lewis said before turning toward me. "What about you, Olivia? Is your team ready?" Every eye in the room shifted in my direction. I sat a little straighter. "First, I'd like to thank you for giving me this opportunity, Mr. Lewis." I folded my hands on top of my notebook. "I don't see Monday as a competition." Monica scoffed. I ignored her — because in truth, Monday wasn't about Monica, nor was it about me. "Our priority is Lidia Roberts. If we earn her trust and exceed her expectations, then this company wins regardless of who receives the promotion." The room grew noticeably quieter. "I respect Monica's experience. She's been with the company longer than I have, and I recognize everything she's contributed here." I caught Monica's surprised expression. She clearly hadn't expected me to compliment her. "But I also believe leadership isn't measured by seniority." I looked directly at Mr. Lewis. "It's measured by results." No one said a word. "My performance, the campaigns I've led, and the awards I've earned reflect the kind of leader I strive to be every day. If I'm chosen, I'll do everything in my power to help this department continue growing." Silence. There was more silence. Then Mr. Lewis smiled. "Very well said." From the corner of my eye, I saw Monica's jaw tighten. She was furious. Not because I'd insulted her. Because I hadn't. Professionalism frustrated people who were looking for a fight. Mr. Lewis leaned back in his chair. "I agree with Olivia. Seniority alone won't determine the outcome." He glanced toward Evelyn. "My father promoted Evelyn over someone who had worked here much longer." Evelyn smiled. "And it turned out to be one of the best decisions he ever made." Monica's smile had disappeared completely. Her fingers tightened around the handle of her coffee mug. If she squeezed any harder... she'd probably crack it. "Since Monica brought up seniority," Mr. Lewis continued, "she'll present first on Monday. Olivia, your team will follow." I nodded. "Each presentation will last forty-five minutes. Be prepared to answer questions and defend your strategy," he paused before he added. " And I have one last request." He looked back and forth between us. "Lidia is not aware this is a competition. As far as she's concerned, she's simply meeting with two outstanding marketing coordinators." I knew. He had already mentioned that. His expression became serious. "I expect professionalism from everyone." He paused. "And may the best woman win." The meeting adjourned. I was out of my chair before anyone else. Not because I was nervous. Because if I stayed in that room another minute... Monica would finally get the confrontation she'd been dying for. "Thank you, everyone," Mr. Lewis said. Chairs scraped against the floor as people gathered their laptops and notebooks. Conversations filled the room. The meeting was over. I exhaled quietly. One hurdle down. One very important presentation left. "Guys," I called to my team as we stepped into the hallway. "Can we meet in my office for a few minutes before everyone heads home? I promise I won't keep you long." Levi groaned dramatically. "If this meeting lasts longer than fifteen minutes, I'm billing you for emotional damages." A few people laughed. "I'd rather go over everyone's responsibilities now than interrupt your weekend," I said. "We've worked too hard to leave anything to chance. Whether I win this promotion or not, our goal is making sure Lidia's launch is a success." "That's why we love working with you," one of my teammates said. I smiled. Exactly. This wasn't about beating Monica. It was about earning a client's trust. I had barely taken two steps before someone grabbed my wrist. Hard. "What do you think you're doing?" I froze. Monica. Her nails dug into my skin just enough to hurt. I looked down at her hand before slowly lifting my eyes to hers. The b***h was smiling. That somehow made it worse. "I'd like to thank you for this opportunity, Mr. Lewis," she mocked in a sugary voice. "I don't see this as a competition..." She leaned closer until only I could hear her. "Give me a f*****g break." I tried to pull away. She tightened her grip. "You really do love pretending you're better than everyone else, don't you?" I kept my voice even. "Monica... let go of my hand." "Oh, now you're giving orders?" she whispered with a laugh. "That's cute." She looked me up and down with open disgust. "You really think you're ready to lead this department?" She tilted her head. "You're playing dress-up in a job that's too big for you." My jaw tightened. Behind me, I heard footsteps. Levi. He'd noticed. Fast. "Hey." His voice lost every trace of its usual playfulness. "Take your hand off her." Monica didn't even look at him. "I'm talking to Olivia." "I wasn't asking." Levi's voice had a different tone. Now she looked at him. "Oh, look." She laughed. "The emotional support committee has arrived." Levi folded his arms. "I'll say it one more time." "Take." "Your." "Hand." "Off." "Her." For a split second... I thought she might actually slap him. Instead, she turned back to me. "You know what your problem is, Olivia?" I sighed. "No." The b***h had already gotten under my skin. "You actually believe these people like you?" She glanced toward my team. "They don't." She spat. "They're using you." Her smile widened. "And after Monday?" Her eyebrows furrowed. "They'll all figure out exactly what I've known since the day you walked in here." I met her stare without blinking. "And what's that, Monica?" Her lips curled. "That you'll never be good enough." Silence. Complete silence. Then I smiled. A small one. Not because her words didn't sting. Because I finally understood. "It's her fear talking," I muttered — but my voice was cold. Her smile vanished. "What did you say?" "I said..." I gently removed her hand from my wrist. "It's your fear talking." Her entire face hardened. The brightness in her eyes had vanished, and I was met with darkness. "You're terrified, Monica." My voice remained calm. "Not because I'm inexperienced." I took one step closer. One big step. "Because for the first time..." I looked directly into her eyes. "...you're not the most talented person in the room." The color drained from Monica's face. "Oh, sweetheart..." She laughed softly. "You just made the biggest mistake of your career." "Maybe." I shrugged. "But at least I don't have to tear someone else down to feel important." For one terrifying second... I thought she was going to hit me. Instead— "f**k off, Monica." Levi stepped between us, placing himself squarely at my side. "Seriously," he suggested. "Go find someone else to embarrass yourself in front of." Monica looked from him... to me... to the small crowd that had quietly gathered in the hallway. People had noticed. Good. She finally released a sharp, irritated breath. "This isn't over." "No," I agreed. "It isn't." She shot me one last murderous glare before brushing past us, deliberately slamming her shoulder against mine. Levi immediately turned toward me. "You okay?" I looked down at the faint red marks around my wrist. "Yeah." I forced a smile. "I will be." I didn't have time to Monica's f*****g insecurities. I turned toward my office, forcing myself to keep walking even though my pulse was still racing. "Conference room. Ten minutes," I called over my shoulder to my team. "You got it, boss lady," Levi said with an exaggerated salute. I laughed. "I've been promoted already?" "In my heart, absolutely," he joked. Leave it to Levi to pull a smile out of me when all I wanted to do was scream. Once everyone settled into my office, we spent the next few minutes reviewing Monday's presentation. We walked through the order of speakers, discussed potential questions Lidia might ask, and made a few last-minute adjustments. By the time we finished, everyone knew exactly what was expected of them. That alone eased some of the pressure sitting on my shoulders. As my team gathered their things, Levi lingered behind. He always did. "You okay?" he asked quietly. I nodded. "I will be." He studied me for a second, unconvinced. "Don't let her get inside your head, Liv." "I'm trying not to." "You've got this." He squeezed my shoulder before heading toward the door. "And if she breathes in your direction on Monday, I'll accidentally spill my coffee on her." I laughed. "You don't even drink coffee." "Oh! I'll buy one." That man was ridiculous. And I adored him for it. Once the office emptied, the silence settled around me. I leaned back in my chair and stared at the ceiling. Why does she hate me so much? I honestly couldn't remember a single moment when I'd done anything to deserve Monica's resentment. Not one. Some people simply decide they don't like you. Apparently, I was one of the lucky ones. The frustrating part was that Monica was talented. Exceptionally talented. If she weren't so consumed by jealousy, we'd probably make an incredible team. Instead... She'd spent the last two years making my life miserable. I glanced down at my wrist. Faint red marks from where she'd grabbed me were already beginning to fade. Unfortunately, the emotional scars she'd left over the years weren't nearly as quick to disappear. Like the day she "accidentally" spilled an entire cup of coffee down the front of my white dress. The same dress I'd worn to receive my Top Production Award. I could still remember standing onstage, smiling for the company photo while trying to hide the giant brown stain splashed across my stomach. She had done that to me. Then she took a picture. And by lunchtime, she'd posted it online with the caption: Some pigs should never wear white. I reported it to Evelyn. She promised she'd speak to Mr. Lewis. Nothing ever came of it. Nothing ever did. Monica always seemed to land on her feet. Like she had a pass to be mean to whomever she wanted. Being cousins with Mr. Lewis's ex-wife certainly didn't hurt. "Liv?" Levi peeked his head back through my doorway. "I forgot my car keys." He looked at me for a second before narrowing his eyes. "You were overthinking again, weren't you?" "...Maybe." He pointed a finger at me. "Nope." I laughed. "I'm serious. Go home. Take your gorgeous boyfriend out of his clothes, eat something unhealthy, forget Monica exists until Monday, and let yourself enjoy the weekend." Heat crept into my cheeks. "You are unbelievable." But I liked his advice. "I know." He grinned. "Now get out of here before I start charging you for therapy." I shook my head, laughing as I grabbed my purse. "I think you are in the wrong profession, Levi." Maybe he was right. The best revenge wasn't spending my weekend worrying about Monica. It was beating her on Monday. Fair and square. I switched off the lights in my office and followed my friend into the hallway. I couldn't wait to see Noah.