SHATTERED CROWNS

A Glass Half Full

“Hey, no.” Olivia's soothing voice was barely above a whisper. She stood on her tippy-toes, and brushed her fingers along Luke's sharp jawline. “Not at all. I fell in love with you, because you are smart, funny and very handsome and that will never change… I'm sorry if you thought… ” Her eyes flashed with pain.

"Stop…shh” Luke interrupted gently, placing a finger on Olivia's lips. “Don't apologize. I'm the one who should have told you from the start. I'm sorry.” Luke looked down at her with remorse.

“Your background is not important to me. Thanks to that, I got to meet you.” Olivia pulled him closer to her, resting her forehead on his. “But tell me babe, doesn't it bother you? Being treated like an outsider, Meredith really hates you.” Olivia inquired, a cautious edge to her voice.

“It does, to be honest, it really does hurt.” Luke's jaw tightened as he wrestled with his emotions. “But, it's a small price to pay, if it gives me a chance at a real relationship with my dad, he's the only family I have left.” Luke paused, his somber expression reflecting in his eyes. “How is his health?”

“His health?” Olivia's expression shifted, concern flickering in her eyes. “I'm not sure. All I know is, I have scheduled his monthly visit to the hospital, Meredith goes with him, but she won't speak about it.” Olivia studied Luke keenly, “You care so much about him, yet he doesn't even look at you. Only calls you when he needs your legal counsel.” Her hesitance was palpable, a flicker of sympathy in her eyes. “The least he could do is take your side when his wife attacked you. I don't get why he let her do that to you.”

“He didn't let her, he prefers not taking sides. That's a good sign. He cares enough not to get involved. That's a glass half full for me.” A faint smile curved Luke's lips as he pressed a lingering kiss on Olivia's lips.

“You deserve to get a full glass. And I know just how to do so.” Olivia sighed in satisfaction, her fingers tangling his shirt. “Emma. She'll help.”

“Your sister?” Luke's eyebrow furrowed inquisitively. “Isn't she a property/labor rights lawyer? That could make things very hard for me. She'll work with the landowners against MRE.”

“I know, but she could find loopholes for us. I'll call her, tell her you are going to see her. If you do this, you'll solve this mess John created and then the chairman can actually start seeing you as a potential successor, Luke. This will definitely give you a chance at a relationship with your dad. Trust me.” Olivia smiled broadly, planting a slow gentle kiss on Luke's lips.

“Thanks.” Luke murmured, holding Olivia in a tight embrace. She was his anchor, holding him down when things didn't make sense. She got who he was. “Marry me, Liv. Let's tell the whole world about us.” His head was buried in the nape of her neck.

“Why don't you take me to dinner first, then nail this land issue…then we can talk.” Olivia took a deep breath.

“Yes ma’am,” Luke chuckled, his answer edged with a light-hearted murmur.

“Miss Olivia, Mr. Luke, the chairman needs you in the courtyard.” Maria, the head maid, announced firmly with measured knocks on the door. She pushed the door open slightly and caught a glimpse of Luke and Olivia in a locked embrace. With a flustered expression, Olivia pulled away, quickly fixing her blouse. Luke glanced at Maria with a nod, and they both walked out with brisk steps as if nothing had happened.

The Montgomery family assembled in the courtyard ready to leave for the company. Declan led the way, Luke and Olivia to his right. Meredith was to his left, with John and Henry closely behind, their nervous glances directed towards the journalists outside the gates. As soon as they stepped outside, journalists swarmed them with flashing cameras and a cacophony of questions.

“Mr. Declan Alexander Montgomery, were you aware the construction had not been approved by NCA? And what's your response to the landowners' threats to sue?”

Luke stepped forward, creating a barrier between the journalists and Declan. He raised his hand, silencing the journalists with his calm, commanding presence. With his gaze fixed on the journalist who had fired the question, he offered a small smile. “We are well-informed of the issue at hand, and we are actively involved with the parties concerned to reach a solution, beneficial to all. The Montgomery Real Estates Corporation is committed to all our customers and partners as well as compliant with the law.”

"Doesn't this reflect poorly on the corporation's ability to lead and manage, especially your brother John?” Another journalist fired back.

There was a cold glint in Luke's eyes, though he remained poised. “John, like every one of us here, is a human being who faces challenges. He is an outstanding leader who has contributed huge success to the corporation. Shortcomings are a part of life's growth and our goal is to correct them, together as a family, instead of pointing fingers.”

"Is it true that the company is run by a drug-dealing family or are they just rumors? Is Henry peddling drugs for the family?” A third journalist shouted above the others, his voice sharp.

Luke paused, taking his time to weigh his response. “No. And before you confidently voice such claims, you need to have proof otherwise you may be sued for defamation of character. The Montgomery family is a united family, and we will continue to serve you with love and commitment. Thank you.” Luke watched intently for any journalists who had questions. Nobody's hand shot up. Declan took Meredith's hand into his, squeezing it gently as he leaned over to whisper something to her. Meredith offered a shy smile which the journalists did not miss, they were all scribbling on their notepads or taking shots of the family.

With a sharp nod, Luke turned around and headed towards his car, nodding curtly to Meredith and his stepbrothers as they got into their black SUV and departed from the scene.

As Declan made his own way to the waiting car, the corners of his mouth twitched in a rare, small smile of approval. He slipped into the back seat of his car where Olivia was already waiting. “Chairman. We have a lot to dis..”

Declan wasted no time grabbing Olivia's hair and pulling her to him. He captured her full lips in his with a hungry kiss. Olivia responded in kind, her touch on his manhood was daring and possessive.

“Ever considered taking things a step further, Olivia?” Declan breathed out once they pulled apart.

“How further are we speaking Alex?” Olivia's eyes sparked with curiosity.

“Just you wait and see.” Declan chuckled in a low tone. A glint of something dark in his eyes. The car pulled away quietly. It's dark tainted windows betraying nothing.