“The fancy boss is the boyfriend?”she whispers, not quite quietly enough.“Oh, Olivia!”
I step forward, extending my hand with a warm smile.“Mrs.Hartley.It’s a pleasure to meet you.I’ve heard so much about you.”
Carol Hartley stares at my hand, then at my face, then at her daughter.For one long, excruciating moment, no one speaks.Then Carol’s face transforms with delight, and instead of shaking my hand, she throws her arms around me in an enthusiastic hug.Over Carol’s shoulder, I meet Olivia’s horrified gaze, and I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face.
Phase one of the plan is officially underway.And based on Carol Hartley’s reaction, it’s going to be even easier than I thought.
Coming home feels like a knot has loosened in my chest.As we walk into the living room, my mother’s arms wrap around me again, the familiar scent of her enveloping me like a warm blanket.Her body is soft against mine, and for a moment, I’m ten years old again, running into the kitchen after school.I close my eyes and breathe her in, wondering why I waited so long to come back.Why I let a whole year pass.
“Oh, my baby,” she murmurs into my hair.“I’ve missed you so much.”
“Missed you, too, Mom,” I whisper, and I mean it.
There’s movement behind her, and I look up to see my father emerging from the kitchen, dish towel slung over his shoulder.The moment his eyes land on me, his weathered face breaks into a grin so wide it crinkles the corners of his eyes.He crosses the distance in three long strides and pulls me into a bear hug that lifts me clear off the ground.
“It’s good to have you home for Christmas, Livie-girl,” he says, his voice rough with emotion.
I kiss his cheek, unable to stop the smile spreading across my face.“Hi, Dad.”
He sets me down, his hands rising to settle on my shoulders as he looks at me.But then his gaze shifts to Alexander behind me, and he pauses.His smile fades by degrees as he takes in the tall, impeccably dressed man standing just inside our doorway.
“So that’s the boyfriend you mentioned in your message,” he says, voice dropping to a low rumble only I can hear.
I swallow hard.I don’t want to lie to my parents.I’ve never been good at it, especially with my father, who seems to have a built-in lie detector.But I remember the worry in their voices during our calls after Chase and I broke up, the way they’d ask if I was eating, if I was sleeping, if I was “putting myself out there.”I remember my mother’s not-so-subtle hints about grandchildren.
So I step back from my father’s embrace and walk over to Alexander, who looks oddly at home in our modest living room despite being the most expensive thing in it.I slip my hand into his, trying to ignore the little jolt I feel when his fingers close firmly around mine.
“Dad, this is Alexander Castellano,” I say, working to keep my voice steady.“My boyfriend.”
Dad’s brow furrows as he approaches, studying Alexander with undisguised suspicion.“Castellano?As in Castellano Group?That’s your boss.”His eyes narrow as he looks at me.“You’re dating your boss?”
Before I can respond, Alexander steps forward, offering his free hand to my father.“Mr.Hartley, it’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.Yes, I’m her boss.But our relationship has evolved beyond that.”My head whips around to stare at him.His face is a mask of sincerity, but there’s a glint in his gray eyes that makes my pulse kick up a notch.
“The truth is,” he continues smoothly, “I’ve been in love with your daughter for the longest time.When I found out she was single, I pursued her.I couldn’t let her slip away.”
Mom audibly gasps, her hand fluttering to her chest.Dad’s expression softens slightly, but he’s still studying Alexander like he’s trying to spot the fine print.
“And are you happy, Olivia?”Mom asks, her eyes bright with barely contained excitement.“Is he good to you?”
I feel Alexander’s gaze on me, patient and expectant.His thumb traces small circles on the back of my hand, a gesture so intimate it makes heat crawl up my neck.I swallow hard and force a smile that I hope looks genuine.
“I’ve never been happier,” I say, wrapping my other arm around Alexander’s, leaning into him like I’ve done it a thousand times.The solid warmth of his body next to mine sends an unexpected flutter through my stomach.
Dad watches us for a moment, then nods once, satisfied with whatever he sees.“Well, I’m glad you found someone who understands your ambition, Livie.You’d outgrown Chase years ago.”He looks Alexander up and down appraisingly.“And Mr.Castellano here seems more...capable.”
I sigh internally.Great.Just what Alexander needs—another ego boost.
“Where’s Sophie?”I ask quickly.
“School,” Mom says, still beaming at Alexander like he’s Santa Claus himself.“She’ll be home around four.She’s been counting down the days until you arrived.”
“Are you taking the day off, Dad?”I ask hopefully.
Dad glances at his watch, then winces.“I was planning to, but Mrs.Henderson’s water heater exploded and flooded her basement.I have to go fix it.”He gives me an apologetic smile.“I’ll be back in a few hours.But first, let me get your luggage from the car,” he offers, already moving toward the door.
“Please, let me handle it,” Alexander says, shaking his head.“Where would you like me to put our things, sir?”
Dad looks momentarily surprised by the ‘sir,’ but then pleased.“I’ll show you.We’ve got Olivia’s old room made up, and the guest room down the hall for?—”
