Chapter 152 - Me Quedo Contigo (1/2)

Olivia itched to call him and so she did. ”Ask me one more time and I might say yes to you,” Olivia spoke, making her way out of the breakfast room to the foyer.

She smirked when Maxen was stunned to silence. She could vision the gears in his mind work twice the capacity as he thought long and hard on what to reply at her offer.

”Sure. Just so you know, when the time comes that I pop the question, you will be saying yes to me.”

”Wow. I love your confidence. So s.e.xy.” She smiled upon hearing him chuckle over the line.

”Okay, baby. I have to go now. I'll see you in a bit.”

The two ended their call, and Olivia tucked her phone in her purse. She stopped by a big mirror to check her reflection one more time, puckering up in satisfaction with what she saw.

Taking into consideration the swinging Spring temperature in New York City, Olivia opted for a silk strappy maxi dress that follows her every nuance. Shadow held up a beige trench coat for her which she easily slipped into.

”Thank you,” she uttered, smiling at Shadow who was now holding the door open for her.

Whilst on the car ride to midtown, Olivia drowned herself on phone calls with Secretary Gail. She had to push back all her schedule for half a month because of her minor operation.

If it's up to her, she would still report in her office, but according to her after-care notes, her face would be swollen for a good week. And facing clients with a swollen face was bad for business.

”We're here, President,” Shadow announced. The car pulled over by the curb and she alighted the car first to hold the door open for Olivia. Walking towards the concierge, she mentioned Olivia's name.

”Just a second,” the staff replied, stealing a glance at Olivia to validate if the picture on the screen matches her face. ”Here you go. Just punch it in the key reader and it will take you to your floor. Have a nice day ahead.”

Ushering her boss to the elevator, Shadow beeped the card, walking behind Olivia at all times. It didn't take long for them to reach their destination. It was a rooftop bar that had an unobstructed view of Central Park, and a panoramic view of Manhattan skyline.

As though waiting for her arrival, a restaurant staff was standing by the elevator, beaming at them. ”Good Morning, Ms. Lin. My name is Jazz, and I'll be your host this afternoon,” he greeted, gesturing towards the door that would lead to an alfresco restaurant.

A piece of soft instrumental music from the live band welcomed them as they went outside the open-sky restaurant where a single table was set. Of course, he booked the whole place for them that afternoon.

Her toes tapped, dancing along with the beats of the live music. She didn't notice Maxen walking behind her with a bouquet of flowers in his hand. The soft hues of pink and purple blended with ivory roses and a few stems of eucalyptus were tied with a pocket square… his pocket square to be exact.

”Beautiful flowers for a beautiful lady,” his lips c.a.r.e.s.sed the shell of her ears as he whispered, placing the bouquet in front of her face.

”Maxen!” Olivia seethed, eyeing the flowers in his hand. ”Whose garden did you loot this time?”

”The mayor's. I told you he's a good friend.” He winked, painting a blush on her face.

She accepted his lovely surprise, sniffing on the bunch of fresh blooms. ”Thank you, it smells good too.”

”Nothing smells as good as you. I have to remind Jack to buy more of that brand later. It was a quick request, and they couldn't find the one that you're using,” he commented, seating down across from Olivia.

”We're using,” Olivia corrected, just in case he forgot he's been using her skincare ever since they moved in together.

Jazz the restaurant staff started the lunch service, left on cue, wine bottle in hand.

”I almost had a breakdown last night.” Olivia swallowed, her eyes trained downward as she sliced through the steak on her plate. She didn't know if she should tell him about it, but she felt like coming honest about it would lift the weight off of her c.h.e.s.t, so she did let it all out.

”I'm all ears.” He reached for her hand which she accepted with an open palm. She dropped the knife on her hand, taking in the warmth of his skin as he squeezed her hand.

All the while maintaining eye contact, she took a sip of her wine to calm her nerves, placing it down after. ”I lined up all the bottles in the sink and uncapped everything. Then I realized you must have asked somebody to purchase things for me, and I hate it. I hate myself for feeling that way towards you.”

”It's ok, baby. We have all the time in the world to work on all our issues. Yes, our. I am partly to blame too.”

”Max,” she breathed out, locking gazes with Maxen. She didn't know how to respond to him.