OLIVIA
The silverware clattered against the plate as Edward—my mate, my boyfriend of four years, and the heir to the Waverley Clan—finished the last bite of his steak.
When our eyes met, I beamed at him. "I made that steak. What do you think?" I asked, eager for his response.
"It's good," he said flatly as he rose from his seat.
Undeterred, I followed him down the hallway. "Good in what way? Come on, describe it—"
But Edward stopped abruptly, turning to face me with his jaw clenched. "Olivia, I don't have time to waste describing how your steak tastes. The LaFleur Grand Ball is coming up, and you know how important that is to me. So please…" He let out a slow breath. "…stop bothering me with your nonsensical shit. That's the only help you could give."
I stood there as he walked off. Biting my lip, I swallowed the lump forming in my throat. Then, I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder.
"Let it slide, Lady Olivia," Maid Agatha murmured. "LaFleur Clan belongs to the Alpha—the wealthiest in the Gold Sterling Pack. Every Clan is eager to strike a deal with them, any agreement at all. If Edward managed to secure one, it would be a tremendous advantage for Waverley Clan. His mind is likely preoccupied with that right now."
Her words stirred an idea in me. Without hesitation, I pulled my phone from my pocket and typed out a message.
Me: [Meet me at Vida Café tomorrow at eight in the morning. We need to discuss something important.]
Butler Silas: [Understood, Lady LaFleur. I'll be there.]
Me: [Butler Silas! Stop calling me that!]
Butler Silas: [My apologies… Lady Olivia Fleur.]
Me: [Good.]
I deleted the messages before heading straight to our bedroom. My eyes immediately caught a business card resting on the side table. Curious, I picked it up and read the words printed on it: Fancy Bride's Boutique…
A warmth spread through my heart as I pressed the card against my chest. The weight of my earlier sadness seemed to lift, replaced by a flicker of hope.
Then, as I opened the closet, something unexpected caught my eye—a small box sitting in plain sight. Hesitantly, I reached for it and lifted the lid. Inside, nestled in the velvet lining, was a rare blue diamond ring. My heart pounded, my cheeks grew warm, and for a moment, I simply stared before carefully placing it back where I found it.
Why does Edward have a business card from a bridal boutique?
Why would he hide such a rare diamond ring in our closet?
Is he finally planning to propose to me?
After four years together… is he finally going to marry me?
Fuck. That's what I wanted all my life!
"Yes, Edward! A thousand times yes—marry me!" I squealed. Unable to contain my joy, I jumped onto the bed and rolled back and forth like a giddy child.
The next morning, I arrived at Vida Café at precisely seven-thirty. Dressed simply in modest clothes, black sunglasses, and a headscarf, I chose the farthest seat inside, away from prying eyes. As I waited, my fingers tapped lightly against the table.
A few moments later, I spotted Butler Silas approaching.
"Lady Olivia, good morning." He greeted me with a gentle smile. "It's nice to see you again. How have you been?"
"I'm doing great," I said, barely able to suppress my excitement. "Actually, I think Edward is going to propose very soon—maybe after the grand ball! I can hardly wait."
Butler Silas slightly shook his head. "Is that so…" he murmured before shifting his focus. "Anyway, what did you want to discuss?"
I met his gaze, took both of his hands in mine, and leaned in slightly. "I need your help. Edward must secure a deal with the LaFleur Clan at the grand ball. Can you make it happen?"
His brows knitted together. "Lady Olivia, you know I'm not allowed to arrange things like that. It wouldn't be fair to the other Clans—"
"Please, Butler Silas," I interrupted, my voice pleading. "Do it for me."
He let out a deep sigh, running a hand over his face before finally nodding. "Fine. You know I can't say no to you. I'll arrange for the Waverley members' tables to be placed near the Alpha so Edward can speak with him easily."
A delighted smile spread across my face. "You're the best!"
But before I could bask in my small victory, his expression turned serious. "But Lady Olivia… it's been four years. When are you going to come back? When are you going to tell him the truth about your—"
I widened my eyes, silently urging him to lower his voice.
He hesitated, then sighed again. "I'm just saying… you're more than just Edward Waverley's mate. More than just his girlfriend. More than this simple, fabricated life." He paused, letting his words sink in. "You're the heiress of the LaFleur Clan, Lady Olivia."
I sighed. "You know I'm doing this to make sure he marries me for love, not because of my status in the LaFleur Clan. I promise, once he proposes, I'll tell him the truth. But for now, I'll stay with the identity of Olivia Fleur, an unwealthy she-wolf who has nothing to offer him but love." I winked at Butler Silas, hoping he'd understand.
He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "Your stubbornness is going to get you into trouble."
