Stranger in my Ass-Chapter 232

Kira’s POV

The scream that tore from my throat didn’t sound human. It was pure anguish, pure terror, the sound of something breaking that could never be put back together.

"DAMIEN!"

Blood was pooling beneath him. Dark. Too much. Too fast.

"What did you do?!" I shrieked at the man holding the gun. "What did you DO?! You’ve killed him! Oh my God, you’ve fucking killed him!"

"Shut her up," the leader ordered, wiping blood from his split lip.

Someone grabbed me from behind, a hand clamping over my mouth, muffling my screams.

But I couldn’t stop. Couldn’t stop screaming, even as they dragged me away from Damien’s still form.

Couldn’t stop crying.

Couldn’t stop feeling like my entire world had just shattered into pieces I’d never be able to find again.

*******

Olivia’s POV

The moment Maxwell disappeared from the pool area, I dropped the act.

"I’m starving," I announced to Gabriel, pushing wet hair out of my face.

"Thank God. I thought you’d never admit it." He laughed. "That was quite a performance though. The drowning thing."

"I have no idea what you’re talking about."

"Sure you don’t." His grin was knowing. "Come on, let’s go get changed."

We headed back to our rooms to freshen up for dinner. I took a long shower, washing away the chlorine and the lingering embarrassment from the pool disaster, and changed into a simple but elegant dress - navy blue, hitting just above the knee, with thin straps.

When I stepped out of my room, Kennedy was coming down the hallway.

"Heading to dinner?" he asked.

"Yeah. You?"

"Already ate. But we need to talk. After your dinner."

Something in his tone made my stomach flip. "Is everything okay? Is this about what happened at the pool earlier?"

"Yes. Everything’s fine. It’s not about the pool. It’s just... important. Family stuff." He paused. "I’ll text you where to meet me after you’re done."

"Okay..."

"Go. Eat. We’ll talk after." He squeezed my shoulder once, then headed down the hall.

Gabriel emerged from his room looking annoyingly perfect in dark jeans and a crisp white shirt.

"Ready?"

"As I’ll ever be."

Dinner was at the hotel restaurant. The food was incredible, but I could barely taste it. Kennedy’s words kept replaying in my head.

Important. Family stuff.

What did that mean?

Gabriel noticed my distraction. "You okay? You’ve been quiet."

"Just tired," I lied. "Long day."

"It was a good day though."

"It was." I smiled at him, and meant it. "Thank you. For all of this."

We kept the conversation light through the rest of dinner - talking about the places we’d seen, the ones we still wanted to visit, carefully avoiding any mention of Maxwell or fake dating or complicated feelings.

When we finished, Gabriel walked me back to the elevator.

"Sure you don’t want to do anything else tonight?" he asked. "There’s a bar on the top floor with an incredible view."

"I’m sure. Rain check?"

"Deal." He hugged me goodnight, and I let myself lean into it for a moment, grateful for the uncomplicated affection.

Back in my room, I checked my phone. No word from Kira since she got to New Delhi. Hope she was okay?

I dialed her number. It rang once, then went straight to voicemail.

I dropped a short text, stating that she call me right back.

Just then Kennedy’s text came through.

Kennedy: Come to the hotel bar when you’re ready. I’m at the quiet corner.

I changed into more casual clothes - jeans and a soft sweater - and made my way down.

The bar was dimly lit, with sleek floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Tokyo skyline. Kennedy sat in a corner booth, a glass of whiskey in front of him, staring out at the city lights.

"Hey," I said softly, sliding into the seat across from him.

"Hey." He looked up, and his smile was warm but tinged with something else. Concern? Worry?

"So this is the first real one-on-one we’ve had since you came back," I said.

"I know. I’m sorry about that. I’ve been meaning to talk to you."

"Is this about Mom? Dad? Is everyone okay?"

"Everyone’s fine." He took a sip of his whiskey. "This is about... something else. Something important I need to discuss with you."

My heart started beating faster. "Okay..."

Kennedy set down his glass and looked at me directly, his expression serious.

"This is about Maxwell."

Everything in me went still.

"What about Maxwell?"

Kennedy leaned back, studying my face with that analytical look he got when he was trying to read someone. "How long have you been working for him, Liv?"

The question hit like a punch to the gut.

"I... what?"

"Don’t play dumb. It doesn’t suit you." His voice was gentle but firm. "I know you’ve been disguising yourself as a man. As his assistant. Oliver."

Oh God.

Oh God, he knew.

"Kennedy, I can explain..."

"You don’t need to explain. I understand why you did it. The firm doesn’t hire female lawyers, and you wanted to work at Wellington and sons. I mean, what lawyer wouldn’t?" He paused. "But what I don’t understand is why you’re still doing it. Why you’re putting yourself through this."

I stared at him, my mind racing. How long had he known? Since when?

"How did you figure it out?"

"Olivia. You’re my sister. Did you really think I wouldn’t recognize you?"

Fair point.

"Why didn’t you say anything?"

"Because I trust you. And I trust Maxwell." He emphasized the last part carefully. "But I think it’s time for this to end. The disguise, the pretending, all of it."

"I was planning to end it," I admitted quietly. "I actually quit. I ran away last night."

Kennedy’s eyebrows shot up. "You what?"

"Drugged the security guards and escaped at midnight."

"Jesus, Olivia."

"It’s been... complicated."

"I can see that." He took another sip of whiskey. "Which is why I want to make you an offer. Go work for him. Properly. As yourself. As Olivia."

I blinked. "What?"