Veil of secrets and deception

d air of the late evening nipped at her cheeks, but the bustling energy of New York City wrapped around her like a comfor

ke any other. The stakes were higher, the players more dangerous. As a senior attorney at one of the most prestigious law firms in Manhattan, Olivia had seen it all: corporat

ivi

, attractive features that made it impossible to look away, Luca was everything she had ever wanted in a man. In the months since they met, he had somehow managed to slip effortlessly

re," Olivia said, her tone w

and take notice. "I could say the same about you, b

lanced at her phone. The screen lit up with another notific

closer, his presence filling the space

her work separate from her personal life rising

onvinced. "You've been working to

suggestion. "And how woul

f mischief in his eyes. "H

gh. "You just want an excuse

rve a break. You can't win every b

, and her mind was already spinning with the case. But Luca's presenc

him, her breath catching in her throat at the intensity of his gaze. There was some

crisp evening air seemed to deepen the connection between them, and as they talked, Olivia found herself laughing more than

-

. Luca held the door open for her, and she stepped inside, immediately aware of the attention his presence garnered.

cluded corner of the restaurant. It was intimate and private, the kind of setting

he case, still consumed by the threads she had yet to pull together. But Luca's presence beside h

he said, his voice soft

Just... work," she said, trying to brush off the weight on her shoulders. "I'm just

"You're the best at what you do, Olivia.

ade. She had no idea how deeply this case would entwine with her personal l

-

city was quieter now, the streets less crowded as they made their way through the city's cool night. She enjoyed the

sincere. His hands rested casually in his pockets, but th

d, feeling the famil

tepping closer. "I'l

t warming at the though

inside, but Luca'

id, his tone su

, her brow furrowing i

ightening slightly. "You know you

ut the way he said it, the rawness of his tone, that made her wonder what wa

ing hers for a moment longer before

-

returning with full force. Something wasn't right. There was more to Luca than met the eye, and as

the back of her mind, his mysterious words haunting her thoughts. She couldn't help but w

r colleague, Ryan, that the first thread of doubt

yan said, his voice tight. "We've

ge everything-how it would drag Luca into her worl