Chapter 9

Olivia's POV

After getting dressed in a black skirt and a button-up shirt, I put my hair in a bun and stood before the mirror. It was the first day of my internship at the prestigious Luciano Company, and I was damn nervous but also excited. For years, I had dreamed of working there, and today, that dream was coming true, although it was just for an internship program that would last for six months.

“You can do this, Olivia,” I assured myself. I glanced at myself one more time in the mirror before moving away to grab my bag. After gathering my things, I left my apartment and took a taxi to the hospital. Today was a big day for me, and I needed to see my only family member who was still alive.

Boarding a taxi, I arrived at the hospital and went to James's room. Entering the door, I shut it and made my way to the bed, pulling up a seat before staring at his unconscious body. It's been six years since he has been in this state, yet there have been no improvements. The hospital bills kept piling up. The doctor had advised that I allow euthanasia and take him off life support due to the high bills, but I couldn’t do it. I have spent and sacrificed too much to let go. Besides, James was my only family, and I can’t bear to lose him too.

Swallowing my pain, I took hold of his cold hand and stared into his face. “Hey, bro, guess what?” I said in a shaky voice, trying my best not to burst into tears. “I started my internship at Luciano Group today. I'm finally working towards my dream.” I paused, collecting my thoughts. “I know you're not responding, but I know you're listening. I'll make sure to make you proud, James. I won't give up, just like you taught me.” I smiled through my tears, remembering the good times we shared. “I'll keep fighting for both of us.” I sniffled, preventing my tears from falling. I didn’t want to ruin my face.

“Listen, I think I have found the man who is responsible for our parents' deaths. I have found the man who is responsible for your condition, and I promise that I will do everything to make him pay. I will make him pay for destroying our family.” I expressed those words as a promise to James. “I will do everything possible to bring him down,” I declared firmly. Just then, the room door opened, and Dr. Martin walked in.

“Olivia,” he greeted with a nod, glancing briefly at James before turning his full attention to me. “I need to speak with you about James's medical bills.”

I sighed, steeling myself for the conversation I dreaded but knew was inevitable. “I know, Dr. Martin. The bills have been piling up, and I'm doing my best to manage them. My new internship should help a bit.”

Dr. Martin gave me a sympathetic look. “I understand how hard this is for you, Olivia. But the costs are huge, and they continue to rise despite how much you pay weekly. We need to discuss your options. Have you considered any assistance programs or spoken to social services?

“I have,” I replied, my voice tight with stress. “But it's not enough. I'm trying to save up, hoping things will get better. I can't give up on him.”

“I admire your determination,” the doctor said gently. “But you need to consider what's best for both of you. Euthanasia is a difficult decision, but it might be the most humane one, given the circumstances. James wouldn't want you to be burdened like this.”

I shook my head, tears welling up again. “I can't do that, Dr. Martin. I can't let him go. He's my only family.”

Dr. Martin placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “I understand. We'll continue to do everything we can for James. But please keep in mind the reality of the situation. We're here to support you, whatever decision you make.”

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. I watched as the doctor left the room, then turned back to James. I would find a way to pay the bills and keep fighting for my brother. I had to.

Getting up, I placed a kiss on James's forehead before leaving the hospital. After boarding a taxi, I arrived at the company and couldn’t help but awe at the structure of the giant building.

After a few deep breaths, I walked through the glass doors of Luciano Group, feeling a mixture of awe and determination. The lobby was bustling with activity, people in sharp suits moving with purpose, and the atmosphere buzzed with an air of professionalism.

“Olivia Parker,” I introduced myself at the reception, trying to keep my voice steady. “I'm here for the internship program.”

The receptionist, a poised woman with a warm smile, checked her list and nodded. “Welcome, Olivia. Please take a seat; someone will be with you shortly.”

I sat down, clutching my bag tightly, and glanced around. The interior was sleek and modern, with minimalist decor that exuded elegance. It wasn't long before a woman in her thirties approached me, her smile reassuring.

“Olivia? I'm Sarah, the HR coordinator. Welcome to Luciano Group. How are you feeling?”

“Nervous but excited,” I admitted, returning her smile.

“That's perfectly normal,” Sarah said kindly. “Let me show you around and introduce you to the team before showing you to our boss.”

As we walked through the corridors, Sarah pointed out various departments and introduced me to several people. Everyone seemed friendly and professional, and I felt a sense of belonging starting to take root.

We arrived at a spacious office where Sarah introduced me to my supervisor, Mr. Thompson, a tall man with a stern yet approachable demeanor.

“Olivia, this is Mr. Thompson. He'll be overseeing your internship.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Thompson,” I said, extending my hand.

“Welcome to the team, Olivia,” he replied, shaking my hand firmly.

“Thank you,” I said, while he smiled at me before going back to his computer.

“I have to take you to the boss,” Sarah said, and I swallowed nervously, which she noticed. “You don’t have to be nervous. Alpha Luciano is a stern man, but he isn’t hard on his workers, trust me.” She assured me, and I swallowed hard.

“The boss is an Alpha.” I stammered, and she smiled. “More than an Alpha, Miss Olivia, he is the Alpha King. Don’t you know that?” She asked, while my eyes widened. “The Alpha King?” I asked, and Sarah nodded. “Don’t worry, he is fair and kind as long as you behave well.” She flashed me an assuring smile before leading the way. “His office is on the top floor, so let's use the elevator,” Sarah said, while I nodded and followed her from behind.

As we ascended in the elevator, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. The notion of working under the Alpha King himself was both thrilling and intimidating. I had heard a lot about him, about his strength, his skills, his abilities, and his incredible wolf, but I hadn’t seen him because I don’t usually go to social wolf gatherings since I was wolfless.

I took deep breaths, trying to calm my racing heart.

The elevator dinged softly, announcing our arrival at the top floor. The doors slid open to reveal a sleek, minimalist hallway. Sarah led the way, her confident strides echoing softly against the polished floors.

We got to a desk and met a lady seated beside it, whom I assumed was his secretary.

“This is Olivia; she is our new intern, and the Alpha has requested to see all new interns before they begin,” Sarah explained to the lady, who nodded and picked up the telephone. She spoke to him over the phone, announcing our presence before ending the call.

“You can take her in,” the secretary said, and Sarah nodded before leading the way.

We approached a set of large double doors at the end of the hallway, where she paused and turned to me.

“Just remember to be yourself and remain respectful,” she advised, giving me one last reassuring smile. “You'll do great, Olivia.”

I nodded while my mouth suddenly went dry as I followed her through the doors. The office we entered was vast and impeccably decorated, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city.

There was a large painting of a gigantic wolf on the wall, which, I assumed, was his wolf. Staring at the wolf painting, I couldn’t help but feel mesmerized by it. There was just something about the piercing shade of green eyes of the wolf that got me allured, and I couldn’t stop staring.

“Olivia,” Sarah whispered, calling my attention, and I was forced to move my eyes away and noticed a man was seated at the desk, his back turned to us.

“Good morning. Alpha Luciano, this is Olivia Parker, our new intern," Sarah introduced me, her tone respectful yet warm.

“Good morning, Alpha Luciano,” I managed to say, my voice trembling slightly. There was something about his presence that spoke power yet felt so familiar.

The chair swiveled slowly, and as he turned to face me, a jolt of recognition and confusion hit me. His remarkable piercing green eyes were unmistakable—they matched the eyes of the wolf in the painting but also the eyes of a certain someone. Someone I could recognize with or without his mask.

“Olivia?” his voice was low and husky, sending shivers down my spine.

“You?” I whispered, my voice barely audible.