His Dangerous Love On Ice (Olivia and Zane) novel Chapter 83

OLIVE’s POV

A year ago.

“Cole, look at that car!” I’d pointed excitedly at the sleek silver Mercedes that glided past the restaurant window, my eyes following it until it disappeared around the corner.

We were celebrating our one-year anniversary at an expensive Ilian restaurant, Cole’s choice, paid for with his “first big AHL salary,” as he’d mentioned at least three times that evening

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” I’d said dreamily. “Maybe someday when successful, I could—”

“Olive.” Cole’s voice had cut through my fantasy sharply. He’d se down his wine glass with more force than necessary. “That’s not the kind of thing you should be focused on.”

I’d blinked, confused. “What do you mean?”

“Expensive cars. Designer things. It’s… materialistic.” He’d leaned forward, his expression somewhere between concerned and condescending. “You’re better than that. I don’t want you turning into one of those shallow women who only care about brands and status symbols.

“I wasn’t—I just thought it was pretty—”

“I know, baby.” He’d reached across the table to pat my hand like was a child. “I’m just saying, I love that you’re not like other girls. You’re simple. Pure. You don’t need fancy things to be happy, right?”

I’d nodded slowly, that familiar shame creeping up my neck.

“Right. I don’t need fancy things.”

“Exactly.” He’d smiled then, satisfied. “That’s my girl. Now, what do you think about the appetizers? I specifically chose this place because it’s upscale but not too expensive. It’s about finding balance, you know?”

I’d smiled back, pushed down the small hurt blooming in my chest, and told myself he was right.

I didn’t need fancy things.

I was better than that.

Present Day.

“Nikolai?” I whispered, staring at the man standing before me lik he’d materialized from thin air.

“Hello, Olive.” His face held this warm smile. “Zane sent me.”

My eyes moved past him to the two men standing behind him, hen finally to what they were guarding.

Two cars.

Not just any cars.

A matte black Mercedes-Benz G-Class and a sleek ash-colored Wagon, both wrapped in enormous red ribbon bows that looked almost comical in their extravagance.

“Why?” I managed, though my voice came out barely above a whisper.

Nikolai gestured to the vehicles. “Zane asked that we deliver the packages to you.”

“Packages?” My eyes snapped back to him sharply. “You mean… those cars?”

He nodded like we were discussing grocery deliveries, not vehicles worth more than I’d make in….

Yes. He apologizes for not delivering them personally-had some business to handle. But he wanted to make sure you had options for tonight.” Nikolai pulled out a set of keys. “A matte blak Mercedes-Benz G-Class and an ash-colored G-Wagon. He said to choose whichever one suits your mood.”

I stood there, completely frozen, unable to process what I was sering.

When Zane had mentioned changing my car, I’d thought he was joking. Or maybe he’d meant helping me lease something modest. Not… this.

“No, no, no.” I shook my head frantically. “I can’t accept this. It’s not-I’m sorry, you’ll have to take them back to him…”

My phone rang, cutting through my protest.

Zane flashed across the screen.

I stared at it for a moment before answering.

“Zane-”

“Before you say you can’t accept them, Muffin, let me stop you right there.” His voice was smooth, amused, completely unbothered. “Those cars are already in your name. Registration, insurance, everything. So refusing them would be incredibly wasteful, don’t you think?”

“Zane, this is insane-”

“Is it?” I could hear the smile in his voice. “Or is it just what you deserve?”

My throat tightened. “I can’t just accept two cars from you—”

“Why not?” His tone shifted slightly, became more serious. “Olive, I don’t do things halfway. If I’m going to be with you, you’re going to have nice things. Not because you need them to be worth something, but because you already are worth. something. Understand?”

I felt tears prick my eyes for reasons I couldn’t fully explain.

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