Whisper - Chapter 34: Chapter 34

Reunion at the Banquet – 1
( Connor's POV )
"We broke up long ago. Now I'm her ex – boyfriend," I said, my face deliberately cold as I addressed Gabriel's comment about Olivia's past relationship.
The cards in my hand suddenly felt heavy. I kept my expression neutral, not wanting to reveal how much the topic affected me.
Ethan Quinn leaned forward, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. "And you don't mind?"
I shrugged, maintaining my composure. My fingers tightened slightly around the cards.
"Who doesn't have a past?" I flicked my ice – blue gaze over to him with a chill that made him shift uncomfortably in his seat. "Haven't you ever had a relationship?"
Ethan scratched his nose awkwardly, looking away from my piercing stare. "Of course I have, but she's your first love, yet you're not hers. You truly don't care?"
"I don't care," I replied, feeling my eyes soften involuntarily as thoughts of Olivia filled my mind. The memory of her smile warmed something inside me. "As long as I can be with her, it's already a blessing."
"Tsk tsk," Gabriel chuckled, shaking his head. "What a devoted man."
Miles Bennett snorted from across the table. "The mighty Connor Rivers, brought to his knees by a woman. Never thought I'd see the day."
I shot him a warning glance that immediately silenced his teasing. No one at the table dared to push further.
We finished our hand of cards in comfortable silence. I checked the platinum watch on my wrist – Olivia's gift – and felt a surge of warmth at the reminder of her thoughtfulness.
"Time's almost up," I announced, standing from my chair. "Let's go."
The men quickly gathered their belongings, following my lead without question. My authority as Alpha was never challenged, even in casual settings like this.
Frank Langley was already waiting with the car when we exited the building. His efficiency was one of the reasons I kept him as my senior beta.
"Is everything prepared at the hotel?" I asked him quietly.
He nodded. "Yes, Alpha Connor. The private dining room is ready, and Miss Winters ' friends have already arrived."
Dazzling lights flickered against the night sky as the Glacier Blue Bentley Continental GT – my special gift for Olivia – slowly came to a stop before the most luxurious five – star hotel in
Riverdale.
I watched through the tinted windows as Olivia's car pulled up. My heart quickened despite my efforts to remain composed.
The early October breeze carried a faint chill as Olivia stepped out gracefully. Her wave – like honey – brown hair cascaded loosely over her shoulders, complementing her cream trench coat, pale shirt, and soft leather heels.
I couldn't help but admire how she'd changed. The cool, intellectual aura she'd always possessed was now tinged with a new maturity – one gained from heartbreak and self – awareness. It made her even more captivating.
From the hotel entrance, Rebecca Frost waved enthusiastically. "Liv! Over here!"
Standing beside her was Lily, another of Olivia's childhood friends. I watched as Olivia's amber eyes curved into a warm smile, her steps light as she approached them in her delicate heels.
Lily pretended to pout, placing her hands on her hips. "Finally willing to come back? We thought you forgot us."
Olivia's smile deepened with genuine affection. She reached out to touch Lily's arm gently.
"How could I forget? I came back because I missed you. What, not happy to see me?"
"Hmph, sweet talker," Lily snorted, but her eyes sparkled with obvious delight.
Rebecca linked arms with Olivia cheerfully, pulling her closer. "Lily's been missing you all day long. You come home to Riverdale, she's the first to welcome you."
( Olivia's POV )
I felt a rush of warmth as Rebecca and Lily greeted me. Their friendship was so evident-
Rebecca gentle and well – mannered, Lily lively and outspoken. It felt good to be back among people who genuinely cared for me.
The hotel's grand entrance gleamed with polished marble and crystal chandeliers. It reminded me of how different my life in Harbor City had been.
"You're about to get engaged to Connor, right?" Rebecca mentioned softly, squeezing my arm.
"That's wonderful."
But Lily hesitated, concern etched across her face. She pulled me slightly aside, lowering her voice.
"Liv ... is it truly your choice?"
I flicked Lily's forehead lightly and smiled. The gesture was familiar, reminiscent of our childhood together.
"Who can force me if I don't want it?" My voice carried more confidence than I had felt in months.
My friends exchanged glances. They knew I had dated someone in Harbor City, but I'd never told them about the breakup. Over the past three years, I'd occasionally shared sweet moments with Ethan Grey, but now, I couldn't help the trace of bitterness that crept into my smile.
"Did you break up with Ethan Grey?" Rebecca asked quietly, her eyes searching mine for the truth.