Though kissing, they were also competing, neither willing to yield. However, Olivier consistently gained the upper hand. Despite her attempts to fight back, Gwenda eventually conceded, gradually calming herself. Seeing this, Olivier released her.

"Have you calmed down?"

Gwenda bit her lip, staring at him. Tears welled in her eyes and streamed down her cheeks. Olivier, surprised at having made her cry, froze.

"I hate you, Olivier"

Gwenda sobbed uncontrollably. "I hate you! I hate you so much!" How could there be a man like him? He was clearly in the wrong yet remained unapologetic. What had she done to deserve this? Her anger intensified, fueling her tears. She felt deeply aggrieved.

For some reason, Olivier seemed delighted by her outburst, seemingly unconcerned. In that moment, she felt utterly authentic.

"You're laughing?"

Seeing the teasing glint in his eyes, Gwenda fumed. "You dare laugh after bullying me?!"

"Okay, I won't laugh." Olivier relented, gently ruffling her hair. "Relax, don't cry anymore. You'll make a mess." Gwenda stared at him, her eyes wide and wet with hurt.

Having no choice, Olivier pressed his lips to her forehead. "It's my fault. I shouldn't have bullied you. Please calm down." His attractive, low voice captivated Gwenda, momentarily eclipsing her anger and leaving her heart in turmoil. "Have you calmed down?"

Olivier's intense gaze remained on her. Gwenda pursed her lips, her mood still evident. Olivier gently wiped away her tears, saying soothingly, with a hint of coaxing, "Jazlyn and I are not what you think. She's my cousin!"

Gwenda, sniffling, looked up at him with watery eyes. "What did you say?" Olivier chuckled before saying, "I said, Jazlyn Mejia is my cousin."

Gwenda was incredulous. "She she's actually your cousin? Why didn't you say so earlier?"

"You wouldn't listen when I tried to explain."

"I" Gwenda was speechless. She had been overwhelmed by anger. She hadn't expected Jazlyn to be his cousin. Had she been overreacting?

"You're not angry anymore?" Olivier chuckled, looking at her.

Gwenda, annoyed by his gaze, frowned. "You're here to laugh at me, aren't you?"

"Nope." Olivier said with relish, "I just didn't think you cared so much that you couldn't stand me with other women."

"I" Gwenda wanted to argue but couldn't find the words. It was incredibly embarrassing. How could she explain her behavior? It was maddening!

"Gwenda" Olivier tilted her chin up, gazing deeply into her eyes. "Admit it, you like me!" he said softly.

Gwenda's heart pounded; she froze. She liked him she loved him Flustered and lost, she clenched her sweaty hands. Olivier observed her, smiling. He found her authentic and endearing.

"Gwenda" Olivier's arms encircled her waist, pulling her into a tight hug, his lips kissing her earlobe. "You can't escape!" Gwenda froze, feeling an electric current coursing through her, burning.

"Olivier don't"

"Be my girlfriend?" Olivier held her close, preventing her from struggling.