Chapter 588
Olive called him President Augustine. She turned to run, but Elvis caught her slender arm with his large hand, pulling her gently into his strong, warm embrace. “Elvis, what are you doing? Someone’s here,” Olive protested, trying to push him away.
A nearby staff member smiled, saying, “Miss Hart, is this your fiancé? Wow, a handsome man and a beautiful woman—you two are a perfect match! Congratulations on your wedding and may you have many happy years together.”
The staff’s misunderstanding caused Olive’s pretty face to flush crimson. She wanted to explain, but the more she tried, the more confusing it became. Elvis’s arm, like an iron rod, held her slender waist. Seeing the shyness in her clear eyes, he curved his lips slightly and murmured, “Don’t move.”
He picked up the white veil beside her and covered her head. Olive’s eyelashes trembled. Footsteps sounded outside; Liam and Clara had arrived.
Clara’s sweet voice rang out, “Bro, I heard Olive’s trying on a wedding dress today, and you’re going to the beach for photos. I’m tagging along—don’t mind me, right?”
Liam smiled politely, “Of course not, Clara. You’re here to help Olive choose clothes.”
Olive’s eyes darted to Elvis. “Liam and Clara are here! It won’t do if they see you. Let me go, Elvis!”
“Don’t move,” Elvis insisted, ignoring the approaching couple. He held her tightly, then slowly lifted the veil. Olive trembled. The scene felt sacred, like a wedding ceremony: the groom gently lifting the bride’s veil. This entire day exceeded her expectations. He was the first to see her in a wedding dress, the first to lift her veil. A wave of unexpected softness washed over her, dispelling the regret in her heart. This dress felt meant for his eyes only.
Elvis cupped her beautiful face. With the veil lifted, she was as radiant as a crimson rose, her clear black eyes brimming with tears as she looked up at him. He lowered his head and kissed her lips. The familiar scent of him enveloped her; her legs went weak, and she almost fell. She didn’t close her eyes, helplessly gazing at him. This was the gentlest kiss he had given her since they met. It was soft yet powerful, his lips brushing hers before he opened her mouth, possessing her. He closed his eyes, completely absorbed. He clearly loved kissing her; it calmed him. Olive’s small hands tightened on his chest, creasing his shirt.
Then, Liam and Clara’s voices reached them from the doorway. “Bro, Olive’s here, right?”
Olive pushed Elvis away, “Elvis, they’re here!”
He refused to let go, frowning at the interruption. “Let’s talk to Liam today. We’ll annul the marriage. You can’t marry him.”
Olive protested, “No…”
Elvis narrowed his eyes, a half-smile playing on his lips. “If you won’t say it, I will.” He turned to leave. Olive’s heart lurched. She hugged his waist, begging softly, “Elvis, don’t! You’ll ruin everything.”
“Let go,” he commanded coldly.
Knowing defiance was futile, Olive softened her approach. She buried her face in his chest, then looked up at him, whispering seductively, “Elvis… Mr. Augustine.”
His solid waist stiffened. He wrapped his arms around her, pressing her against the wall. “Olive, do you think I’m that easily fooled, Mr. Augustine?” He saw through her ruse, yet he enjoyed it. She had been with him for years, yet this was her first proactive move. He relished her attempt to coax him.
Olive hesitated, then stood on tiptoe, kissing the corner of his lips. Elvis braced himself against the wall, taking her hand and pulling it down…
Olive blushed, clenching her fists in refusal. Liam and Clara were at the door. Liam reached for the doorknob. Olive’s senses heightened; she heard the knob turn. Her pupils constricted. “Elvis, they’re coming!”
Even though her relationship with Liam was strictly professional, she’d be mortified if they saw her with Elvis. He heard the voices too. While unconcerned about the outsiders, he didn't want them to witness Olive's beauty or her vulnerability. He pulled her into the dressing room. A click—the door opened, revealing Liam and Clara. No one was there.
Clara looked around suspiciously. “Bro, isn’t Olive changing her dress here? Where is she?” Liam called out, “Olive! Olive!”
Hidden in the dressing room, Elvis pressed his lips to her neck. “Answer them.”
Elvis, with undeniable force, opened her clenched fists and whispered harshly, “Behave. Otherwise, I won’t mind letting them watch a live show.”