Chapter 59: Give Me a Kiss

Olive, betrayed in her youth and robbed of her loved ones, now cherished those around her, especially North and Mrs. Samantha. Happily carrying a pile of snacks, she took the old lady's hand. "Okay, Grandma, let's go watch TV and eat these snacks."

Elvis arrived unusually early. The maid opened the villa's door; he changed his shoes and entered the living room. He immediately saw Olive, curled on the sofa in a lavender suspender skirt and creamy white cardigan, her legs tucked to one side. A snack lay in her left hand, a piece of dried sweet potato in her right; her eyes were fixed on the television.

Mrs. Samantha, on the opposite sofa, looked up. "Elvis, you're home early! It's barely six."

"Grandma, I missed you," Elvis teased, unbuttoning his suit.

Mrs. Samantha popped a potato chip into her mouth. "Stop teasing. You're here because you missed Olive, right?"

Elvis looked at Olive. She turned, meeting his gaze. "You're back," she murmured.

"Yup," Elvis nodded.

"Oh, okay," Olive seemed at a loss for words, averting her eyes. She dipped her hand into the dried sweet potato and took a handful.

Elvis squatted before her. "Do you want me to eat?" he asked.

Olive looked down. "It's dried sweet potato, Grandma bought it. Do you want some?"

Elvis, though usually uninterested in snacks, could smell the sweet potato's aroma. He wanted to taste what she was eating, but he wanted her to feed him.

Olive understood. She stuffed some sweet potato in her mouth, then pushed the bag towards him. "There you go..."

Elvis's eyes darkened. Mrs. Samantha placed the remaining snacks on a small table, then went into the dining room. "Olive, dinner's ready," she called from the kitchen.

Olive started to rise, but Elvis, dropping the snack bag to the floor, clasped her to him. He smiled, murmuring, "What's the matter? You won't even feed me a snack?"

Olive struggled, pressing her hands against his chest. "What are you doing? Let go! Grandma said dinner's ready."

A maid, witnessing the scene, quickly retreated to the kitchen with a smile.

Elvis didn't release her. Leaning closer, he whispered, "Then give me a kiss first."

"No!" Olive protested, pushing him away. She hurried into the dining room.

Elvis chuckled, removing his tie. He knew she wanted him to carry her to the bedroom, as he had the previous day, and kiss her fiercely.

He then heard Olive's voice. "Grandma, I won't be home for dinner. A friend is arriving in LA; I'm going to the airport."

"Okay, dear. The driver can take you. If your friend wishes, she can stay here for a few days," the old lady replied.

"Okay, Grandma. I'll let her know."

Elvis offered, "I'll take you to the airport."

Olive hesitated, wanting to avoid letting her grandmother know about their strained relationship. "Oh, no problem. Thank you," she quickly added.

They left the kitchen. Mr. Henry, the butler, muttered, "Madam, their relationship is quite... unusual."

Mrs. Samantha, stirring her soup, glanced at him. "Mind your own business."

Mr. Henry returned to his duties.

Olive got into the Rolls-Royce Phantom, settling into the passenger seat. As the car glided through traffic, she gazed out the window. LA at dawn was breathtaking.

Elvis's voice broke the silence. "Are you still angry about the million dollars?"

"No. You earned that money. I didn't contribute, so I have no right to interfere."

"Would you believe me if I said nothing happened between Pamela and me, that I've only met her a few times?"

Olive turned to him. "Mr. Augustine, are you saying Pamela isn't attractive? Or is this some kind of joke?"

Elvis's eyes darkened. His voice was low and firm. "Mrs. Augustine, you can be angry, but don't say such nonsense. You know who I find attractive, and who I want to be with."

Olive turned back to the window, silent.

Elvis continued, "Pamela once saved me. I promised her three things: to send her abroad, invest in Hart's Medical..."

Olive tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, pursing her lips. "So, she just asks, and you grant her wishes? I wouldn't be surprised if her third wish is for you to marry her. Would you?"

Elvis looked at her calm face. "I'm already married to Olive. Or, are you trying to push me to another woman?"