Kiss Me Not

"We are truly grateful for every one. Your good wishes, prayers, and words of strength for my father and us are well appreciated. You are giving us hope and strength to get through these tough times our family is experiencing. Again, we can\'t thank you enough. I will do my best to help my father with his duty for the people with all I can, with or without being appointed formally on his behalf. I, Olivia Philips, am willing to serve my people with all my heart, as I\'ve always been."

It was broadcasted live and Olivia with her family received a lot of sympathy from the people of country B with almost everybody cheering for her. There were also groups of people who were continuously showing their support for her outside the hospital.

One among those who had watched that broadcast on his television from the comfort of his own place was Duncan..

"Olivia… Olivia… I never thought that this woman was so well-loved by the people. I can use her well," he commented with a smirk of enjoyment on his face. Years passed, but he did not stop in making a perfect plot to destroy Lucas.

He lost everything when he lost Cecilia. Lucas must suffer in his hands until his last breath. He was only living to make sure Lucas would experience a living hell that the man would finally end his whole life, but Lucas was still standing and it was making his blood boil.

Duncan grabbed his private mobile phone and dialed Olivia\'s number.

Olivia had just finished informing the public of her father\'s condition and she was now on her way back to her mother - to comfort her that everything would be fine and that they had to stay strong - when her mobile phone rang.

Seeing it was an unknown number, she could tell that it was that despicable man - Duncan.

Her facial muscles flinched as her grip on the mobile phone tightened. She suppressed herself whenever she talked with the old man. She was cooperating with him since she no longer trusted the royal family, but as soon as she was done with her plan she would make sure that the man would die with her own hands!

She was aware that Duncan had his people all over, including the cabinets. Her father already discussed with her all the things she needed to know.

"I see that you\'re loving the exposure so much," the old man mocked from the other end of the line, making Olivia frown. Good thing that they were only communicating through the mobile phone because she was not confident that she could keep her calm talking to the monster like how she was managing now. But Olivia was aware that she must work on it, keep her facade.

She looked around, making sure she was at a safe distance from people as she sniggered, letting the man hear her confident chuckle as she mumbled, "Who wouldn\'t love fame? I\'ve been dreaming of it since I was a kid. I believe you see how well the people like me."

Without waiting for him to reply, she added, "Don\'t you think I have more potential than my father? I can execute the things you wanted in no time. You see, young people like me have more advantages and are more calculative with their tactics. I am expecting your full cooperation and support. Show me your power in the government because I will need back-up from your allies."

"Aren\'t you too demanding? Let me just remind you woman that you have no right to dictate nor spurt any of your opinions unless I say so. You are nothing but a mere puppet so if you want me to make use of you, then learn to know your place first." Duncan grimly uttered. Olivia would definitely have a use, but he did not like that she was overconfident.

Olivia gritted her teeth, but when she opened her mouth to say her words she made it sound nice and sweet, "Alright, you\'re the boss and I know that. I will definitely remember that. Sorry if I\'m sometimes a bit authoritative. I guess born leaders like me have this natural character that even we are not aware could sound offensive and obvious to others."

"Wait for my call. I will instruct my lackey so your name will be summoned in the next meeting." Duncan whispered.

One of his men approached him and showed him a tablet, making Duncan sneer.

"I guess the royal family, particularly this new Prince Gavin, is very attached to you. Telling him not to cross paths with you was just not enough. He is now at the hospital and I\'m sure he wants to talk with you. I\'m interested in hearing it. How about you leave your phone open like this so I can hear your conversation? Show me that it\'s worthy to trust you, Olivia… I\'m not stupid to just easily trust you like that. I want security and assurance that you will not conspire with him behind my back?"

Olivia\'s expression dimmed. She turned around and could see Gavin walking towards her.

"Yeah, I see him. What you\'re asking is way too easy. If you want more assurance then ask something hard. Don\'t hang up the phone and enjoy the eavesdropping," Olivia hissed as she put down her hand from her ear, still holding the mobile phone but not turning it off.

When Gavin reached her, he paused to face her.

"Didn\'t I make myself clear?" she asked.

"Yes, you did. I am here to have a serious talk with you Olivia. Please come with me to Cain\'s office. We need to talk in private," Gavin almost pleaded.

Olivia smirked as she mocked, "About what? Don\'t tell me it is regarding how to manage the country? There\'s nothing to talk about Gavin… and I\'m not interested in hearing your offers nor your sympathy."

She turned around to walk away but paused when Gavin said, "It\'s about Cedric."