When The CEO Falls For A Small-Town Girl

Olivia Bennett

"Hurry up, Mom. If we don't close the store soon, we won't make it home in time to get ready for Mike's graduation," I called out.

"Calm down, honey, I'm coming," my mom, Clarissa, replied. "I just finished the sales report."

"I don't know why Grandma always asks for these reports," I muttered. "It's like she doesn't even trust Dad, and he's her own son."

"Oh, sweetie, your grandmother has always been strict like this. She likes everything her way, but deep down, she loves us."

"Yeah. Really deep down."

My grandmother had been the matriarch of the family ever since my grandfather passed away a few years ago. She ran the convenience store with an iron fist, while my dad worked as the manager. My mom and I filled in the gaps-working as cashiers, cleaners, stockers, and whatever else needed to be done.

Of course, I didn't want to spend my life there. I wanted to go to college, travel, and see other places. But my parents expected me to stay at the store with my brother and eventually take over the business when they retired.

I was always the good, obedient girl, so I ended up shoving my dreams and plans in a drawer to follow their wishes. My brother, on the other hand, was the rebel of the family. He put his foot down and imposed his will until everyone just had to accept it. In the fall, Mike was leaving for college; he'd scored a scholarship to Princeton.

I had to admit, I was jealous of his courage. I should have stood up to my parents and my grandmother to fulfill my dream of studying architecture. The truth was, I had been accepted into four different colleges after secretly applying last year when I graduated, but I never told a soul. Only Mike knew about it, and that was only because he'd found my acceptance letters hidden at the back of a drawer in my room.

He'd been furious with me. He told me I couldn't just cave to our parents' wishes and that I had to chase my dreams. But I was a coward, and now I was doomed to spend my life here in the middle of nowhere.

We made it home just in time and rushed upstairs to get ready. After a quick shower, I dug through my wardrobe and pulled out my only formal dress-the same one I'd worn to my own graduation last year. It was red and form-fitting, though not overly revealing. I hated drawing attention to myself; I was actually very shy. I slipped on my usual black mid-heel sandals, pulled my hair into a simple ponytail, and swiped on some nude lipstick.

That was it. I headed downstairs to find Dad and Mike already dressed and waiting for us.

"I'm ready," I announced.

"Yeah, we noticed," Mike teased. "You've already got your frumpy uniform on."

"Wow. That would have hurt if I actually cared about your opinion," I replied grudgingly.

"Mike, don't talk to your sister like that," Dad scolded.

"I don't mean any harm," Mike said, holding his hands up. "It's just that I've never seen someone so pretty try so hard to look ugly."

"I didn't," I shot back.

"You actually did," Mom chimed in as she came down the stairs. "I have to agree with your brother on this one, sweetie."

"Can we stop talking about my looks?" I groaned. "I'm fine like this. Let's just go already, we're late."

"Yes, let's go. It's getting late," Dad agreed.

He headed out the door with Mom. I was about to follow them when Mike caught my arm, pulling me back.

"I'm serious, sis," Mike said softly. "You have to stop putting yourself last just to please others. I know you dress like this because you don't want to draw more attention than your friend Katy. She loves being the most popular, and you just want to see your friend happy. But how long are you going to keep giving up on your dreams and hiding who you are just to please other people? You only live once, and life is meant to be lived intensely. Don't forget that."

"Wow, Mike," I deflected with a small smile. "When did my little brother mature so much?"

"Oh, don't give me that. I'm only a year younger. I'm eighteen, and you just turned nineteen."

"Let's go, kids, it's getting late!" Dad called from outside.

We walked out, laughing at each other's jokes, and piled into the car where Mom and Dad were already waiting. Despite our constant sibling bickering, Mike and I were incredibly close. He told me everything about his life, and I told him everything about mine-not that I had much to report.

Mike was super popular in high school. He was the captain of the soccer team and had dated several girls, while I was just the weird virgin who had never even kissed a guy in her life. Mike always claimed I faded into the background on purpose, and that was why I pushed all the guys away.

"We're here!" Dad announced, pulling me from my thoughts with his booming excitement.

"Oh, I'm so excited!" Mom squealed.

"Yeah, we can see that," Mike laughed as we got out. "You two are practically skipping to the event hall."

"Leave them alone, Mike." I nudged him. "They're proud. It's not every day their son graduates with honors, is the valedictorian, and even wins a scholarship to Princeton."

"You speak as if you didn't graduate at the top of your class, too," Mom pointed out. "And the only reason you weren't the valedictorian was because you gave that role to Katy."

"Oh, Mom, you know I have a hard time speaking in public," I mumbled.

"Speaking of her, what is she up to now?" Mike asked.

"She's living in New York," I said. "She's going to college there."

"Let's sit down," Mom urged. "It's about to start."

The four of us found our seats just as the graduation ceremony began. Outside, a loud clap of thunder rattled the building, warning that it was going to rain soon. It was a bad sign for me. I was terrified of storms, let alone being in a car on the road during a heavy downpour.

Thankfully, I ended up getting distracted from my weather anxiety when my brother walked onto the stage for his speech. My heart swelled with pride. With natural charisma and ease, he captivated the audience, moving everyone with a beautiful speech. Before long, all the students were throwing their graduation caps into the air, bringing the celebration to a close and kicking off the cocktail reception.

Later into the party, Mom leaned over to Dad. "Honey, that's enough. You've already had three glasses of that drink. Don't forget you're driving."

"If Dad actually let anyone besides himself drive the car, he could drink without any problems," I chimed in.

"Oh no, absolutely not," Dad said, shaking his head. "Nobody touches my baby."

Outside, the storm finally broke, rain lashing down hard just as predicted. My heart began to race. It was always like this; I was absolutely terrified of storms.

Mom started yawning sleepily, while I sat there biting my nails out of sheer nerves over the rain.

"Yeah, I think it's time to go," Dad decided. "Clarissa is already sleepy. I'll go get Mike so we can leave."

"No, Dad, it's better if we wait for this rain to pass," I argued. "It can be dangerous to drive in this weather, especially after you've had three drinks."

"Oh, sweetie, don't worry. I know these roads better than anyone," Dad dismissed easily. "Besides, your mother is already dozing off in her seat, and I have to wake up early tomorrow to receive some suppliers at the store."

At Dad's words, I kept quiet. I knew from experience that once he got something in his head, absolutely nothing could make him change his mind.

Dad wove through the crowd to get Mike, and a few minutes later, the two of them returned together so we could leave.

"I thought you were going to stay here longer and catch a ride back later," I said to Mike.

"Oh no, no partying for me today," Mike replied. "Don't forget that tomorrow is my last game and we're in the finals. I want to be rested to secure my top scorer award."

"That's right, my champion," Dad beamed. "Let's go."

We hurried out to the parking lot and piled into the car. Dad started the engine and pulled out into the middle of the absolute downpour.

The rain was coming down so hard that you could barely see the road, but even so, Dad didn't slow down. The asphalt was slick, and with every slight skid the car made, my heart leaped into my throat. Suddenly, a truck appeared out of the blinding rain, barreling toward us at full speed, completely out of control. It spun across the road, hurtling right at us. Dad panicked, wrenching the steering wheel to swerve, but he wasn't fast enough. A blinding flash of light pierced my eyes, and the very last thing I saw was my brother looking at me, his face twisted in absolute terror...

Olivia Bennett

I opened my eyes in a daze. My vision was blurred at first, but the room gradually came into focus. I was lying in an unfamiliar bed, hooked up to a tangle of wires and machines.

"Where am I?" I asked, my voice raspy.

"Olivia?!" Marcos exclaimed, rushing to my side. "You're awake?"

"Uncle Marcos?" I mumbled. "What are you doing here? Where are Mom and Dad? And where's Mike?"

"Calm down, Liv," Marcos said, his voice trembling. "I'll get the doctor. He'll explain everything." My uncle hurried out of the room-which I now realized was a hospital ward. He returned shortly after with my grandmother. A rush of doctors and nurses followed, swarming the bed to examine me.

Some looked stunned, others teary-eyed, and I couldn't understand any of it. "Can someone please tell me what's going on?" I pleaded.

"You don't remember anything, sweetheart?" Marcos asked gently.

I searched my mind, and slowly, the fragments pieced themselves together.

"The last thing I remember... we were at Mike's graduation party," I stammered. "Then it started pouring. I asked Dad to wait it out, but Mom was tired, so he decided to drive anyway. The road was slick, and the rain was so heavy we could barely see. Out of nowhere, a truck skidded across the lanes and came right at us, and... we crashed!" A sharp pain spiked in my skull. "Ow, my head."

I groaned, reaching up to touch my forehead, only to find it wrapped in thick bandages.

"What happened?" I demanded, panic rising. "Where is my family?"

I looked at Marcos. Tears were streaming down his face. Meanwhile, my grandmother, Margot, stood rigid, staring at me with a stern, unreadable expression.

"Olivia, I'm Miguel," the lead physician said softly. "I need you to stay calm. You've been in a coma for over a month. It's truly a miracle you woke up without any severe brain damage."

"Doctor, tell me-where are my parents and my brother?" I begged. "I want to see them."

Desperation clawed at my chest. I clung to the hope that they were just hurt, recovering in another room just like I was.

"Olivia, I am so incredibly sorry," Miguel said, his expression heavy. "You were the only survivor of the crash. We honestly didn't think you would ever wake up."

"What?" I breathed. "No... That's impossible. This is a sick joke. No... It can't be."

Tears spilled over my cheeks, hot and fast.

"Grandma, tell me he's lying. They're fine, right?" I sobbed.

"No, Liv," Margot replied, her voice ice-cold. "They are dead. The sooner you accept that, the faster you'll recover."

"No!" I wailed. "It's not true! It's not true! I want my family!"

I screamed uncontrollably, thrashing against the bed. Marcos rushed forward, wrapping his arms around me as he broke down with me.

"Shh, Liv, calm down," Marcos choked out. "You have to stay calm. I'm right here with you." His words sounded muffled, distant. I didn't answer.

I was drowning in an ocean of agony. I had lost my loving mother, my gentle father, and my brother-so young, so full of ambition. Mike was the one who deserved to live, not me. I had always been a coward, too afraid to face hurdles or chase my own dreams.

"Doctor, do something!" Marcos shouted. "She's going to hurt herself!"

He pleaded with the staff as I began violently ripping the IV lines and monitor wires from my arms.

"I'm administering a sedative," Miguel ordered. "It's the only way."

"It's not fair! It should have been me!" I shrieked. "Mike had his whole life ahead of him! Why did this happen?! I want to d-"

The words died on my lips as a heavy, artificial exhaustion dragged me under. I plunged into a welcoming darkness-a place with no pain, no loss, and no grief.

One week later.

"Are you sure you're up for this, Liv?" Marcos asked, watching me with concern.

"Yes, Uncle Marcos," I said quietly. "I didn't get to attend their funeral or say goodbye. I need to visit their graves and mourn them on my own. It still doesn't feel real."

"I understand," Marcos sighed. "Go ahead. Take all the time you need to grieve. I'll be waiting at the house so we can talk when you get back."

"Okay. Thank you," I murmured.

I gave him a tight hug, grabbed his car keys, and drove to the cemetery.

Finding their graves wasn't difficult; they were still buried under a mountain of fresh flowers. Everyone in town had loved my family. Mike had been incredibly popular, just like my parents. I was the odd one out-the quiet weirdo who stayed in her corner, lacking friends, big plans, or any real spark.

I sat down in the grass in front of Mike's grave, staring blankly at his headstone. It bore a beautiful photo of him flashing his signature, radiant smile. He had always smiled at life.

"Oh, Mike," I whispered, my voice breaking. "It should be me in the ground, not you. You actually knew what it meant to live."

As I stared at his picture, our last conversation before his graduation party echoed in my mind. "How long are you going to keep giving up on your dreams and hiding who you are just to please everyone else? You only live once, and life is meant to be lived intensely. Don't forget that."

Fresh tears tracked down my cheeks. He was right. He had truly known how to live intensely.

"You're right," I choked out, wiping my face. "You only live once, and life is meant to be lived intensely. And I will live. I'll move forward and find a way to be happy, because I know that's what you and Mom and Dad would want."

I stayed there for over an hour, weeping for everything I had lost, shifting my gaze between his headstone and my parents'. Only when the sky began to darken did I finally force myself to stand.

"For whatever reason, God didn't take me with you," I said to the silent stones. "I don't know why, but I promise I'll make the most of this second chance. I swear, Mike, I'm going to chase my dreams. I don't know how yet, but I'll make it happen."

Right then, a gentle breeze brushed past my face, rustling my hair. Deep down, I knew it was a sign of their approval.

I drove back home feeling marginally lighter. After letting out so much of my pain and speaking to them one last time, I knew I had to keep going.

"Hey, sweetheart. Feeling a little better?" Marcos asked the moment I walked through the front door.

"Yes, Uncle. Much better," I said, stepping into his arms for a hug.

Marcos had always been like a second father to me. Even after he was practically disowned by the family for coming out as gay, Mike and I had never cut ties with him. We texted all the time. I loved him dearly.

"Good thing you're back, Liv." Margot's sharp voice cut through the hall. "We need to have a serious talk. Take your medication and meet me in the living room."

Without waiting for an answer, my grandmother turned on her heel and walked away.

"Come on," Marcos sighed. "Let's get your meds. It's only been two days since you were discharged, and we have to follow the doctor's orders to the letter."

We went to my bedroom, where he handed me the pills. I swallowed them dry without complaint, ignoring the bitter aftertaste.

"All done," I said. "Let's go. Grandma doesn't like to be kept waiting."

We headed downstairs and straight into the living room. We had barely taken a seat on the sofa before Margot launched into it.

"I want you out of this house by tomorrow, Marcos," Margot demanded, her posture rigid. "You have no reason to be here anymore. Olivia is recovering, and your brother is dead. I don't need an effeminate son lingering around and embarrassing me."

"Grandma!" I gasped, horrified. "How can you say something like that? Uncle Marcos can stay in my house for as long as he wants." I grabbed his arm, clinging to him. "You're going to stay, right, Uncle? Please, I need you."

"My house," Margot corrected sharply.

"What did you say?" I asked, frowning in confusion.

"I said this house is mine," Margot stated flatly. "And he is not staying here. Neither are you. I've decided to sell it."

"What?" I shot up from the couch. "What do you mean? This was my dad's house!"

"No," Margot replied coldly. "The deed is in my name. It's my property, and I am putting it on the market. You are coming to live with me, and you will continue working at the store."

"But Grandma, I grew up here!" I pleaded. "All my memories are in these walls. You can't take this away from me. It's all I have left of Mom, Dad, and Mike."

"Memories don't put food on the table," Margot snapped. "I am selling the house, and you are living with me. You'll learn how to manage the store so you can take it over one day. You are my only remaining heir."

I stared at her in sheer outrage. She had just buried her own son, yet she was acting with absolute, ruthless efficiency. Once again, Mike's words echoed in my head.

"How long are you going to keep giving up on your dreams and hiding who you are just to please everyone else? You only live once, and life is meant to be lived intensely. Don't forget that."

"No, Grandma. I'm not living with you," I declared, my voice steadying. "And I'm not working in your store, either. That's not what I want for my life."

It was the first time I had ever truly stood up to her.

She let out a dry, mocking laugh.

"Oh, really?" she sneered. "And where exactly are you going to live? How do you plan to support yourself?"

"She's going to live with me in New York," Marcos intervened, stepping forward.

"With you?" Margot scoffed. "Oh, don't be ridiculous."

"Contrary to what you think, Mother, I'm not a deadbeat," Marcos said, his tone dangerously calm. "When I left this town, Dad helped me. He paid for my education, and today, I'm an executive at one of the biggest tech companies in the world. I live very comfortably. I can easily support Olivia and pay for her tuition, and that is exactly what I'm going to do."

"Your father was always a weakling," Margot spat. "I'm just surprised a company like that would hire someone like you."

"Love has always looked like weakness to you, Grandma," I said, my voice thick with disgust. I turned to my uncle. "Uncle Marcos... I'll go with you."

Olivia Bennett

Margot scoffed. "Oh, so you're actually leaving! Then go. I'll be right here waiting for you to come crawling back defeated. And when you do, I'll spend the rest of my life reminding you of your failure."

"I'm not going to fail," I shot back. "I'm going to live. I'm going to be free. And for the first time in my life, I'm putting myself first."

"Oh, you'll be back. Mark my words," Margot sneered. "You aren't strong enough to swim against the current like your brother. He actually chased his dreams, got a scholarship, and was going to be someone. You, on the other hand, are complacent. You didn't even try for a spot at the local college."

"Mike was the one who gave me the strength to chase my goals, and he'll continue to be my support," I replied. "And you're wrong. I did apply, and I was accepted with a scholarship to all four colleges I applied to."

She looked at me in shock, and I kept going.

"If I didn't leave, it was because I was weak, just like you said. I gave in to the pressure from you and my parents, who insisted I stay here and work in your store. But enough is enough! For some reason, I've been given a second chance at life, and I'm not going to waste it. I'm leaving with Uncle Marcos."

Margot's face twisted with rage. "If that's how it is, both of you can leave. I want you out of my house right now! And know that from this moment on, you are disinherited-just like that thing standing next to you."

I wiped away the tears that stubbornly streamed down my face while Marcos spoke up.

Marcos stepped forward. "Go upstairs and get your things, sweetheart. Just take what's necessary; I'll buy the rest for you when we get to New York. And Margot, don't worry. Neither Olivia nor I need your inheritance."

I went up to my room, grabbed a backpack, and packed my documents, some clothes, and toiletries. Lastly, I tucked in a family photo from my nightstand and the butterfly pendant bracelet Mike had given me for my birthday.

I headed downstairs and found Marcos alone in the living room.

"All set, Liv?" he asked.

"Yes, I only took what's necessary, Uncle," I said.

"Did you get your documents?" he checked.

"Yes, they're all here."

He hesitated for a second. "And the college acceptance letters? Are there any for New York?"

I smiled at him.

"Of course there are, Uncle," I told him. "You know it was my dream to study there just like my friend Katy, but it's been a year and I lost my spot."

"Just grab it. Leave the rest to me," he assured me.

I went back to my room, grabbed the letter, and slipped it into my bag.

"Done, Uncle. I've got the letter in my backpack," I said, returning downstairs.

"Then let's go. I have to drop the car off at the rental agency, and then we'll take a cab to the airport."

Three hours later, I was on a plane bound for New York. There was a massive wound in my heart from losing my family, and I knew it would stay that way for a long time, but I couldn't deny the thrill of excitement. This had always been my dream, and now it was coming true. I just wished it were under different circumstances.

"Liv, there's something I need to tell you," Marcos said quietly.

"You can tell me anything, Uncle," I replied.

He took a deep breath. "I'm seeing someone."

"Someone? What do you mean?" I asked.

He looked at me earnestly. "I have a partner. We've lived together for four years."

"Seriously, Uncle! Why did you never tell us?" I gasped.

He sighed. "I don't know. I was afraid that you and Mike would turn your backs on me, just like your father and grandmother did."

"Of course not, Uncle. I'm so happy for you, and I know Mike would be happy too, wherever he is. Come on, tell me everything. What's his name? How old is he? What does he do? Oh, Uncle, do you think he'll like me? I don't want to get in the way of your lives."

My uncle smiled and covered my mouth with his hand.

"Calm down, Liv. When you rapid-fire like that, I get lost and don't know which question to answer first. Let's take it one step at a time," he chuckled.

He took his hand away and started explaining.

His eyes lit up. "His name is Robert. He's twenty-eight, which makes him eight years younger than me. He's a chef and owns a super trendy restaurant in New York. In fact, it just received a five-star rating."

"Wow, how fancy. And tell me, is he handsome?" I teased.

"He's gorgeous. Why else do you think I'm with him?" he joked.

"Oh, Uncle, you're hopeless." I replied, laughing.

"And how did you two meet?" I asked.

"He's the cousin of my boss, who happens to be the financial partner in the restaurant. He invited me to the grand opening. And then, well, it was love at first sight. I think that was the day Alex found out I was gay," Marcos explained.

"Wait, who's Alex?" I asked.

He chuckled. "Oh, he's my boss. His name is Alex Fletcher."

"I think I've heard that name before. Does your boss happen to have anything to do with the Fletcher Corporation?" I wondered.

He nodded. "He's the owner, sweetheart, and I work for him."

"When you said you worked at the biggest tech company in the world, I didn't even put it together. Wow, that's awesome!" I beamed.

"It is, Liv. And Robert is dying to meet you. I've always talked so much about you and Mike to him," he said.

"I really want to meet him too, Uncle. I want to know what he does to give you that beautiful skin and that radiant smile," I teased.

He burst out laughing. "Oh, Liv, you don't even want to know!"

He answered through his laughter, and only then did I realize what he meant.

"Uncle!"

I scolded him, my face burning red.

"Stop it, Liv. You talk as if you were a virgin," he teased.

I didn't answer. I felt my face flush hot. I was definitely as red as a beet right then.

"Oh my God, you are a virgin!"

My uncle yelled, making everyone around us turn to look.

"Great, now the whole plane knows I'm a virgin. Why don't you also tell them that I've never had a boyfriend or kissed anyone?" I muttered.

"Olivia, you lived in a small town, not a convent. What is your problem?" he asked in disbelief.

"My problem, Uncle? Have you looked at me? I'm like that invisible girl that nobody sees."

He shook his head. "I think you're the one who needs glasses, you know. You're beautiful! Look at this flawless skin, these green eyes, this perfect blonde hair that will never need a salon treatment, and a body that would make any Victoria's Secret model jealous. It's only your clothes that I'm not a fan of, but that doesn't diminish your beauty at all."

"You only say that because you're my uncle," I mumbled.

"Of course not. Even Mike always used to fight with the guys who wanted to ask you out. He was a jealous brother, you know," Marcos said.

"I never knew that," I admitted.

"He told me everything. Why do you think he was always getting into fights?"

"A waste of his time, because I never wanted to go out with anyone there," I sighed.

"That's why you're practically a nun," he teased.

I looked down. "It's not that, Uncle. It's just that... I don't know, I guess I'm a foolish romantic. I always waited for someone who would make my heart flutter, and that never happened."

He smiled softly. "But it will happen. Liv, it's only a matter of time..."