Love in a spotlight

Olivia's voice trembled with desperation. "You and Abigail... you're just starting out, right? You've known each other for a few months?"

Caleb's expression remained neutral. "If I had known you were my blind date, I wouldn't have gone," he said, his tone hinting that he only saw Olivia as a colleague and junior.

Olivia's eyes pleaded with him. "I went knowing it was you... because I like you."

But Caleb's reaction was underwhelming, his expression unchanged, as if he had already known about Olivia's feelings.

Olivia's voice was filled with emotion as she made her confession. "I like you, Caleb. I've liked you for a long time." She took a deep breath, explaining her sudden departure the day before. "I was flustered yesterday, so I ran out without saying anything." Her eyes searched his, hoping for understanding and a glimmer of reciprocation.

"But when I thought about it, it was reassuring to know you two haven't known each other for so long," Olivia said, her voice laced with a mix of emotions. "So your relationship with Abigail must be in its early stages."

Caleb's voice was low and gentle as he called out her name. "Olivia."

But Olivia continued, her words tumbling out in a rush. "I couldn't give up on you yet." Caleb's expression was resolute as he spoke. "I never even imagined you would have feelings for me. I couldn't see you as more than my junior and colleague."

He took a step forward, but Olivia swiftly blocked his path, her eyes flashing with determination.

Olivia's voice trembled with emotion as she asked, "Caleb, why her? I've known you and liked you long before she even came into the picture."

Caleb's expression was apologetic, but his words only seemed to fuel Olivia's anguish. "Olivia, I'm sorry," he said, his voice soft but unable to soothe her pain.

Olivia's fists clenched at her sides, her eyes blazing with a mix of sadness and anger.

Abigail's brow furrowed in concentration as she worked on her drawing, but her frustration grew with each passing moment. With a sigh of exasperation, she tore the paper to shreds and tossed it aside. She ran her hands through her hair, mussing it in a gesture of pure frustration, her emotions boiling over.

Just then, a message popped up on Abigail's screen from Venissa, a friend of Harper's. The message was urgent: "Harper's ex is causing trouble at Bros Club. We need you to come ASAP."

Abigail's eyes widened as she read the message. Without hesitation, she grabbed her bag and rushed out of her room. She hailed a cab on the street and headed to Bros Club, her mind racing with concern.

As she arrived at the club, she pushed open the door and stepped inside. The pulsating music and dim lighting enveloped her, but she quickly scanned the room, searching for her friends.

As Abigail navigated the crowded club, she felt out of her element. She rarely visited places like this, and the unfamiliar layout made her feel anxious. She pulled out her phone and dialed Venissa's number, but it went straight to voicemail.

Abigail's eyes scanned the club's premises, her anxiety growing by the second. Then, she spotted a commotion in the parking lot. Venissa was holding onto Harper, trying to shield her, while Johnson was attempting to pull Harper away.

Abigail's instincts kicked in, and she rushed towards the scene. She pushed Johnson slightly, inserting herself between him and Harper.

"What are you doing?" Abigail demanded, her voice firm and protective, as she positioned herself in front of Harper and Venissa, shielding them from Johnson's aggression.

Johnson's smile was laced with malice as he sneered at Abigail. "Why are you always interfering in Harper's affairs?" he taunted.

Abigail stood firm, her voice steady. "Johnson, this isn't right. You and Harper are broken up. Leave her alone."

Johnson's expression darkened, and he raised his voice, making Abigail take a step back. "Why did we break up? It's all because of you!" he shouted, his eyes blazing with anger. "I need to talk to Harper."

As Johnson tried to pull Harper away again, Abigail intervened. "Get lost!" she exclaimed, but Johnson's anger boiled over. He pushed Abigail, sending her stumbling backward. She lost her balance and fell to the ground for a moment before scrambling to her feet.

Undeterred, Abigail stood up to Johnson, her eyes flashing with determination. She pushed him back, creating some distance between him and Harper. "Why did you have to cheat on her, then?" Abigail demanded, her voice firm but laced with emotion. "Johnson, come to your senses! People are staring. Is this really how you want to behave?"

Johnson's mocking tone sent Abigail's anger soaring. "Are you talking about my behavior?" he sneered. "What are you going to do?"

Abigail's eyes blazed with fury. "Johnson," she warned, "if you continue, I'll call the police."

She reached for her phone, but Johnson was too quick. He grabbed her collar, his face twisted with rage. "You're a sick person," he spat, before slapping Abigail across the face.

She fell to the ground, her cheek stinging with pain. Venessa rushed to her side, worry etched on her face. "Abigail!" she cried.

Johnson took a step forward, his hand reaching out to grab Abigail again. But a massive hand clamped down on his wrist, stopping him in his tracks. The hand belonged to a tall, imposing figure who had appeared out of nowhere.

With a swift motion, the man pushed Johnson's hand away, his eyes flashing with anger.

"Who are you?" Johnson bellowed, charging forward like a raging bull. But Caleb was swift and decisive, landing a solid punch in Johnson's stomach. Johnson doubled over, growling in pain.

Venessa quickly rushed to Abigail's side, helping her to stand up and regain her balance. Together, they moved over to Harper, who was still shaken and unable to stand properly.

Caleb's eyes blazed with anger as he turned to Johnson. "Is that something to be proud of? Hitting a girl?" he warned, his voice low and menacing.

"This is none of your business," Johnson spat, his face reddening with rage. "This is my club." He pulled out his phone and dialed a number, before barking orders at the security guard and his entourage.

Just as Johnson's men began to close in, Barron and Gabriel appeared on the scene, their faces etched with concern and surprise.

"What's going on here?" Barron demanded, his eyes scanning the tense standoff.

Caleb stood firm, undaunted by the arrival of Johnson's men. His eyes remained fixed on Johnson, a fierce determination burning within them.