Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) is her own woman in the upcoming season of "Scandal." She may even prove to President Fitzgerald Grant (Tony Goldwyn) and Jake Ballard (Scott Foley) that she does not need any of them to be happy.

Recently, fans have been having a field day trying to guess which man Olivia will end up choosing in the new installment. It has been a tight race between Fitz and Jake over the lady's heart, but right now, the latter has the advantage. With Olivia determined to forget the sad affair with the outgoing POTUS and her subsequent abortion, Jake was able to monopolize her time. Being a vice presidential candidate under Mellie's (Bellamy Young) ticket will also ensure that they get to spend more time together.

Fitz, on the other hand, seems to be over his affair with a reporter. Now that he is leaving the White House, he has all time in the world to pursue Olivia if he wants to.

Executive producer Shonda Rhimes hinted in a recent interview (as per Yibada) though that there is a chance the fixer will choose to remain single. After all, Olivia has always been her own person, an independent woman who knows her capabilities and how to use them too.

"She never had to actually be a wife. She never actually had to be truly emotionally available. She never actually had to do any of the icky stuff that you have to do when you're in a relationship," Rhimes said.

Meanwhile, in the event that Olivia chooses Jake, she has to deal with his new wife's jealousy. Variety reports that Vanessa will still be around in season 6. Jessalyn Gilsig of "Glee" will be replacing Joelle Carter for the role. Vanessa and Jake got married when Rowan (Eli Pope) threatened his daughter that he would kill her lover if they elope together. It will be interesting to see how the two women will treat each other, now that they will meet often due to Jake's campaign.

"Scandal" season 6 is expected to premiere midseason 2017 on ABC.