Chapter_30
Tyler withdrew his hands from Olivia’s blanket, his movements natural as he stood, watching quietly. Naomi, who had entered the room with a warm smile, approached her sister, concern written all over her face.
“Is something wrong with her?” Naomi asked, her tone laced with worry. “I got worried, so I came.”
Tyler, as straightforward as ever, didn’t hesitate to answer. “Something happened with Jacob. We just handled it.” He glanced at Naomi, his voice softening. “It’s good that you’re here. Please talk some sense into her.”
Naomi, who knew exactly who Jacob was, nodded and walked toward Olivia’s bed. As she drew closer, Tyler stepped back, giving her space, and maintaining a respectful distance from Olivia.
Naomi sat down gently next to Olivia, taking her hands in hers. “What’s going on? Tell me,” she asked, her voice soothing and filled with care.
Olivia, caught off guard by the tenderness in Naomi’s voice, felt a sudden warmth spread through her, but she managed to remain composed. She explained, “Something happened to him. He had a conflict with someone at a bar. Tyler helped me out.”
Olivia hesitated, uncertain whether Naomi might be upset. She knew how much Naomi had relied on Tyler’s help, and she worried that the situation might have caused tension. But Naomi surprised her. Rather than looking disappointed, Naomi’s expression softened.
“He should help you. You’re my sister, and that makes you his sister too,” Naomi said warmly.
Tyler, standing nearby, didn’t seem bothered by the exchange at all. He merely asked a nurse to fetch a blanket for Olivia.
Naomi’s gaze returned to Olivia. “So, is it resolved now?”
Olivia’s voice dropped slightly, her tone more subdued. “Mm-hmm, it is. He’ll be released the day after tomorrow.”
Naomi gave a small nod, her eyes glinting with quiet understanding. “If it’s something that can be resolved, it’s not too serious. Promise me you’ll tell me and Tyler if anything happens in the future, okay? Don’t keep everything to yourself. Don’t bear the burden alone.”
Olivia felt a rush of emotion—something soft and unexpected. Naomi’s words hit her in a place she hadn’t realized was tender, and for the first time, she felt the urge to be closer to her sister.
With gratitude in her voice, Olivia whispered, “Thank you, Naomi.”
Naomi, seeing her sister’s vulnerability, couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret. She leaned forward and pulled Olivia into a gentle embrace. “Alright, my dear sister. I’ve always cared for you and wish the best for you. Don’t dwell too much on your relationship with Jacob right now.”
Olivia, still surprised by the embrace, tried her best to adjust to the closeness. She wasn’t used to being held like this, but she allowed herself to feel comforted, even if it was unfamiliar.
Meanwhile, outside the room, Tyler had stepped away to take a phone call. His secretary’s voice came through on the line, clear and urgent.
“Mr. Tyler, Jacob is refusing bail. He insists on seeing Ms. Olivia the day after tomorrow.”
Tyler paused for a moment, disbelief creeping into his voice. “Refusing to leave?” he muttered, irritated by Jacob’s stubbornness. “Tell him to talk to me again.”
The secretary’s voice came through again, a hint of frustration in her tone. “I’m still talking to him, but he’s unwilling to cooperate.”
Tyler’s patience wore thin. His voice dropped, becoming colder. “Try again. If he insists on staying, then let him stay there forever.”
“Roger that, Mr. Tyler.”
After hanging up, Tyler remained outside for a few moments, his thoughts clearly unsettled. When he finally re-entered the room, Olivia immediately noticed the change in his demeanor. There was something off, and she wondered if the call had been related to Jacob. But Tyler didn’t pay her any attention. Instead, he turned to Naomi, his tone more composed but still tinged with concern.
“You should return to your room and rest. Staying out for too long isn’t advisable,” he said, looking at Naomi with an almost maternal concern.
Naomi hesitated, clearly reluctant to leave her sister. She had already been through so much recently, and the thought of leaving Olivia alone didn’t sit well with her. “I want to stay with Olivia a little longer,” she replied, her voice soft but firm.
Tyler sighed, a faint trace of frustration in his eyes, but he didn’t push her further. He understood her need to be there for Olivia, even if he knew it wasn’t the best thing for Naomi’s health. “Alright, but you need to take care of yourself, Naomi. You know how fragile your condition is right now.”
Naomi gave him a small, appreciative smile but remained seated, her focus on Olivia. It was clear to everyone in the room that Olivia needed her now, even more than before. And for the first time, Naomi found herself staying not out of duty, but out of a deep, sisterly love she hadn’t known she was capable of expressing.