Chapter_46
Olivia couldn’t help but wonder if there was something wrong with her. Despite trying for a long time, she hadn’t been able to get pregnant. Her mind was filled with questions and uncertainty.
With a hesitant voice, she said, “I know you have no interest in me, but we will only be free once I’m no longer in the way. You and Naomi will be together, and things will be better then.”
Her words hung in the air, and Tyler’s expression darkened. He didn’t say anything, but his gaze softened as he listened to her. She didn’t mean anything more by it, but her words reflected her wish for peace, and she hoped he could understand.
Tyler remained silent, his emotions clearly mixed, as he continued to hold her, though it was evident he was trying to suppress his feelings.
The next morning, Olivia helped the maid cook breakfast, though her mind was somewhere far away. Her movements were automatic, as if she wasn’t fully present.
The maid noticed her distraction when she saw Olivia accidentally place tomato skins into a bowl. “Ms. Olivia, be careful! You might cut yourself!” she warned.
As though on cue, Olivia’s hand slipped, and a sharp pain shot through her finger. Blood welled up quickly, and she instinctively brought her finger to her lips in an attempt to stop the bleeding.
Tyler, who had been sitting at the dining table reading the newspaper, heard the sound of the knife falling to the sink. He quickly set the paper aside and rushed into the kitchen.
Seeing the bleeding finger, the maid quickly moved to help. “Oh no, it’s bleeding!” she exclaimed.
Tyler’s eyes flicked to Olivia as she stood there, her hand pressed to her lips, trying to mask her discomfort. The sight of her concern made him pause.
The maid turned to Tyler, explaining, “Ms. Olivia cut herself while preparing breakfast.”
Without much expression, Tyler said, “Get the first aid kit and clean the wound.”
Olivia, feeling embarrassed, didn’t turn around to meet his gaze. She could feel his presence behind her but kept her head down.
The maid helped clean her finger, but Olivia’s mind seemed far away. She silently took a seat at the dining table, still avoiding Tyler’s eyes.
It was early, and the house was quiet, save for the rustling of papers from Tyler’s hand. After a few moments, he finally asked, “Is the cut deep?” His voice was neutral, though there was a slight concern in his tone.
Olivia shook her head, still looking down. “It’s fine. It doesn’t hurt much.”
The silence continued, only broken when the maid brought in the first dish. Tyler briefly set aside his newspaper, noticing Olivia’s distant expression, but said nothing. “Let’s eat. You can rest later.”
Olivia nodded, feeling a wave of fatigue. She wasn’t sure how to process everything. Her pale face showed the toll of recent events, but she tried to focus on the food before her.
They ate in silence, the only sound being the occasional clink of silverware.
By the time breakfast was finished, Tyler offered to drive Olivia to school. She hesitated at first but then accepted, appreciating the convenience of it.
As they rode to school, Tyler was engrossed in the documents in his hands. Olivia, however, stared out the window, her thoughts clouded as she watched the morning sunlight painting the world in golden hues.
Tyler, sensing her silence, asked without looking up, “Is your finger really alright?”
Olivia turned to him, offering a soft smile. “It’s fine, really,” she replied quietly, her gaze shifting back to the window. Then, almost instinctively, she added, “Does Naomi feel better today?”
Tyler nodded. “I’m visiting her after I drop you off.”
Olivia breathed a small sigh of relief, sensing that things might be improving between them. “She’ll feel much better as long as you’re not mad at her.”
Tyler didn’t respond, his focus still on the papers in his hands.
When they arrived at school, Olivia reached for the door handle but forgot for a moment about the cut on her finger. As soon as she touched it, a sharp sting made her gasp in pain.
Tyler’s hand shot out instinctively to grab hers, stopping her from pulling away too quickly. Their eyes met, surprised by the sudden connection. The air between them seemed to thicken with an awkward but undeniable tension.
Olivia didn’t know how to react. She felt his hand holding hers, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. She lowered her gaze, unsure of what to do next.
Tyler was the first to break the silence, his voice quiet and steady. “Watch out next time.”
Olivia nodded, her heart racing slightly at the unexpected closeness. She gently pulled her hand from his and stepped out of the car, still feeling the warmth of his touch.