Chapter_78
Tyler glanced at Olivia, his gaze lingering as if waiting for a response. He could feel the tension radiating from her, but he remained quiet, knowing this moment was about more than just the bracelet. Olivia’s reluctance was clear, her discomfort tangible as she stared at the glittering piece of jewelry on her wrist, uncertain of how to proceed.
“Olivia…” Tyler’s voice was soft, but it held an unspoken understanding. “It’s a gesture of affection. It’s important to them.”
Olivia’s thoughts raced, her mind torn between accepting the gesture and the guilt that weighed heavily on her. She had been living in Naomi’s shadow for so long, unsure of her place in this family. The bracelet felt like a symbol of everything she wasn’t ready to face—how could she accept something so significant that rightfully belonged to Naomi?
With a deep breath, Olivia finally met Tyler’s eyes. He gave her a gentle nod, his expression reassuring yet firm, silently encouraging her to accept the gift. The weight of his gaze was enough to settle her nerves, even if only a little.
She turned to Ana, offering a tentative smile. “Thank you… for the gift,” she said quietly, her voice betraying the conflict that churned inside her. “I’ll wear it.”
Ana’s face lit up with a smile of approval, clearly pleased with Olivia’s response. “I’m so glad. You’re part of this family now,” she said warmly, her words offering both comfort and a sense of finality to the situation.
Maisy, ever observant, watched the exchange with a fond smile. She seemed pleased that Olivia had accepted the gesture, but her eyes lingered on the younger woman, sensing the internal struggle she still carried.
Tyler, sensing the quiet tension in the room, decided it was time to move the conversation forward. He picked up his spoon and took a casual sip of his soup, breaking the silence. “Let’s eat,” he said simply, his tone light, as if nothing unusual had happened.
Olivia nodded and, although the weight of the moment still hung in the air, she sat down and began to eat. As the conversation flowed around her, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being pulled in different directions—toward the family, toward Tyler, and toward the looming questions about her own place in all of this. But for now, she could only focus on the present, on the warmth of the meal in front of her, and on the subtle comfort of Tyler’s presence at her side.