Chapter_86
Naturally, Tyler noticed that Olivia had closed her eyes, her fingers still clutching the kitten, unwilling to let go. He observed the tender scene, the hesitation in her posture, and unexpectedly, as the maid was about to leave with the kitten, he called out.
“Wait.”
The maid paused, unsure of his intent, and glanced back at him.
“Let it stay,” Tyler added, his tone calm and decisive. “Just clean the house more often.”
The maid was taken aback, unsure whether she had heard him correctly. “You… want to keep it?”
Even Olivia froze, staring at Tyler, unsure if she had imagined his words. She had been so ready to let the kitten go, but now, she found herself caught in a moment of disbelief.
With an unwavering gaze, Tyler confirmed, “Yes, let’s keep it.”
Before Olivia could fully process his words, Tyler stood and glanced at her, his voice turning practical. “You should go to school now, or you’ll be late.”
Her heart lifted in an instant, and her face broke into a bright smile. “Okay. Thanks, Tyler!” she said, her joy unmistakable.
Tyler didn’t respond, merely turning away and walking back to the living room.
Eagerly, Olivia took the kitten from the maid, who was still standing by in surprise. “It’s so cute!” she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement. “What should I feed it? Goat milk?”
In the living room, Tyler, who had returned to his newspaper, heard Olivia’s infectious laughter. It was strange how the sound of her joy seemed to lift his own spirits, even though he hadn’t expected it.
The following days passed with Olivia happily tending to her new companion. Her routine had become filled with moments of joy—feeding, grooming, and simply spending time with the kitten. It brought an unexpected sense of peace and contentment to her life.
One afternoon, after school, Olivia returned to Sandalwood Palace, her heart light from the day. She found the maid busy in the kitchen, humming as she worked. The maid looked up at Olivia with a knowing smile. “Ms. Olivia, Ms. Naomi said she’d like some soup. Do you have time to deliver it to her?”
Olivia paused, not even having the chance to set down her bag. She hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Sure… It’s been a while since I visited her.”
The maid, already bustling to prepare the delivery, handed Olivia an insulated container. “Great. The driver’s outside. Just get in the car when you’re ready.”
Though Olivia was still a little worried about her kitten, she reminded herself that she’d checked on it earlier that morning and it seemed fine. She tucked the container carefully in her arms and headed out to the car.
When she arrived at Naomi’s hospital room, she found Naomi reading quietly. The older woman looked up in surprise when Olivia entered. “Olivia.”
Naomi’s voice was warm, but her expression held a trace of confusion. “Why is it you who brought me soup today, Olivia?”
Olivia set the container down in front of her with a small smile. “The maid is busy, so I brought it to you.”
Naomi smiled back gently, not showing any sign of discomfort. “How’s school? How’s life?”
Olivia averted her gaze, the possibility of Naomi asking about her pregnancy crossing her mind. She didn’t know how to respond if that question came up. “Pretty good,” she said softly, trying to keep the conversation light.
Naomi nodded, still smiling. “Is Tyler treating you well?”
The question caught Olivia off guard, and her cheeks flushed a little as she didn’t expect Naomi to ask something so personal.
Noticing Olivia’s sudden hesitation, Naomi gently reached for her hand. “Alright, forget I asked,” she said with a soft laugh, sensing Olivia’s discomfort. She then glanced at the container. “I’ve been craving that soup.”
Olivia, eager to make Naomi comfortable, quickly opened the container and poured the soup into a bowl. “Drink it while it’s hot,” she said, her voice caring.
Naomi smiled and reached out for the bowl, but just as she was about to grab it, she froze. Olivia noticed Naomi’s sudden stillness and asked, her voice laced with concern, “What’s wrong, Naomi?”
Naomi smiled faintly, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Nothing,” she replied quickly. But just as she was about to take a sip, a violent sneezing fit suddenly overtook her. She sneezed repeatedly, and the room filled with the sound of her distress.
Olivia watched in alarm, unsure of what was happening. But after the sneezing fit, Naomi suddenly grabbed her chest, her face draining of color. She began to pant heavily, her breath coming in short, shallow bursts.
Olivia’s eyes widened with concern. “Naomi?” she called, her voice trembling as she moved closer, unsure of how to help. Naomi’s breathing seemed to grow more labored with each passing second, and Olivia felt a surge of panic rise in her chest.