Chapter_90
That night, the lights in Naomi’s ward remained on, casting an unyielding glow into the stillness of the hospital. Olivia had been standing and waiting for hours, her anxiety growing with each passing minute. It was around 3 A.M. when the emergency room doors finally opened, and Naomi was wheeled out.
Tyler had been there the entire time, never leaving Naomi’s side. The medical staff worked with swift precision, but Tyler’s focus was entirely consumed by the crisis. He moved briskly around the room, his face etched with worry and exhaustion, and though Olivia stood in the corner, quietly watching, it seemed as though he was too preoccupied to notice her—or perhaps, he simply chose not to.
Outside, the world was cloaked in darkness, a stark contrast to the tension inside the hospital. Olivia remained rooted in place, her gaze fixed on Naomi, who was unconscious and hooked to a breathing machine. Her heart ached as she watched the pale, fragile figure being moved past her. The silence in the room felt suffocating, her mind overwhelmed by a mixture of sadness and relief. Naomi was going to be okay, but Olivia couldn’t shake the fear that had gripped her the entire night. If anything had happened to Naomi, she knew that she would never be able to forgive herself, no matter what Julia thought.
Just as Olivia was lost in her thoughts, Tyler’s driver appeared, finding her standing in the corner. “It’s late, Ms. Olivia. I’ll take you home,” he said quietly.
Olivia hesitated for a moment, then asked softly, “Can I see Naomi? It won’t take long.”
The driver seemed to pause, his gaze flicking to her exhausted face. After a moment of consideration, he relented. “Alright. I’ll take you to Naomi’s ward.”
Upon entering the room, Olivia saw Darren and Julia standing beside Naomi’s bed. Tyler was speaking softly to her, his hand gently caressing her cheek. Naomi’s eyes fluttered open, and though she looked weak, her smile was warm. She turned her gaze toward Olivia, who stood at the door, not daring to enter.
Naomi smiled reassuringly. “I’m alright, Olivia. Go home and rest.”
Olivia, feeling a sense of guilt and respect, nodded silently. She realized that her presence was not necessary, and with the strict hospital rules about disinfection, it was better to keep her distance. She quietly turned and left the room.
As the door closed behind her, Tyler lowered his head, speaking gently to Naomi, urging her to rest. Naomi closed her eyes, surrendering to sleep once more.
Back at home, Olivia felt utterly drained. Her mind was still reeling from the events of the night, unsure of what had truly happened to Naomi. As she entered the living room, fatigue overwhelmed her, and she nearly stumbled. Fortunately, the driver was quick to catch her, steadying her as she took a deep breath.
It was almost 4 A.M., and she knew the driver must have been exhausted as well. “Thank you for bringing me home,” she said quietly. “Please, go and rest now.”
The driver looked at her with concern, his brow furrowed. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
Olivia gave him a small, weary smile. “I’m fine,” she assured him.
Understanding her wishes, the driver nodded and left promptly.
Alone in her room, Olivia finally allowed herself to collapse against the door, her body giving way to the weight of the night’s events. She sank to the floor, wrapping her arms around her knees, and buried her face in her arms. The tears came then—quiet, unrestrained sobs that released all the pent-up fear, confusion, and frustration she had been holding in. She cried for Naomi, for herself, and for the uncertainty that had shadowed everything. The night had been long and brutal, and in that moment, Olivia allowed herself to feel the full weight of it all.