Chapter_135
As Olivia sat in her university lecture, her mind wandered back to her conversation with Claude. It was a welcome distraction from the pressure she was feeling about Naomi’s condition. The thought of a potential trip to Sereneville made her smile to herself. Maybe it would be the break she needed, the opportunity to reconnect with old memories and find some peace amidst the chaos. She hadn’t realized how much she missed the simplicity of those days until Claude had brought it up.
Yet, her thoughts inevitably drifted back to her sister. Tyler’s brief mention of Naomi’s tests lingered in her mind. She wondered how much Tyler was involved in her sister’s care and whether he was doing everything he could. Olivia knew he was trying, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that something more was going on that he wasn’t sharing with her.
When class ended, Olivia’s phone buzzed. It was another message from Claude. “Looking forward to the trip. I think it will be good for both of us.”
She felt a spark of excitement reading his words. It wasn’t just the trip itself, but the idea of spending time with someone who understood her past so well. She quickly typed back, “Me too. It’ll be good to catch up.”
Later that evening, Olivia found herself in the quiet of her room, reflecting on the day. The text messages with Claude had been a comforting reminder of a simpler time, and Tyler’s distant behavior from earlier in the day made her wonder if they were both drifting further apart. She had noticed his kindness, but also his distance. There was something unsettling about how he had kept certain things to himself.
Meanwhile, Tyler was at the hospital, meeting with the team of doctors he had carefully assembled to ensure Naomi received the best possible care. He knew how much Olivia relied on him to help her sister, and despite his cold demeanor, his concern for Naomi ran deep. However, he chose not to share the specifics with Olivia. He wanted to shield her from the burden of knowing how much was at stake, hoping to protect her from further worry.
Back at the house, Olivia found herself standing in front of the window, her thoughts consumed by the complexity of her relationships with both men. Claude’s warmth was a stark contrast to Tyler’s coldness, yet she couldn’t deny the connection she felt with him. It made her question everything — her feelings for Tyler, her loyalty to her sister, and the path she was choosing to take.
As the night wore on, Olivia sent another message to Claude. “I’m really looking forward to this trip. It feels like it’s something I need.”
Claude’s reply came swiftly, offering a sense of comfort. “We’ll make sure it’s a good trip, Olivia. You deserve it.”
His words settled in her chest, giving her a brief sense of clarity. But as she set her phone down, the reality of her situation came crashing back. Tyler, Naomi, and the unspoken tensions between them all swirled in her mind. Would a trip to Sereneville really give her the escape she needed, or was it just another way of avoiding the inevitable?