Chapter_154
a smile, bowing slightly. “How can I assist you today?”
Tyler gave a short nod in acknowledgment before turning to Olivia. “Take your time,” he said, his voice almost distant, as if preoccupied with something else. “Choose something you like.”
Olivia nodded, though she felt the weight of the situation pressing down on her. The air in the store was cool and sterile, and the displays of glittering jewelry seemed to mock her confusion. She had been thrust into a world of wealth and expectation, and yet here she was, being told to pick out something—anything—like it was a simple errand. It should have been exciting, but all she felt was discomfort.
She wandered slowly through the cases, her fingers brushing over the glass. The diamond necklaces, delicate bracelets, and expensive rings seemed so out of place for her, a stark contrast to the ordinary life she had known just weeks ago. Olivia’s eyes flickered over the rings—the same style as the ones Sophie had shown her earlier. The ones she had no interest in getting. She didn’t want any of it. It all felt too much.
But Tyler was still waiting, watching her quietly from across the room, and she knew he wouldn’t leave until she made a choice. She felt the pressure mounting, unsure of how to move forward in this strange new reality.
After a few moments, Olivia stopped in front of a simple yet elegant gold necklace, the pendant a small, delicate diamond. It wasn’t ostentatious, and it didn’t scream wealth. It was understated, almost modest, but still beautiful in its own way. She wasn’t sure if it was the right choice, but it felt like the safest one.
Turning to Tyler, she hesitated before saying, “I think this one.”
Tyler raised an eyebrow, as if surprised by her choice. But then, his face softened for a moment, and he nodded. “It’s a good choice,” he said, his voice unexpectedly warm.
The jeweler, who had been silently observing, quickly moved to have the necklace boxed and prepared. As they walked toward the counter, Olivia couldn’t shake the feeling of being out of place, like she was playing a part in a story she didn’t understand.
The transaction was quick, and the jeweler handed the small box to Olivia with a smile. “Your purchase is ready, Mrs. Olivia. We hope you enjoy it.”
Olivia took the box with a quiet “Thank you” before turning back toward Tyler, who was already heading for the door. She followed him in silence, her mind still clouded with confusion and uncertainty.
Once they were back in the car, Tyler didn’t say anything at first, but Olivia could feel his presence beside her. She glanced over at him, unsure of what to say, but before she could speak, he broke the silence.
“Are you okay?” Tyler asked, his voice low and almost reluctant, as if the question were a formality more than genuine concern.
Olivia’s eyes flickered to his face, searching for any hint of emotion. “I’m fine,” she answered quietly, not sure if she meant it.
He didn’t seem convinced, but he didn’t press the issue. They drove back to Harris Residence in an uneasy silence, the weight of the day’s events hanging between them. Olivia’s thoughts were swirling, but she kept them to herself, unsure of what to make of this strange, new life she was being pulled into.
When they arrived, Tyler simply nodded in her direction before heading inside. Olivia hesitated for a moment before following him, the box with her new necklace tucked safely in her bag. She didn’t know what the future held, but she knew that things were only going to get more complicated from here on out.