Chapter_160
As Olivia approached, Tyler paused his swing and glanced in her direction. His entire focus shifted to her the moment she appeared. A maid beside him quickly handed over a towel, which he accepted without taking his eyes off Olivia.
She stopped a few steps away and looked at him, her voice quiet but carrying a hint of frustration.
“Why didn’t you wake me?”
Tyler, midway through drying his sweat, furrowed his brows. His movements slowed as he regarded her carefully.
“You looked exhausted last night,” he said simply. “I figured you needed the rest.”
Olivia stood in place, her eyes filled with subtle disappointment. She bit her lower lip, clearly holding something back.
“You could’ve at least asked someone to knock on the door,” she said, her tone softer now. “I didn’t want to be the last one up.”
Tyler tossed the towel to the maid and straightened his posture, his gaze steady on her.
“It’s not a big deal,” he replied indifferently. “There was no schedule for you this morning. Don’t stress over it.”
But Olivia didn’t look reassured. Her fingers clenched slightly at her sides, and after a brief pause, she murmured, “Maybe I’m just being sensitive.”
Without another word, she turned away, clearly intending to leave. But just as she took her first step, Tyler called out.
“Olivia.”
She stopped, her back still facing him.
“There’s a charity banquet tomorrow night,” he said in a calm but deliberate tone. “Come with me.”
She turned her head slightly, surprise flickering in her expression. “A banquet?”
Tyler nodded once. “You’re Mrs. Harris now. People will expect you to be there.”
For a long moment, Olivia didn’t say anything. The morning sun cast long shadows across the lawn, and the breeze carried faint traces of cut grass and fading conversation from the house. Something in her chest twisted at his words—not the invitation itself, but the reason behind it. An obligation. A role.
“I understand,” she said finally. “I’ll get ready.”
Tyler didn’t offer further explanation, nor did he acknowledge her reply with warmth. He simply picked up the golf club again, resumed his stance, and struck another ball down the lawn with calculated precision—like nothing had happened at all.
Olivia lingered for a moment, watching the ball soar before she turned away and walked slowly back inside.
The house was quiet. The people, the smiles, the grand dinner—already behind them. But what lingered was the cold distance between two people standing side by side, yet feeling like strangers.
And with every passing day, that distance seemed to grow.