Chapter_162
“Are you sulking?” Tyler asked.
Olivia wasn’t exactly sulking. It wasn’t just about him failing to wake her up—what really hurt was how he seemed to be constantly taking things out on her lately, using her as an emotional dumping ground.
“No,” she replied, her tone defensive. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll be heading out. Thanks.”
Tyler wasn’t oblivious. He knew what the real issue was but didn’t appear interested in resolving it.
“Stay tonight. We don’t want to start any rumors.”
After all, they had just gotten “married,” and with his father back in town, appearances mattered. Olivia realized she couldn’t just act on her own anymore—there were consequences now.
After a brief pause, she gave in with a sigh.
“Fine.”
Tyler let go of her arm.
“That’s settled. You’re free to do whatever else you like. There aren’t many rules here.”
Then he turned and left, leaving Olivia behind—once again feeling discarded. The IVF, this whole arrangement—it had never been her choice. So why did he treat her like she had wanted this life, this role?
Downstairs, Colleen had already started gossiping. By the time Tyler made his way into the living room, Maisy was fully informed.
“Did you two fight?” she asked, narrowing her eyes at him.
“Colleen told you?” Tyler replied flatly.
“She said you made Olivia cry!” Maisy snapped. “How could you treat her like that? She’s your wife, not one of your subordinates! You need to be more considerate. She’s just a young girl, fresh out of high school—just starting college! You’re supposed to be the mature one here.”
Tyler gave a brief nod, his expression unreadable.
“Understood. I’ll keep that in mind.”
Maisy wasn’t satisfied.
“‘Keep it in mind’? You always say that! Honestly, can’t you show a little more enthusiasm? You just got married!”
Tyler’s frown deepened, but he bit back any sharp retort.
“I know. I don’t need the reminder, Grandmother.”
“Good. Now off you go,” she huffed. “I swear, I didn’t think I’d have to teach you how to be a decent husband.”
But the gossip hadn’t stopped there. Colleen, as usual, had already filled Ana in. When Tyler wandered into the garden later, he spotted his mother and Colleen together. Ana was calmly arranging a bouquet, while Colleen whispered animatedly beside her. The moment Tyler approached, Ana looked up at him with a knowing smile, and Colleen instantly went quiet under his cold stare.
Ana’s voice rang out, sweet but clearly deliberate.
“Don’t worry, Colleen. Tyler loves his wife. He knows how to treat her well—right, Tyler?”
She emphasized the phrase “loves his wife” just enough to make sure he heard it.
Tyler shot her a frosty glance but didn’t respond.
Meanwhile, Olivia had finally calmed down and composed herself before leaving the room. As she reached the main hall, Colleen came up beside her, looping an arm around hers.
“Are you okay?” Colleen asked, putting on her usual look of concern. “Tyler didn’t mistreat you, did he?”
“N–No! He didn’t. Not at all,” Olivia answered quickly, trying to avoid any more attention.