Chapter_178
Tyler’s stoic expression never wavered as the guest began speaking to him. Olivia, on the other hand, felt the weight of the evening pressing down on her. The grandiosity of the event seemed to suffocate her, and she felt like an outsider in this world of power and wealth.
She was acutely aware of her appearance, how out of place she felt among the polished figures surrounding her. The long satin dress, the oversized diamond on her finger, the pearl headpiece—everything about her seemed to be a costume for a role she didn’t understand, much less know how to play.
Tyler’s calm voice cut through her thoughts as he responded to the guest’s small talk. Olivia tried her best to smile and nod, but her attention kept wandering. The fountain in the garden sparkled like something out of a dream, and the music, though beautiful, only served to emphasize the surreal nature of the evening. She had never imagined herself in such an opulent setting, especially not under the circumstances that had brought her here.
After a brief exchange, Tyler excused himself from the guest and gently placed his hand on Olivia’s lower back, guiding her through the sea of people. She followed closely behind, trying to match his composed demeanor but feeling like a fish out of water.
“Don’t stray far,” Tyler murmured quietly, though it felt more like an order than a suggestion. “This isn’t the time to get lost in your thoughts.”
Olivia nodded silently, her heart pounding as she tried to keep up with his confident stride. As they moved deeper into the crowd, she couldn’t shake the feeling that everyone was watching them, judging them, scrutinizing every step. The grandeur of the evening seemed overwhelming, and the pressure of the eyes on her made her chest tighten.
Tyler led her toward a group of guests, all dressed in high fashion, some already sipping wine, others engaged in quiet conversations. She could sense that these were not just wealthy individuals—they were influential, powerful, the kind of people whose opinions could shape the future. She didn’t belong here.
Tyler turned to her, his gaze softening ever so slightly as he caught her eye. “Relax. It’s just a banquet. You’ll get used to it.”
But Olivia wasn’t sure if she would ever get used to it. The unfamiliarity of everything, the heaviness of the ring on her finger, the constant weight of expectations—it was all too much. Still, she smiled, hoping to hide the anxiety gnawing at her.
As they entered the main hall, Olivia’s eyes widened. The chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting soft golden light on the guests below. The floor was a gleaming marble, and the air smelled faintly of expensive perfume and polished wood. At the center of the room, an enormous table was laden with exquisite food, and waiters moved gracefully among the guests, offering champagne and hors d’oeuvres.
Olivia’s nerves were on edge as they approached a group of people near the far side of the room. Tyler introduced her with his usual cold efficiency, but Olivia could sense the scrutiny in their eyes as they greeted her with polite smiles.
It felt like she was on display, a spectacle for everyone to examine.
Tyler seemed unbothered by it all, his charm effortless as he exchanged pleasantries. Olivia couldn’t help but notice how easily he slipped into this world, how naturally he belonged here. She, on the other hand, felt like a small bird trapped in a gilded cage.
Her thoughts were interrupted when a woman approached them, her eyes immediately locking onto Olivia’s hand.
“Oh, how stunning!” the woman exclaimed, reaching out to take Olivia’s hand in hers. “Is that the wedding ring? It’s so exquisite. It suits you perfectly.”
Olivia forced a smile, but the comment only made her feel more out of place. She didn’t know how to respond, so she merely nodded, allowing the woman to fawn over the diamond for a moment before Tyler gently pulled her away.
As they moved through the crowd, Olivia couldn’t shake the sense of being watched. She tried to breathe deeply, to remind herself that she was just playing a role, a part in a world she never asked to be a part of.
But the weight of it all—this banquet, the future, the IVF, the marriage—was beginning to feel too heavy to carry.