Chapter_109
The dining hall fell silent at Olivia’s words, the atmosphere heavy with tension. Maisy’s expression quickly shifted from surprise to visible displeasure.
“Why?” she asked, her voice a mix of confusion and hurt.
Olivia had been dreading this moment. She had thought long and hard about it, and now that the words were finally out, she regretted how they had come across. Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke, trying to soften the blow. “I’ve been thinking about it for a while. I can’t accept the bracelet, but I appreciate your kindness.”
Maisy’s face hardened at her refusal. She didn’t immediately respond, but the displeasure was evident in her eyes. She had expected Olivia to accept her gift with gratitude.
Ana, shocked by Olivia’s unexpected refusal, leaned forward, her expression sharp. “You don’t like the bracelet Grandma gave you?”
Olivia quickly shook her head, trying to explain. “It’s not that, Aunt Ana. It’s just… it’s too valuable. I can’t accept something so expensive.”
Ana’s tone became more confrontational. “So you’re saying we shouldn’t give you anything? Do you think we would take it back once it’s given? Or are you rejecting Grandma’s gesture altogether?”
The words hit Olivia harder than she expected. She opened her mouth to respond, but her throat felt tight, and she found herself at a loss for words.
Before Olivia could find a way to explain, Maisy interjected, her voice laced with a quiet, disappointed edge. “At my age, every day feels more precious. I didn’t expect you wouldn’t appreciate my gift.”
Olivia’s fingers tightened around the bracelet, feeling the weight of her decision. Her heart raced as she tried to gather the courage to speak, but she couldn’t find the right words. “Grandma, I really—” she began, but Maisy cut her off, her expression growing colder.
Recognizing the tension building between them, Tyler stepped in, his voice calm but firm. “It’s from Grandma. You should just keep it.”
Olivia lowered her gaze, feeling the pressure mounting. Her heart thudded in her chest, and for a moment, it seemed as though the entire room was holding its breath. Maisy’s face softened into a small, resigned smile, though it was clear she wasn’t entirely pleased.
“It’s just a small token,” Maisy said, her voice now tinged with a quiet sigh. “Don’t make it a bigger deal than it is.”
Ana quickly added, “Wear it and don’t take it off. Grandma would be upset if you did, alright?” She immediately directed the maid to clear the table, as if to swiftly move past the uncomfortable moment.
Olivia clutched the bracelet in her hands, unsure of what to do next. She glanced over at Tyler, but he avoided her gaze, staring down at his plate, the silence between them thickening.
After breakfast, the air remained tense and heavy, neither Tyler nor Olivia willing to speak. They both quietly stood and left the dining hall.
As they walked down the hallway, Tyler, sensing Olivia’s discomfort, broke the silence with a soft tone. “It doesn’t matter. Just keep it. Don’t let it bother you.”
Olivia, still unsure of her decision, whispered, “I’ll give it to my sister. I just… I don’t feel right keeping it.”
Tyler’s voice was calm, but there was a slight hesitation before he spoke. “Your sister hasn’t been well lately. Since it was meant for you, just hold on to it for now. It’s a simple gift. Don’t overthink it.”
Olivia felt a pang of guilt, realizing that perhaps she had been too quick to refuse. She had reacted emotionally, and now, in the quiet of the hallway, she began to wonder if she had made a mistake. After a long moment of silence, she finally nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “Okay.”