Chapter_212
In the looming presence of Tyler’s shadow, Olivia seemed fragile, her body trembling slightly. The weight of everything hung between them, but Tyler didn’t know how to comfort her. He had the urge to pull her into his arms, to shield her from the storm inside her, but instead, he stayed rooted to the spot.
He cleared his throat, fighting the urge to show weakness. “Stand up.”
Olivia hesitated, her eyes closed briefly as if gathering what little strength she had left. Finally, she whispered, “Okay.”
Slowly, she rose to her feet, her movements stiff, as if every step was an effort. She turned to face him, her voice barely audible but steady. “I’m alright, Tyler.”
Though her words were meant to reassure him, there was a fragility in her posture, an unspoken vulnerability that still lingered. She quickly turned away, and as she did, her hair brushed against his shoulder. For a split second, Tyler’s breath caught, and a fleeting scent, sweet and familiar, lingered in the air. The moment passed as quickly as it had come, but it left him unsettled.
Tyler retreated to his study, needing space to process the emotions he couldn’t voice. The weight of the day pressed down on him as he prepared for the many online meetings awaiting him. As soon as he sat down, his phone buzzed. It was Naomi.
He glanced at the screen, then answered, his voice calm, almost guarded. “Naomi?”
“Tyler?” Her voice came through, light but tinged with concern.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, leaning back in his chair as he lit a cigarette, his gaze distant.
“How’s Olivia doing?” Naomi asked, her voice soft but filled with worry.
Thinking of Olivia’s recent state, Tyler exhaled slowly, the smoke curling around him. “She’s doing okay.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Naomi replied. “I wanted to visit her, but with my health…”
“Take care of your health first,” he interrupted, his voice low and steady.
“I know,” she replied, a quiet sigh in her voice. “Hmm, how are you feeling today?” she asked after a pause, trying to shift the conversation.
Tyler took a long drag of his cigarette, his thoughts momentarily drifting elsewhere. “I’m fine. How about you?”
“I’m feeling nauseous from chemo,” Naomi admitted, her voice slightly strained.
Tyler’s frown deepened at the sound of her discomfort. “Try to rest after it’s done.”
“I will,” Naomi replied, though her voice betrayed a sense of resignation. “I lost a lot of hair today.”
Tyler’s expression softened, but he didn’t respond immediately. The weight of her words hung between them, both of them bearing silent burdens in their own ways.
“I’ll visit you tonight,” Tyler said, his voice thick with an emotion he didn’t want to fully acknowledge.
“No need,” Naomi responded quickly. “I don’t want you to see me like this.”
Tyler didn’t show much reaction to her refusal, but it stung nonetheless. A silence stretched between them before Naomi spoke again, more cautiously this time.
“Tyler, my mom mentioned Olivia is quite sensitive right now, especially with her being pregnant. Maybe… maybe it’s better if she doesn’t stay at Sandalwood Palace?”
Tyler froze, his cigarette still in hand. He didn’t respond right away, his thoughts consumed by the complexity of Olivia’s situation. After a long pause, he finally spoke, his voice strained. “Something’s wrong with her.”
“What do you mean?” Naomi asked, her concern growing.
Tyler’s gaze turned cold as he considered how best to explain. “Her mental state. Her mood’s been off lately.”
“What happened?” Naomi pressed, her voice tinged with anxiety.
“Jacob and Sophie are dating now,” Tyler replied flatly.
“Sophie? Isn’t she Olivia’s best friend?” Naomi’s voice was laced with surprise.
Tyler nodded. “Mm-hmm.”
Naomi’s shock was palpable. “She must be sad…”
Tyler’s tone remained unchanged, distant. “Yes, so let’s not move her right now. We’ll wait until the baby is okay.”
“I didn’t know about that,” Naomi said softly. “I’ll talk to her.”
Tyler nodded, but said nothing more. The weight of the situation hung heavily in the room, but he remained silent, lost in his own thoughts.
After the call ended, Tyler sat quietly, his eyes fixed on the shadows that stretched across the floor. The quiet hum of his thoughts seemed to echo louder than any words he could say.
Naomi, her mind heavy with the conversation, immediately called Olivia. The phone rang a few times before Olivia’s voice came through, calm but strained.
“Naomi,” Olivia answered, her voice soft.
“Are you feeling any better, Olivia?” Naomi asked gently, trying to bridge the distance between them.