Chapter_225
Olivia replied softly, “Since I don’t have anything to do, I can go with Mom.” Her voice was obedient, an echo of how she had adjusted to her new life and the expectations placed on her.
Tyler gave a nonchalant reply, “Sure, have fun.” There was no hesitation in his tone, a subtle sign that he was okay with Olivia leaving for a while.
So, Olivia went to the musical with Ana. It was a famous musician’s final performance—an event Ana considered important. Even in the theater, Ana was treated like someone significant, with people around her offering assistance as they moved through the crowd. Olivia felt out of place but tried to keep up, following Ana’s lead. They sat in a fancy area, surrounded by well-dressed individuals, all of them seemingly far removed from her own world.
The performance was long, and Olivia struggled to stay awake. The music, the atmosphere, the people—it was all new to her, overwhelming in its own way. She fought to focus, but her eyelids grew heavy.
After two hours, the musical came to an end, and they were ushered into a party. As they entered, someone called out, “Aunt Ana.”
Olivia turned her head, surprised to see Claude standing there in a sharp white suit. His presence made her uneasy, and she could see Ana’s gaze harden when she noticed him.
Claude walked over with a polite smile. “I didn’t expect to see you here. I thought I made a mistake.”
Ana’s response was cool. “I didn’t expect to run into you here either, Claude,” she said, her voice measured but distant.
Claude’s eyes, however, were fixed on Olivia. He quickly turned his attention back to Ana, a practiced smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Congratulations on your new daughter-in-law and grandchild.”
“Thanks,” Ana replied, her smile more of a polite gesture than genuine warmth.
Ana, unaware of the deeper history between them, introduced them again. “Olivia, this is Claude. You’ve met before.”
Claude smiled warmly, though there was something guarded in his expression. “Hello, Mrs. Harris.”
Before Olivia could respond, her bladder reminded her of the water she’d drunk, and she excused herself to the bathroom. When she returned, she was surprised to see Claude standing near the hallway, waiting for her.
“Olivia,” he said, his tone serious.
She paused, turning to face him. Claude’s eyes were searching, his expression more intense than she remembered.
“How’s being Mrs. Harris?” he asked, his voice laced with something that felt like genuine concern.
At first, Olivia thought he was teasing her, but the sincerity in his eyes made her pause. She realized he wasn’t just being casual; he actually cared. Her chest tightened with a mix of gratitude and discomfort.
“I’m just here to watch the musical, Claude,” she said, her words cautious but polite.
“And how was it?” he asked, pressing gently.
Olivia’s lips curved into a small, uncertain smile. “I know nothing about it,” she admitted, her voice quieter than before.
Claude seemed to study her for a moment, and then he said something unexpected: “The Harrises are just like the musical. Don’t push yourself into roles that aren’t a fit for you.”
Olivia’s hands clenched instinctively at her sides. His words stung, a truth she didn’t want to confront, but one that resonated deeply. She felt a sense of unease wash over her, a mix of anger and confusion. Why was he saying this now? What did he expect her to do with such advice?
Meanwhile, back at the house, Naomi was in a bad mood, having just received a message about points she earned from a luxurious store. Tyler’s visit didn’t seem to lift her spirits.
When Tyler walked in, Naomi greeted him with a smile, though there was a note of curiosity in her tone. “Did you buy Olivia a bag, Tyler?”
Tyler was taken aback by the question. He paused before answering. “Yeah, Colleen took Olivia out shopping,” he said, his voice steady but distant.
Naomi raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “It’s been so long since I last went shopping,” she said, her tone laced with a hint of something—disappointment, perhaps? Or a touch of jealousy? She wasn’t quite sure what to make of the situation, but the mention of Olivia’s gift clearly stirred something inside her.