Chapter_226
“I’ll go with you when I have time?” Tyler’s words lingered in the air, but Naomi barely seemed to notice. Her mind had drifted elsewhere, lingering on thoughts she hadn’t voiced for a long time.
She smiled weakly, as though trying to find some lightness in her own frustration. “I was just a bit confused when I got the message. That’s why I asked. I mean, how can I go shopping looking like this?” Her smile faded, replaced by a softer, almost wistful expression. “Olivia is really careful with her money. Even though she’s my sister, my mom doesn’t treat her the same because they’re not actually related. It’s pretty sad.”
Tyler listened, his face neutral, not offering anything in response.
Naomi’s tone shifted, becoming more reflective as she continued, “Her mom died when she was fifteen. She got her period really late, you know. I remember the first time it happened—she accidentally stained her pants red. She thought she was dying. I found her crying in her room, terrified. I was the only one home, so I had to explain it to her. She was so confused.” Naomi’s voice softened as the memories resurfaced. “She didn’t have anyone to turn to. It must’ve been so hard for her.”
Tyler stayed quiet, waiting for her to continue. But Naomi suddenly turned the conversation in a different direction.
“Don’t you think Olivia’s had it tough, Tyler?” she asked, her voice laced with genuine concern.
Tyler met her gaze with calm eyes, his tone measured. “How has she had it tough? She has you.”
Naomi let out a dry laugh. “I’m just her sister, living under the same roof. But she needed her mom. At that age, she needed her mother. And she didn’t have one.” There was a long pause before she added, “That’s what makes it tough for her, don’t you think?”
Tyler raised an eyebrow. “Weren’t you independent at fifteen?”
Naomi smiled, the edges of her lips tight. “You’re right. I was at boarding school. But when I came home, Mom always spoiled me. She was there for me.” She looked away, lost in the memory for a moment before snapping back. “But Olivia…she didn’t have that.”
Tyler sighed, rubbing his temples. “Look, lots of people have it tough. Olivia’s doing okay. She’s not starving. And you? You need to look after yourself first.” He had heard enough, his voice firm now, drawing a line beneath the conversation.
Naomi chuckled lightly, though it was tinged with bitterness. “You’re right. I thought I was the one having a hard time. Maybe I should be envious of her after all.”
Tyler looked at her, his gaze softening for a moment. “People have their own paths. Life’s not always easy. Now, take your medicine.”
Naomi nodded, almost too tired to respond, her eyes fluttering as she settled back against the pillows. “Indeed. We need to make sure we’re there for Olivia when the baby comes,” she murmured before sleep overtook her.
Tyler stayed by her side until her breathing steadied, then quietly slipped out of the room. As he walked down the hallway, Naomi’s words echoed in his mind.
Did Olivia really have it tough? The thought lingered, pulling at him. Tyler had seen Olivia’s worn clothes, the ill-fitting garments that had clearly been worn for too long. He’d seen the vulnerability in her eyes when she was scared or trembling, and how the harshness of Hillary’s words had affected her. He couldn’t deny that there was something sad about her life.
Olivia had spent her twenties in a world that seemed indifferent to her, wearing clothes that were clearly not meant for her. She had grown up in a house where no one really seemed to notice her, where Naomi received all the attention, leaving Olivia in the background, almost invisible.
Yet, as Tyler continued down the hallway, his thoughts slowly began to shift. The weight of sympathy that had settled in his chest was replaced by something else—a feeling he couldn’t quite place. It wasn’t pity; it was something more complicated, something deeper.
But really, he thought, he shouldn’t feel sorry for her. Why should he? She wasn’t a child anymore. And he wasn’t her savior.
At the cocktail party, Olivia stood near Claude, feeling a mix of curiosity and unease. He gave her an encouraging smile, his tone gentle as he said, “Go ahead. And remember, call me if you need anything.”
Olivia couldn’t understand why Claude, someone she hadn’t known for long, was so kind to her. His kindness felt genuine, but it also felt like a burden she wasn’t sure how to carry.
“I don’t get it,” she said quietly, almost to herself. “You’re like a brother to me, Claude.” The words slipped out before she could stop them.
Claude’s smile softened, and he looked at her with an expression that held more than just the typical politeness. There was a quiet understanding in his eyes, but Olivia couldn’t read it.