Chapter_228
Ana made sure Olivia was well taken care of on their way home. Even though the windows were closed, she wrapped Olivia in a blanket, concerned she might get cold.
Olivia, feeling a bit too warm under the blanket, didn’t complain. She didn’t want to upset Ana, especially after the day they’d spent together. She simply tucked herself deeper into the blanket, trying to make herself comfortable.
When they arrived at the Harris residence, Ana got out of the car first, and Olivia followed her. Inside, Maisy was waiting in the living room, her face lighting up when she saw Olivia.
“Did you have fun today, Olivia?” Maisy asked, her tone warm and genuinely interested. Olivia had always felt that Maisy was the only one who truly cared for her, the only one who treated her like family in a way that felt real.
“I had a great time, Grandma,” Olivia replied, her voice bright with happiness, a smile tugging at her lips.
Maisy’s face softened with joy. “It’s good you’re getting out now. It’ll be harder when you’re further along in your pregnancy,” she advised kindly.
Olivia rushed over to her, her concern evident. “Please sit, Grandma. Don’t tire your legs,” she urged.
“What a sweet girl,” Maisy said, her smile never fading as she settled into her chair.
Just then, Tyler walked in through the door. Maisy, despite her impaired vision, noticed someone enter and called out, “Tyler?”
Tyler, having just finished outside, came in after putting out his cigarette. “What’s got you so cheerful?” he asked, his eyes flickering with curiosity.
“Who else? Your lovely wife here,” Maisy replied, beaming at Olivia.
The words struck Olivia like a surprise, and though she felt a slight awkwardness being called that in front of Tyler, she didn’t say anything. Her gaze shifted to Tyler briefly, and she could see a flicker of something in his eyes, something she couldn’t quite place.
Tyler smiled slightly, his expression unreadable.
Ana, noticing the shift in the room, chimed in, “Don’t worry. I took good care of Olivia while we were out.”
Tyler’s response was a sharp, cold glance at Ana, and then he turned to Olivia, his tone softening. “You must be tired. Why don’t we head upstairs?”
Olivia was taken aback by the suggestion. She hesitated, unsure of what to make of it. But after a moment, she nodded, agreeing to go upstairs with him.
Once in their room, Olivia turned to Tyler, confusion crossing her face. “Why did we come upstairs?”
Tyler seemed unbothered by the question, his gaze unfocused. “How was the event?” he asked instead, shifting the focus away from her question.
“It was quite an experience. I’ve never been to anything like that,” Olivia said, a smile lingering as she remembered the extravagance of the night.
Tyler’s expression shifted then, his voice even. “I have a business trip tomorrow. Pack your bags.”
Olivia blinked, processing his words. She stared at him, dumbstruck. “What?”
Tyler, sensing her confusion, replied coolly, “I talked to the doctor. He said it’s fine for you to travel.” He paused, his gaze steady. “There’s a family party we need to attend. You’re my wife, so you should come with me.”
Olivia was taken aback by the suddenness of it all. She had expected to rest, to settle into some semblance of normalcy, but this new development threw her off. Still, she nodded, deciding to go along with it. “Alright, I’ll get ready.”
Then, in an effort to help, she added, “Do you want me to pack for you too, Tyler?”
Tyler, taking off his coat, paused for a moment before answering. “It’s okay. I’ll pack my own bags.”
Olivia nodded and, without thinking, moved to the wardrobe to begin packing her own things. But as she sifted through his clothes, something compelled her to pick out a few of his shirts, as if it was second nature. The act of picking out clothes for him, despite his insistence, felt strangely intimate—almost like a habit she hadn’t realized she was forming.
Tyler stood still for a moment, watching her. There was something about the way she moved—her hair a bit untidy but somehow making her look effortlessly beautiful, her expressions lively as she picked through his things—that caught his attention. She looked so full of life, a stark contrast to the weight of the situation.
For a moment, Tyler’s lips moved subtly, as if he wanted to say something, but then he quickly turned away, his gaze hardening. He didn’t know why he felt the way he did, but he couldn’t let himself dwell on it.