Chapter_230
Tyler had just guided Olivia into the hotel lobby when a distant relative approached. He released her hand, turning to greet him with a smile.
“We’ve been waiting, Tyler. Glad you both could make it,” the man said, his voice warm but casual.
The man was from Maisy’s side of the family, Maisy’s great-nephew to be exact. The families didn’t interact often, only coming together for major family events. This time, they were here for the three-month celebration of Caleb’s baby. Maisy, always prioritizing family, had insisted Tyler attend to show their support.
Tyler nodded with a slight smile. “Hi, Caleb.”
Caleb, looking pleased to meet them, raised an eyebrow as he noticed Olivia. “Is this your wife?”
Olivia, feeling a little out of place among Tyler’s family, offered a quiet “hello” from behind him, trying to stay in the background.
“This is Olivia,” Tyler introduced smoothly, his voice carrying an effortless ease that made it feel natural.
Caleb smiled warmly at Olivia before turning back to Tyler. “I heard you’re going to be a father soon. Congratulations.”
Tyler returned the smile, his expression softening. “Thanks, but today is about celebrating your new arrival.”
There was a brief, comfortable silence between Tyler and Olivia, an unspoken understanding passing between them. For a moment, they appeared like a sweet, happy couple—something neither of them had fully claimed yet, but the possibility of it lingered in the air.
Caleb, picking up on the ease between them, joked, “Well, I guess I beat you to being a father.”
Tyler chuckled lightly, his usual guarded demeanor momentarily softened by the conversation. For the first time in a while, he seemed genuinely at ease, smiling more freely.
After a few more pleasantries, Caleb said, “I’ve checked you in, Tyler. Let me know if the room works for you and Olivia.”
Tyler nodded. “Okay, everything’s good. Go ahead with your preparations.”
Once Caleb left, Tyler turned to Olivia, his expression shifting to something more thoughtful. “Let’s go.”
Olivia, still adjusting to the idea of mingling with Tyler’s family, felt a sense of relief that he didn’t push her to engage more than she was comfortable with. The whole event, the family dynamics, the unfamiliar faces—it was a lot for her.
Once they were alone in their room, Olivia hesitated before speaking, her voice low and uncertain. “Is it bad that I’m not good at socializing?”
Tyler glanced at her, a slight frown crossing his face at her sudden vulnerability. He wasn’t sure what had prompted her question.
“I might not… fit in,” she added, her insecurity clear in her tone. She shifted her gaze down, feeling the weight of being in a world that didn’t quite seem to belong to her.
Tyler, sensing her discomfort, took a step closer. His voice softened, trying to ease her anxiety. “You didn’t finish school, and you’re not working yet. It’s normal to feel unsure in social situations.” He paused for a moment, watching her carefully. “Don’t worry. I’m not expecting you to be a social butterfly.”
Olivia met his eyes, a faint nod signaling her understanding. But there was something else in her expression—a quiet fear that she wasn’t contributing enough, that she was somehow a burden.
She finally whispered, “Okay.” The words didn’t sound convinced, though. She felt like she wasn’t fulfilling her role as his wife, like she was taking more than she was giving.
Tyler studied her for a long moment, sensing the unease she wasn’t voicing. He exhaled slowly, then said with quiet firmness, “Go rest for now.”
Olivia nodded, offering a small, uncertain smile. “Okay, Tyler.”
As Tyler moved to the study to attend to work, Olivia stayed in the room, unpacking their things in silence. She found herself going through the motions mechanically, trying to keep her mind occupied. The quiet weight of the room felt heavier without his presence.
Linda soon entered the study, and Olivia was left alone with her thoughts. Eventually, she turned on the TV, hoping it would distract her, but the images on the screen blurred together. She wasn’t really watching. She couldn’t focus. Her mind wandered, still uncertain about her place in this world, still unsure of the role she was supposed to play.