Chapter_235
Since becoming Tyler’s wife, Olivia had felt increasingly like an outsider in his world—his family’s expectations, the clothes they chose for her, and the subtle pressure to look the part of Mrs. Harris. It was as if they wanted her to shed her college-student identity and embody something more refined, more in line with their image.
“I have to change? But all I have are jeans and a T-shirt,” Olivia whispered, a hint of uncertainty creeping into her voice.
Tyler glanced at her, his expression unreadable. “Wear something you’re comfortable with.”
She nodded slowly, unsure of what he really meant by that. “Okay…”
Tyler stood behind her, his presence overwhelming as he gently unzipped the dress she was struggling with. Olivia’s pulse quickened, a wave of panic hitting her as she feared the dress might slip off completely. She quickly covered herself, her face flushing with embarrassment as she looked down.
Tyler, too, glanced down, his gaze lingering for a moment on her bare skin and the graceful curve of her neck. His attention was subtle, but Olivia couldn’t help but feel self-conscious. She blushed deeply, trying to hide her discomfort.
“Go get changed,” Tyler said, his tone flat. He stepped back and left the dressing room, giving her the space she desperately needed.
Once he was gone, Olivia let out a quiet sigh of relief. She quickly moved to pick out an outfit. The clothes she had packed were taken away by the staff, leaving her with only what was available. Instead of reaching for the comfortable jeans and T-shirt she might have once worn, Olivia picked the dress Tyler had selected for her earlier. She felt a strange mixture of gratitude and obligation as she slipped into it, the fabric smooth against her skin.
After changing, she stepped out of the dressing room. Tyler was waiting just outside, sitting on a couch and smoking. As she appeared, he put out the cigarette, and a cleaner quickly moved in to take the ashtray.
He stood up, brushing himself off, and walked toward her once the smoke had cleared. “All set?” he asked, his gaze taking in her appearance with quiet assessment.
Olivia felt suddenly self-conscious again. Tyler was dressed in a sharp black suit, looking every bit the composed, formal man she knew him to be. His polished exterior made her feel slightly more at ease, even though something inside her was still unsettled.
She could smell tobacco on him, faint but distinct. It was a scent she wasn’t used to. Jacob had never smoked, and Olivia had always found the smell of tobacco irritating. But for some reason, Tyler’s faint scent was different—it wasn’t unpleasant. It was almost comforting, though she couldn’t explain why. She paused, confused by her own thoughts, especially since neither her father nor Jacob had ever smoked.
Tyler’s voice broke through her thoughts. “Let’s head out. Our driver is waiting.”
“Okay,” Olivia replied, still caught in the swirl of her emotions. She followed him, trying to push the odd thoughts away.
When they reached the car, the chauffeur moved to open the door, but Tyler surprised her by stepping forward first. He opened the door himself and gestured for Olivia to get in before him.
The chauffeur paused, hesitating, and then carefully closed the door after Tyler settled in beside her. Olivia only realized what had happened after the car was in motion. The gesture was small, yet it left her feeling strangely unworthy of such treatment.
“You could have let the chauffeur open the door,” she said quietly, almost embarrassed to admit it.
Tyler glanced at her, his expression softening just slightly. He seemed surprised she had noticed, and his voice held a hint of sincerity when he explained, “I’m worried he won’t do a good job and the door might hit your belly.”
Olivia blinked, caught off guard by his concern. It was a small gesture, yet it carried a weight of care that she hadn’t expected. She wasn’t sure how to respond, her thoughts still tangled in confusion over everything—the dress, the kiss, and now this unexpected tenderness from Tyler.