Chapter_244
“Did you have a nightmare?” Tyler asked softly.
“I’m so scared,” Olivia whispered, her voice trembling.
She drew her legs up and tucked herself tightly into his embrace, wrapping her arms around his neck like a frightened child. Her face stayed buried against him, as if hiding from the lingering fear.
Tyler pulled her closer, his chin resting against her shoulder. He stroked her tangled hair with gentle care, his voice warm and soothing.
“Don’t be afraid. Our baby is safe—cozy in your belly, just taking a nap. It’s not going anywhere.”
Olivia’s body relaxed slightly at his words. She tightened her grip around his neck, her lips brushing his skin as she mumbled something too soft to make out, but full of dependence and relief.
Tyler placed his palm gently over her belly and whispered, “Let’s be the best company our baby could ever ask for, okay?”
As if comforted by his touch, Olivia leaned deeper into his arms, pressing his hand against her with both of hers. The tension in her stomach seemed to ease, replaced by the warmth of his presence.
Tyler kissed her ear tenderly. “Be good, baby. No need to scare mommy like that,” he murmured, before his lips brushed gently against Olivia’s.
She didn’t pull away. The kiss lingered, slow and quiet, a shared breath of reassurance in the dim room. It deepened naturally, not rushed, just long enough to bring them both a sense of calm.
When they finally broke apart, Tyler rested his forehead against hers, his voice low and full of emotion.
“I’ve heard that babies choose their parents from heaven,” he said. “Ours must have known what a wonderful mom it would have. That’s why it chose you.”
Olivia lowered her gaze, lips trembling slightly, but she didn’t say a word. She simply leaned in and held him tighter.
In the silent hospital room, at two in the morning, the two of them clung to each other—finding comfort, strength, and stillness in the dark.
By the time dawn broke, Olivia had fallen into a deep sleep in Tyler’s arms. It was already past eight in the morning, and she hadn’t stirred.
Carefully, Tyler got up and stepped outside the room. He called over a nurse and quietly asked her to check on Olivia.
Waiting outside the door were Linda, Gina, and Marianne.
Marianne looked anxious. As soon as she saw Tyler, she stepped forward, stammering, “Tyler, G–Gina didn’t mean any harm… S-She just—”
But Tyler didn’t let her finish.
“Linda,” he said sharply, “Take her away.”
“Yes, sir.” Though she tried to remain calm, Linda was inwardly startled by the coldness in his voice. She turned to Marianne and said firmly, “Let’s go. Now.”
Marianne glanced at Tyler’s expression—void of warmth—and hesitated, but eventually followed Linda down the hall, her shoulders slumped.
Only Gina remained.
Tyler turned to her, his expression stone-cold. “If anything had happened to the baby, do you think bringing Marianne would’ve saved you?”
Gina flinched, her lips parting but no words coming out.
She had always lingered at the edge of Tyler’s world, chasing after him even when it was clear he belonged to Naomi. Throughout their university years, she’d done everything she could to drive a wedge between the childhood sweethearts—but Naomi had always been the one Tyler chose.
Even now, Gina was no more than a clown to him. A shadow from the past.
The only reason she was standing here was because of her ties to Caleb and the families behind him. She had grown up with Marianne, and through that connection, gained a doorway to meet the Harrises.
But despite everything, the Harrises had never truly accepted her. Not really. Not like they did Naomi.
And after today, it was clear Tyler wouldn’t, either.