Chapter_256
Naomi’s pulse quickened at Tyler’s words. The weight of his confirmation hit her harder than expected. Olivia, her sister, was deeply affected by Gina’s actions, and Tyler had stepped in to protect her. But why had Gina gone so far? Naomi’s mind raced, considering everything that had happened—Gina’s outburst, the Cox family’s involvement, and now the repercussions Tyler had taken against them.
Tyler’s gaze softened as he watched Naomi carefully, sensing the turbulence behind her calm exterior. “Olivia didn’t deserve that. You know I wouldn’t have done it without reason.”
Naomi’s breath caught, her eyes flicking to him. Her thoughts were scattered, yet one thing was clear—she was torn. Her feelings for Tyler were complicated, and his protection of Olivia only made those emotions more difficult to navigate. He had always been the one to take action, to fix things, but now, it seemed like his loyalty was shifting.
“I didn’t realize things had gotten so… serious,” Naomi replied, her voice quiet but steady. “I never thought Olivia would become such an issue.”
Tyler tilted his head, his expression unreadable. “Olivia isn’t the issue, Naomi. It’s the way people treat her. And it’s why I’ve had to make some hard decisions.”
Naomi could feel a sting in his words, a reminder that Tyler’s protective nature wasn’t reserved for just anyone. Olivia was now firmly in his circle, and Naomi was slowly losing her place.
“I never meant for things to spiral out of control,” Naomi said, her tone softer now. She wasn’t just talking about the Cox family or Gina’s actions—she was referring to everything. The way her world had shifted, the way her control over the situation had slowly slipped away. “I just want things to be… normal again.”
Tyler remained silent for a moment, his eyes scanning her face, reading her every subtle shift. “Normal?” he repeated. “Naomi, nothing will be the same again. You can’t expect it to be. Too much has happened.”
Naomi’s eyes hardened, and she looked away from him, unable to meet his gaze any longer. “I don’t want to believe that,” she whispered. “But maybe you’re right.”
For a long while, neither of them spoke. The air in the room felt thick with unspoken thoughts, with all the things that had been said and left unsaid between them.
Finally, Tyler broke the silence. “I’m not doing this to hurt you, Naomi. I just want what’s best for Olivia—and for you, too. But sometimes, we all have to make sacrifices.”
Naomi’s lips parted, but no words came out. Her heart twisted in ways she couldn’t articulate, a mixture of guilt, resentment, and a faint, painful realization that things were beyond her control.
Tyler’s expression softened, his hand reaching out to touch hers. “I never wanted things to be this way. I’ve always cared about you, Naomi. You’re my family. But Olivia’s situation—it’s different now. And I hope you understand why I have to do this.”
Naomi swallowed hard, her throat tight. She nodded slowly, but the feelings inside her were a storm she couldn’t weather just yet.
Tyler stood up, his eyes lingering on her, before he quietly walked out of the room, leaving Naomi with nothing but the sound of her own thoughts.
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