Chapter_260
Olivia’s heart sank slightly at Tyler’s words, though she tried to hide it. The weight of her insecurities had been building all day, and now they seemed to press on her chest like a heavy stone. Tyler had always moved effortlessly through the world, surrounded by beauty, elegance, and people who fit perfectly into his life. She, on the other hand, had always felt like she was standing on the outside, looking in.
She followed his lead as they continued to sway gently to the music, but her thoughts drifted. Naomi—beautiful, poised, and confident—was everything Olivia had never been, or at least not felt she could be. Naomi had her place in this world, and Olivia had always wondered if Tyler could ever look at her and see someone worthy of sharing that world with him. She hadn’t dared to voice those thoughts aloud, not wanting to sound jealous or insecure, but they lingered like a shadow in her mind.
Tyler, noticing Olivia’s pensive expression, gently pulled her a little closer, his hand resting more firmly on her waist. “You’re thinking too much,” he said softly, his voice warm and comforting. “This is our time. Just focus on enjoying it.”
She looked up at him, surprised at how easily he could read her. Olivia smiled faintly, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I know,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the music. “It’s just… I’m not used to this kind of world.”
Tyler’s expression softened. “I know it’s new to you. But that doesn’t mean you don’t belong here, Olivia. This world—my world—doesn’t mean anything without you in it.”
His words were sincere, but Olivia couldn’t shake the feeling of being out of place. The glimmering chandeliers, the sparkling silverware, the elegant music—it all felt so foreign. She had never been a part of something like this, and part of her was afraid she never would be. There was too much she couldn’t understand about Tyler’s life, and it felt like a constant reminder of the distance between them.
Tyler noticed the way her eyes seemed to cloud over, and a soft sigh escaped his lips. He didn’t want her to feel this way, especially not when they were supposed to be enjoying a quiet evening together. “Olivia,” he said, his voice soft but earnest. “You don’t have to compete with anyone. You don’t need to be someone you’re not. Just be you. That’s who I care about.”
She glanced up at him, her heart tightening in her chest. His words were kind, and yet they didn’t completely dispel the uncertainty that lingered within her. She could never be Naomi. She could never be the type of woman who could effortlessly fit into this world of luxury and grace. But Tyler… Tyler had always seen something in her, something she hadn’t fully understood herself.
“You really mean that?” she asked, her voice barely more than a whisper.
Tyler smiled, his gaze steady. “I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.”
Olivia bit her lip, considering his words. She wanted to believe him, wanted to trust that he meant it. But a small voice inside her continued to ask if she was enough, if her love for him was truly enough to bridge the gap between their worlds.
The music played on, slow and steady, and for a moment, Olivia let herself forget about the doubts swirling in her mind. She focused on Tyler—on the warmth of his hand, the steady rhythm of their dance, the way his presence made her feel like she was the only person in the room.
Tyler paused the dance, his hands still on her waist as he leaned down, his face close to hers. “Olivia,” he said quietly, his voice serious. “You’re not just someone in my life. You’re the one I’ve chosen. And that’s all that matters.”
She met his eyes, her heart swelling with conflicting emotions. She wanted so much to believe him, to let go of the fear that always seemed to hold her back. Slowly, she nodded. “I’m trying,” she murmured. “I really am.”
Tyler’s lips curved into a tender smile as he gently lifted her chin, his thumb brushing her cheek. “And that’s all I could ever ask for.”
For a brief moment, the world outside seemed to disappear, leaving just the two of them in their quiet dance. And for that fleeting instant, Olivia allowed herself to be lost in the feeling of being exactly where she was meant to be, with the person who meant everything to her.