Chapter_268
Hillary’s smile faltered slightly at Ana’s response, but she quickly recovered, maintaining her polite demeanor. She had expected some resistance from Ana, but the older woman’s words stung nonetheless. The underlying tension between them hadn’t disappeared, even though time had passed since their last encounter at Naomi and Tyler’s engagement party.
“Of course,” Hillary replied, her voice smooth. “It’s just that Olivia means a lot to me. I’m glad she has your family’s support.”
Ana’s gaze sharpened, sensing Hillary’s thinly veiled message. She didn’t need to be reminded of the role the baby played in Naomi’s health, or how Olivia’s pregnancy was tied to that delicate balance. But there was no reason to make a scene in front of the staff or the guests.
“Well, Olivia has always been like family to us,” Ana said, keeping her tone neutral. “And as I said, it’s natural that we take care of her, especially now.”
Hillary didn’t miss the slight edge in Ana’s voice. They were both playing the same game—pretending to be cordial while knowing exactly what was at stake.
The conversation stalled for a moment as the maid brought in tea, and Hillary took a sip, trying to steady her nerves. She had to focus on Olivia, not on the subtle battles being fought in the room. She had to make sure Olivia was okay.
After another pause, Hillary asked, “How is Olivia doing? Has she been resting enough?”
Ana set her teacup down slowly and gave Hillary a sidelong glance. “Olivia is doing as well as can be expected, given everything. But I think she’s been pushing herself too hard. You know how she is—determined.”
Hillary felt a pang of concern for her niece. She knew Olivia could be stubborn, but that stubbornness was born out of fear, not strength. Fear of losing the baby, fear of disappointing Tyler, and fear of not being able to give him the child he so desperately wanted.
“I know,” Hillary murmured. “But she’s been through a lot already. Maybe it’s time to have a talk with her. Let her know it’s okay to take a break.”
Ana nodded but said nothing more, clearly waiting for Hillary to leave or for the conversation to turn elsewhere. It was a subtle reminder of how much the dynamic between them had shifted over the years.
Hillary stood up from the couch, excusing herself with a smile. “I should go check on her. Thank you again, Ana. I really do appreciate everything your family has done.”
As Hillary made her way toward the stairs, she couldn’t help but think of Olivia, alone in her room, worried, sick from the stress, and now more isolated than ever. Her heart tightened. She wasn’t sure if Olivia would open up to her—she hadn’t in a while. But Hillary had to try. She had to make sure Olivia knew she was there for her, no matter what.
When Hillary reached Olivia’s room, she hesitated before knocking softly. She didn’t want to intrude, but she had to know how Olivia was truly feeling. When Olivia looked up, her face lit up briefly, but the tiredness in her eyes didn’t go unnoticed.
“Aunt Hillary, you’re here,” Olivia said weakly, trying to sit up straighter.
Hillary smiled softly, walking over to the bed and sitting down beside her. “Of course I’m here. How are you feeling, darling?”
Olivia hesitated, clearly struggling with the weight of her emotions. “I’m okay. Just tired… and a little scared, I guess.”
Hillary’s heart ached for her niece. She had been so strong, so determined to keep things together, but this pregnancy was taking a toll on her, both physically and emotionally.
“It’s okay to be scared,” Hillary said gently, reaching out to hold Olivia’s hand. “You’re not alone in this. Tyler, your family, and I—we’re all here for you.”
Olivia smiled faintly, but her eyes were clouded with uncertainty. “I just want everything to be okay. For the baby, for Tyler… I don’t know if I can handle it if something goes wrong.”
Hillary squeezed her hand reassuringly. “You don’t have to handle it alone. We’ll get through this together.”
For a moment, Olivia just looked at her, a small glimmer of hope flickering in her eyes. Hillary knew this wasn’t going to be easy, but for the first time in a long while, she felt like she might finally be able to reach Olivia, to help her when she needed it the most.
“We’ll take it one step at a time,” Hillary continued. “No matter what happens, you’ll have all the support you need. And I’ll make sure of that.”
Olivia nodded, her shoulders relaxing slightly. For the first time in days, she felt a little less alone.
Outside the room, Tyler stood quietly, listening to their conversation. He hadn’t intended to overhear, but hearing Hillary’s comforting words toward Olivia stirred something in him. He hadn’t realized how much Olivia needed this kind of reassurance. He had been so focused on the medical aspects, the test results, and his own fears, that he hadn’t given Olivia the emotional support she needed.
Maybe, just maybe, this was the moment to stop holding everything in and really face the fear and uncertainty together.
Tyler took a deep breath and pushed open the door slightly, stepping into the room. Both Hillary and Olivia looked up at him, and for a brief moment, there was an unspoken understanding between them. He wasn’t perfect, but he was trying.
Olivia gave him a faint smile. “Hi, Tyler.”
He gave her a soft look, then turned to Hillary. “Thanks for coming,” he said quietly, his tone acknowledging the subtle shift that had taken place between them all.
Hillary gave him a nod, standing to leave. “I’ll give you two some space. But don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything, Tyler.”
As Hillary left the room, Tyler walked over to Olivia’s side. He sat down on the bed and took her hand in his, offering the silent support she so desperately needed.
“Everything will be okay,” he said softly, his voice steady.
Olivia squeezed his hand, her anxiety slowly easing with his presence. For the first time in days, she allowed herself to believe that it might be.