Chapter_278
Tyler smiled gently, sensing Olivia’s discomfort, and gestured for Linda to place the thermos on the bedside table. “I’ll leave you to eat in peace,” he said softly, before turning to Maisy and Ana. “Thank you for keeping her company,” he added, acknowledging them with a polite nod before stepping out of the room.
Olivia felt a slight relief as he left, though the lingering tension in the room made her feel out of place. Maisy and Ana both sat down near her bed, watching her intently. It was clear they were trying to be supportive, but Olivia still couldn’t shake the feeling that they were scrutinizing every little detail of her life, especially now with the baby.
Maisy was the first to speak, her voice full of warmth but concern. “How’s the baby, Olivia? You need to take care of yourself, you know. It’s not just about you anymore.”
Olivia nodded, though her heart was a bit heavy. She wasn’t sure what to make of the way Maisy was speaking. It almost felt like there was an unspoken expectation she had to meet—like she had to be perfect, for both herself and the baby. The weight of that was pressing on her chest, making it hard to breathe.
“I’m trying,” Olivia replied softly, her voice tinged with a hint of frustration she didn’t mean to show. She smiled weakly, trying to reassure them both, but the smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I know it’s not just about me anymore.”
Ana gave her a soft smile, but it didn’t reach the seriousness in her eyes. “You’re strong, Olivia. You’ve been through a lot already. This baby will be lucky to have you.”
Olivia wasn’t sure how to respond to that. The pressure of being strong, of handling everything on her own, weighed heavily on her. She had been relying so much on Tyler lately, even though she knew she shouldn’t. Yet, whenever she was with him, it was like he made everything seem easier, even when it wasn’t.
Maisy continued, her voice more hesitant now. “Olivia, I know things have been hard for you, but don’t let anyone make you feel like you’re just a tool for someone else’s plans.”
Olivia’s mind briefly flashed to Naomi and the constant tension she felt between her own desires and Naomi’s expectations. Maisy’s words lingered in her mind, a reminder that there was more at play here than just her health and the baby.
“I know, Grandma,” she said quietly, her eyes meeting Maisy’s. “But sometimes I don’t know what to do.”
The older woman’s eyes softened, and she reached out, patting Olivia’s hand reassuringly. “That’s okay, dear. Just remember, you don’t have to figure it all out alone.”
Tyler returned just as Olivia was starting to feel the weight of her thoughts again. He had a quiet energy about him, always calm and steady, like he knew how to navigate this world she was still trying to understand.
He walked over to her side and leaned down slightly. “How are you feeling now?” he asked softly, his hand brushing her hair out of her face.
Olivia, caught between her feelings of confusion and the comfort his presence gave her, just nodded. “A little better,” she replied, offering a small smile.
Tyler gave her a faint smile back. “Good,” he said, before sitting on the edge of the bed. He motioned to the food. “Eat up. I’ll be here if you need anything.”
She reached for the food, feeling a bit better with him nearby, though the questions in her mind still lingered. Despite everything, she was grateful for his quiet support, even if it didn’t fully ease the tension in her chest.
As she ate, Maisy and Ana exchanged a few more words, leaving her to take in everything that had happened. Olivia felt torn between the expectations of her family, the unknown future of her pregnancy, and the complicated emotions she had toward Tyler. There was no easy answer, no simple way forward, but as long as Tyler remained by her side, she knew she’d somehow make it through.