Chapter_284
Jacob’s mind raced as he looked over the document Linda had handed him. Barva Village—Olivia’s hometown. He couldn’t escape the thoughts swirling in his head. He had known that Tyler had a special connection to Olivia, but this project, this plan to revamp the village for tourism, felt like another reminder of how intertwined Olivia’s life had become with the Harris family.
He gripped the papers tightly in his hands, the weight of the task ahead feeling heavier by the second. Tyler’s influence was everywhere, and it was clear this project was part of his grand vision for Olivia’s future. The Harris family’s wealth, their power—everything seemed to be falling into place for her. The thought stung more than Jacob cared to admit.
Linda’s words echoed in his mind, “We’re counting on you to see it through.” He could practically hear the unspoken layers of meaning behind them. Olivia wasn’t just a bystander in this project; she was at the center of it. This was her world now—her husband’s world. Jacob couldn’t shake the feeling that he was being swept along in a current he didn’t choose.
As Linda left his office, Jacob’s eyes burned with frustration. He stared down at the document in his hands, his grip tightening until his knuckles were white. In one swift motion, he tossed the papers onto the floor, the scattered sheets a physical representation of his tangled thoughts.
He couldn’t believe it—Olivia, who once seemed like someone caught in the periphery of the Harris family, now had her entire life mapped out for her. A prestigious family, a wealthy husband, a baby on the way. It wasn’t just a marriage; it was a life laid out on a golden platter. He couldn’t help but feel like an outsider, watching as she stepped into a world he could never be part of.
The bitter laugh that escaped his lips was a mixture of disbelief and resignation. Mrs. Harris. That title sounded so foreign to him now, and yet, it was the reality she was living. He wondered how she would greet him the next time they met—if they met again. Would she still be the Olivia he knew, or would the life she was living now change her in ways he couldn’t predict?
Meanwhile, Tyler was lost in his own thoughts. He had just finished a meeting at the club when his phone rang. It was Nina, giving him the update that Olivia had left school. He wasn’t surprised—he always worried about Olivia being out by herself. Nina was with her, of course, making sure she was safe. Tyler didn’t hesitate. “Take her for a drive,” he instructed, his voice calm but firm.
Tyler’s eyes followed the car as it pulled away from the school, his gaze lingering for a moment longer than necessary. He knew he couldn’t be with her every minute of the day, but he always wanted to make sure she was taken care of. His thoughts were interrupted when one of his friends approached him with a teasing grin.
“I heard Harris Group donated more money to the university nearby. I was wondering why they have a soft spot for that school, and now I see it’s because your wife studies there.” The friend’s tone was playful, but Tyler could sense the underlying curiosity.
Tyler slid his phone into his pocket and responded casually, “It’s just a coincidence.”
But everyone knew it wasn’t just a coincidence. Tyler’s connection to the university, the donation—it was clear that Olivia played a central role in all of it. His friend, Dylan, wasn’t about to let him off the hook that easily.
“Come on,” Dylan smirked. “The school’s been doing so much better since your company’s donation. It’s pretty well-known that the roads around the school were a mess. Cars everywhere, making it dangerous to even walk. And now, all of a sudden, everything’s improving. Makes you wonder if your donation was just to help out the school, or maybe for someone special who goes there.”
Tyler chuckled, but his smile didn’t reach his eyes. Dylan’s teasing was harmless, but it also felt like a reminder of just how much everyone was paying attention to Olivia. She was no longer just a part of his life—she was the center of a bigger picture. People were watching, speculating, and drawing conclusions about their relationship.
Tyler took a deep breath, steadying himself before responding. “It’s just a coincidence,” he repeated, though even he knew that wasn’t entirely true. The donation was a reflection of his commitment to Olivia—and to their future together. But he didn’t need to explain that to anyone. The less they knew, the better.