Chapter_297
Tyler studied her face closely, sensing that there was more to her hesitation than she was letting on. His fingers lingered at the edge of her hair as he gently tousled it. He didn’t press her further, but his concern was clear in his eyes.
“Olivia,” he said softly, “you don’t have to go if you don’t want to.” His tone was calm but insistent, as if he was trying to give her an out, though he knew the event was important to Ana and to the family.
Olivia looked up at him, feeling the weight of his gaze. His concern made her heart twist. She knew he wasn’t trying to force her, but the idea of facing the Pearces—and perhaps running into Claude—made her feel anxious. She couldn’t shake the thought of what might happen if she saw him there, especially after the tense moment they had shared.
“I just… I don’t feel like going today,” Olivia repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.
Tyler paused for a moment, clearly weighing his words. “I understand,” he said, finally breaking the silence. “But if you change your mind, I’ll be here. I’ll make sure you’re okay, no matter what.”
His words were reassuring, but Olivia still felt conflicted. She didn’t want to disappoint Ana, but the unease gnawing at her was becoming too strong to ignore. She hesitated for a moment longer before finally looking at Tyler.
“Do you think I should go?” she asked, unsure whether she was asking for his opinion or just for some reassurance.
Tyler took a step closer, and for a second, she could see the conflict in his eyes too. He didn’t want to push her, but at the same time, he understood the social importance of such events. Finally, he sighed softly, his eyes softening.
“I think you should do what feels right for you,” he replied, his voice steady but gentle. “If you don’t want to go, then don’t. But if you feel like it’s something you should do, then I’ll support you.”
His words were honest, and that honesty brought Olivia some comfort, even if it didn’t completely ease her mind. She still wasn’t sure what to do, but his support felt like a balm on her nerves.
“Thanks, Tyler,” she whispered, looking down at her hands, unsure of the next step.
Tyler gave her a small smile, then turned to grab his coat from the chair. “You’ll be fine either way. Just let me know what you decide.”
Olivia nodded quietly, still tangled in her thoughts. As Tyler left the room, she stayed where she was, lost in the quiet of the moment. She wasn’t sure if she could face the Pearces today, or if she should stay behind. Whatever she decided, she knew she had to find a way to be true to herself in that decision, no matter the pressure or the expectations of others.