Chapter 195 I Like You Too
Olivia was hugged tightly by her, feeling warm inside. She smiled and patted her back. "I'm okay. Sorry for worrying you."
"No way you're okay!" Emma let go of her and looked her up and down. She saw the faint scar on Olivia's face and felt heartbroken. "Look at you—you're so thin now, and you're hurt!"
She turned to Luca, her tone suddenly sharp. "Luca! What's wrong with you? Didn't you say you'd protect her? How did she go through all this?"
Luca looked guilty and didn't argue. "It's my fault. I didn't protect her well. I thought finding her meant everything was fine, but all this happened..."
Emma got more upset. "That Jason is a total nutcase! Good thing he's caught, or I'd give him a piece of my mind!"
"Emma, don't blame him." Olivia quickly spoke up for Luca. "It's not his fault. Jason was too sneaky—no one saw that coming. Plus, Luca got hurt bad looking for me. He pushed through the pain to take care of me."
Emma saw Olivia sticking up for Luca and calmed down a lot. She sighed. "Okay, fine. Since you're defending him like this, I won't yell at him."
She hugged Olivia again, her voice softening. "You have no idea—the days you were gone, I went everywhere with Luca looking for you. I was on pins and needles every day. Then we heard you were found, and I thought we could relax. But then Jason took you and you lost your memory. I was scared to death. Jason's no human! He did so many awful things to you. He's the worst!"
Olivia leaned into her arms and comforted her softly. "It's all over now. See? I'm fine."
"As long as you're fine, that's what matters." Emma let go, wiped her tears, and said, "Hey, do you remember your studio? Right before you disappeared, we were planning to launch new jewelry."
"Studio?" Olivia paused, her eyes curious. "My studio?"
"Yeah." Emma nodded. "We started it together. You're the lead designer. Your talent is amazing—tons of clients ask for your designs."
Something stirred in Olivia. She looked at her hands and felt a strange familiarity, like she'd held a paintbrush a lot.
"I want to see it." She looked up at Luca, eyes full of hope. "Can we?"
"Of course." Luca smiled and nodded. "I'll take you right now."
Emma added, "Great, I want to check it out too. I've been keeping an eye on the studio for you so it doesn't sit empty."
They all headed to the studio soon after.
They pushed open the door. Inside was a clean, bright space. The walls were covered in sketches of all kinds of jewelry. The table had unfinished drafts and half-made jewelry pieces.
Olivia walked in, eyes wide with wonder.
She went to the wall and looked at the sketches. Her fingers lightly touched the paper, and she felt a weird sense of familiarity.
"Did I design all these?" she asked, turning around.
"Yeah," Emma said with a smile. "Your best works from before. Lots went into production and sold super well."
Olivia went to the design table and picked up a paintbrush. A strong urge to draw hit her.
She sat down without thinking, spread out a blank paper, and started sketching.
Her movements were smooth and natural, like she'd never stopped.
Luca and Emma stood nearby, not bothering her. They just watched quietly.
Sunlight came through the big window and fell on her, outlining her soft shape. She drew with focus, her eyes shining.
Over an hour passed before she knew it.
Olivia set down the brush and let out a long breath.
On the paper was a beautiful necklace design. The main piece was a blooming rose with tiny diamonds on the petals. Vines wrapped around the chain. It was delicate and romantic.
"Wow! That's gorgeous!" Emma said, amazed. "Olivia, you're incredible! Even with amnesia, your talent's still all there!"
Luca walked over and looked at it, impressed. "It's beautiful. This necklace would be perfect for our wedding."
Olivia blushed and looked at him. "Who said anything about a wedding? I didn't agree."
"It's just a matter of time." Luca smiled, his eyes full of affection. "I'll keep chasing you until you're happy to marry me."
Emma saw what was happening and smiled. "Oh, I just remembered something I need to handle. You two talk. I'm heading out."
She patted Olivia's shoulder, gave Luca a warning look to make the most of it, then left the studio and closed the door behind her.
Now it was just Luca and Olivia.
The air felt a little flirty.
Olivia looked at the design on the table, her heart racing. She stood up to escape. "I... I'll check out the other designs."
Luca grabbed her hand and pulled her into his arms. "No need. To me, the one you just drew is the best."
He looked down at her, eyes full of love. "Olivia, after all this time together, you're not as distant with me anymore, right?"
Olivia leaned against him and smelled his familiar cedar scent. Her panic faded, replaced by a touch of sweetness.
She didn't say anything, just nodded lightly.
Luca's heart jumped for joy at her response.
He lowered his head and moved slowly toward her lips.
This time, Olivia didn't pull away.
His lips touched hers gently, full of tenderness and feeling.
Olivia closed her eyes and felt the kiss. All the strangeness was gone.
This kiss wasn't tentative like before. It was full of love and care.
Luca deepened it, savoring every moment, like he was pouring in years of missing her and making up for lost time.
Olivia wrapped her arms around his neck on instinct and kissed him back.
The studio was quiet, just their breaths mixing.
After a while, Luca pulled back slowly. He rested his forehead on hers, breathing fast. "Olivia, I love you."
Olivia's cheeks were red, her eyes shy. But she gathered her courage and whispered, "I... kinda like you too."
Joy lit up Luca's eyes. He hugged her tight, like he wanted to make her part of him. "That's great! Olivia, thank you! I'll treat you right forever. No more pain for you. No more leaving me."
Olivia rested in his arms, feeling warm and safe.
Her memory wasn't fully back, but she knew she'd fallen for this man again.
She believed that together, no matter the past regrets, their future would be bright and happy.
She looked up at his loving eyes and smiled.
Maybe losing her memory wasn't so bad.