Chapter 33 Tired Of Being Burden
Isabel walked to college alone, not waiting for Mason to take her and Anna together. She put on a brave face, hiding the pain beneath her calm exterior, knowing Olivia would react strongly if she discovered the truth about Mason’s latest blow.
"It's not that cold today. Why the jacket, Isabel?" Olivia asked, a note of confusion in her voice as she looked at Isabel’s attire.
"I was feeling a bit chilly," Isabel explained smoothly. "You know I was sick with a cold and fever recently. I just don’t want to risk getting sick again."
Olivia seemed satisfied with the explanation and turned her attention back to the class. Afterward, she insisted on having lunch together. Despite Isabel's desire to head home, she acquiesced to Olivia's persistent request.
They chose a cozy restaurant and placed their orders. As they waited for their meals, their conversation drifted to their upcoming final semester. Mid-discussion, Olivia’s gaze fixed on the restaurant entrance, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief. Isabel, with her back to the door, couldn’t see what had caught Olivia’s attention.
Curious, Isabel turned her head to follow Olivia’s line of sight. Her heart sank when she saw Mason standing there with Addison. She quickly turned back, her mind racing as she struggled to process the unexpected encounter.
Isabel couldn’t help but glance at Olivia, who was still staring at Mason with an ocean of confusion in her eyes.
"Isabel, what's going on?" Olivia asked, her voice laced with bewilderment as she tried to make sense of the scene before her.
"Hey... I think he’s here with a friend. It’s not a big deal," Isabel replied, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace.
Olivia’s confusion only deepened. Isabel claimed the woman with Mason was just a friend, but to Olivia, it looked more like he was on a date. Her shock grew when Mason and Addison ascended to the second floor of the restaurant, which was usually reserved for private gatherings.
"This doesn’t feel right. Who is she? What’s she doing with your husband? Is he cheating on you?" Olivia asked, her breath catching in her throat and leaving Isabel momentarily speechless.
Isabel struggled to find more excuses, but she knew Olivia wasn’t naive enough to buy into false reassurances.
"It’s nothing serious, Olivia. She’s probably just a friend of his."
Olivia couldn’t help but laugh, a harsh edge to her amusement as she listened to Isabel.
"Really? You expect me to buy that? Then why didn’t you call out to him when he walked in? You practically hid yourself to avoid being seen."
"It’s not like that. I just didn’t want to—" Isabel began, but Olivia cut her off.
Olivia’s disappointment was palpable, more directed at Isabel’s attempt to brush off the situation with flimsy excuses than at Mason himself. Isabel's nonchalant attitude and lies only fueled Olivia’s frustration.
"If you want me to believe she's just a friend, then why did he take her to the private section?" Olivia challenged, leaving Isabel at a loss for words.
"You know what? Don’t bother explaining. I’ll find out for myself," Olivia said firmly as she started toward the second floor. Isabel hurried to stop her, catching her in the middle of the restaurant.
"Please, don’t do this. Believe me, if you make a scene, I’ll be the one who has to deal with the fallout," Isabel pleaded, trying to make Olivia understand.
Olivia initially refused to listen, but Isabel’s repeated requests and assurances that she would explain everything eventually swayed her. Reluctantly, Olivia agreed to hold off on confronting Mason.
When their lunch arrived, neither of them had much of an appetite. Isabel was consumed with anxiety over how Olivia would react once she learned the full story, while Olivia was fuming, struggling to reconcile her anger and desire to defend Mason.
Isabel barely touched her food, her nerves robbing her of her appetite. Olivia managed to finish her meal, her impatience growing with every bite as she awaited answers.
Once outside the restaurant, Olivia guided Isabel to her car, clearly uncomfortable with the scene they had just left.
"Now, tell me everything," Olivia demanded, her face set in a serious expression.
Isabel let out a heavy sigh and began to recount the mistreatment she had endured from Mason. As she spoke, Olivia’s shock deepened, struggling to understand how Isabel had managed to conceal her suffering so well. Olivia’s anger was directed not only at Isabel for keeping this from her but also at herself for not recognizing the depth of Isabel’s misery sooner.
Olivia closed her eyes tightly, trying to contain her rage as Isabel’s story unfolded. The thought of running back to the restaurant and confronting Mason was almost overwhelming.
She had so much she wanted to say, especially about Isabel’s stubbornness to stay with Mason and not leave him from the very beginning. But she realized that scolding Isabel would be futile; neither of them could undo the past.
“Leave him... please,” Olivia said, her gaze steady and pleading.
“It wouldn’t be fair,” Isabel responded, shaking her head with resignation. “You don’t understand. Our separation would cause a lot of problems.”
Olivia felt frustrated by Isabel’s response, struggling to make sense of her reasoning.
“What problems could you possibly face by ending a relationship where you’re not respected? There’s someone out there who deserves you, Isabel,” Olivia said, still bewildered by Isabel’s reluctance to leave Mason. She saw no reason for Isabel to stay in such a toxic situation.
“You don’t understand. It’s not just about me, Olivia,” Isabel’s eyes filled with tears.
“Then who is it about?” Olivia asked, her confusion growing.
“It’s for my family. My separation would break their hearts. They’ve put up with enough because of me since birth. They’ve faced criticism, endured judgments, and now if I come back home after a divorce, it would crush them. I don’t want my family to suffer any more because of me,” Isabel’s voice trembled as she broke into tears, revealing her deep concern.
Olivia felt a wave of sympathy as she saw her friend so vulnerable. She understood why Isabel had been enduring Mason’s mistreatment and recognized Isabel’s unwavering love for her family.
“I understand, Isabel. But you can’t continue in such an unhealthy relationship. At some point, you need to break free.”
“If you want, you can stay with me,” Olivia offered gently, hoping to help Isabel escape her difficult situation.
“No, Olivia. I’m already tired of being a burden to others. I can’t accept your offer, and I’m sorry,” Isabel said, her refusal leaving Olivia feeling disheartened.
“Don’t worry too much. I’ll be alright. This marriage is definitely ending, but I need some time to get myself together so I’m not a burden to anyone else,” Isabel assured, trying to ease Olivia’s concern.
Though Olivia tried to accept Isabel’s decision, she remained deeply troubled by her friend’s situation..