Chapter 113 Deliberation
Luca didn't push further and continued explaining the details of the terms, speaking very slowly.
It was obvious he was deliberately stalling for time.
Olivia listened patiently, though she was getting more and more irritated inside.
Finally, after confirming all the terms, Olivia stood up right away. "Everything's settled now, right? I'm going out for some fresh air."
"Wait," Luca called out to her again, his face suddenly looking terrible, his hand pressing hard against his temple. "My head's hurting badly again. Can you get me a painkiller?"
Seeing his pained expression, Olivia's frustration faded quite a bit.
Though she found him suspicious, looking at him like this, she couldn't bring herself to be harsh. "Where's the painkiller?"
"In my coat pocket, a white bottle."
The light in the hospital room fell on Luca's pale face, making the sickly look between his brows stand out even more.
Olivia stood a little distance away, her fingertips curling unconsciously.
She sighed, pushing down the unclear irritation in her heart, and quickly walked to the coat rack. She carefully took out his coat, her fingers gently searching the inner pocket.
Soon, Olivia found the bottle, poured out a pill, and got a glass of warm water to hand to him.
Luca took the pill and water, swallowed it, and leaned back against the headboard with his eyes closed, his face still pale.
"Thanks," he said softly, his voice a bit hoarse.
Luca noticed the softening look in her eyes. On the surface, he stayed calm, but inside, everything was clear to him.
He knew this woman's weak spot too well and understood exactly how to use the gentlest way to slowly pull her back into his world, step by step.
As long as she took this first step, he had plenty of patience to walk the rest of the way.
Olivia just hummed in response. Seeing him like this, she thought of something and asked, "By the way, how's Linus doing? I left in such a hurry back then and didn't get to say goodbye. I've always felt guilty about it."
At the mention of Linus, Luca opened his eyes, a shadow passing over them.
"Not great," he said flatly, without much emotion. "Since you left, he's been down all the time."
Olivia felt a pang in her heart, her eyes turning red.
Linus had cared for her so much back then, always thinking of her whenever he had something good. Yet she left without a word. She really hadn't been a good granddaughter-in-law.
"He often talks about you, saying you're a good girl, sensible and thoughtful," Luca continued, his tone still neutral. "He says he wasn't lucky enough to keep you as his granddaughter-in-law."
Olivia lowered her head, her fingers gripping the hem of her clothes tightly, her guilt growing stronger.
She could imagine Linus mentioning her, probably looking so disappointed.
"Grandpa's health also got worse after you left," Luca said, watching her with a subtle hint of guidance in his tone. "His high blood pressure acted up several times, and he was hospitalized for observation for days. The doctor said he can't get too emotional or be too lonely. He needs someone to talk to. But everyone at home is busy, and I'm often away on business trips. No one can stay with him all the time."
Olivia looked up, a trace of worry in her eyes. "How is he now? Is someone taking care of him?"
"There are helpers looking after him, but he's not happy inside. No matter how good the care is, it doesn't help," Luca said. "He always says if you were still around, he could feel better."
Those words hit Olivia like a needle, piercing straight into her heart.
Her guilt overflowed, and tears nearly fell.
"Actually, Grandpa has always hoped you'd come back to see him," Luca said, his tone still calm but very persuasive. "Even if it's just one visit, it would make him happy for days. I know you might have concerns, but Grandpa is old and doesn't have much time left. If you could go see him, maybe his health would improve."
Olivia went quiet, her heart tangled with conflict.
She wanted to see Linus, but she was afraid that going back would mean facing people she didn't want to see and disrupting her current life.
"No pressure. Just think of it as visiting an old friend," Luca said, sensing her hesitation. "I can go with you, and I won't let anyone bother you. Grandpa won't force you to do anything either. He just wants to see you and make sure you're doing okay. Since you left, he's been worried about you, afraid you're struggling out there."
The defenses in Olivia's heart started to crumble.
She always remembered Linus's kindness. Now that he wasn't well, she really should go see him.
"I'll think about it," she said softly, her voice a bit choked.
"Okay," Luca nodded, not pushing her further. "Take your time. No rush."
He knew he'd already succeeded halfway.
As long as she agreed to see Grandpa, he'd have more chances to bring her back to his side.
The hospital room fell quiet again. Olivia sat on the sofa, her mind full of memories of Linus.
She remembered when she was little, how Linus often took her to the park, bought her cotton candy, and told her stories.
She remembered how Linus always protected her after she got married, making sure she wasn't mistreated.
She remembered leaving without even saying goodbye to him.
The guilt in her heart grew heavier, and she quietly made up her mind. Once Luca got better, she'd go with him to see Linus.
Luca watched her conflicted expression, feeling satisfied inside.
He knew his plan had worked.
He understood Olivia too well. She was soft-hearted and valued relationships, especially with Linus. There was no way she'd ignore this.
After a while, Olivia looked up at Luca. "When you're discharged, we'll go see Grandpa."
"Really?" A flash of joy passed through Luca's eyes, though he quickly hid it. "That's great. Grandpa will be so happy when he hears."
"But I have a condition," Olivia said, her tone serious. "We're just going to see him. Nothing else. And after that, we go back to a normal working relationship. No more excuses for me to take care of you or any special requests."
"Deal. I agree," Luca nodded immediately without hesitation. "As long as you're willing to see Grandpa, everything else is up to you."
Inside, he was overjoyed. As long as she went back with him, would he lack chances to get closer to her?
Seeing him agree so readily, Olivia felt a bit more at ease.
She just hoped this visit to Linus wouldn't lead to any unnecessary complications.
After staying in the hospital room a bit longer, Olivia stood up. "I should head back. There's a lot to handle at the studio. I'll come by tomorrow and bring you some light breakfast."
After all, with everything that had happened, she couldn't spend all her time on Luca.
"Alright," Luca nodded, looking at her. "Be careful on the way. Drive slowly."
"Got it," Olivia replied, then turned to leave.
Watching her hurried figure disappear, Luca couldn't help but smile.