Chapter 22 Exposed in the Bath
Luca didn't think much and hurried after her, while Windy's face gradually turned cold and vicious.
Luca reached the master bedroom door just as Olivia came out with a simple luggage bag. Inside were her skincare products and a few pieces of clothing. They met at the doorway.
Luca coughed to hide his unease. "What are you taking these for?"
Olivia treated him like a complete stranger. "I'm going back to my own place. Don't worry, I won't disturb you and Windy."
She walked past Luca without a hint of hesitation.
That strange panic hit him again. Luca suddenly grabbed her wrist, his face tense as he demanded, "You're not even fully recovered. Why are you leaving the hospital so carelessly?"
Olivia winced as her wrist hurt from his grip, her brows slightly furrowing. "I just think my home is quieter and better for resting."
Luca's tone grew irritated. "This is your home! Are you that eager to leave me? I bet you're moving out just to make it easier to hang out with your old friend!"
Here we go again. Olivia didn't even bother explaining. "Where I go is my choice. Let go. I don't want to argue with you."
The angrier Luca got, the less emotion she showed.
Panic swirled in Luca's chest, and his tone became more urgent. "Are you leaving because Windy is here? She hurt her forehead, and she's really unstable. She even said she wants to hold Emma accountable."
Olivia didn't budge.
"I let her wear your necklace just to calm her down. I know it's yours, and I've already paid you for it. What else are you upset about?" Luca watched Olivia closely for any reaction, but her eyes remained cold and indifferent.
"Are you done? Because I'm leaving."
Her dismissal pushed Luca over the edge, and he finally lost control. "You're not leaving!" He snatched the luggage bag from her hand and tossed it aside.
Olivia froze, her emotions starting to crumble. "If I don't leave, what am I staying for? To watch you flirt with your lover? Luca, stop humiliating me!"
Luca got even angrier. He didn't understand why this had to do with Windy again. "I told you, she's only staying here temporarily. And don't forget, the divorce isn't final yet. If you move out now, what will everyone think? How am I supposed to explain this to Grandpa?"
Luca grabbed her shoulders with both hands, not letting her resist. "Until the family gathering, you have to stay here. It's your duty, and you have to cooperate!"
His domineering, angry stare felt like a cruel joke to her.
He didn't want her to leave, but only because he was worried about explaining things to Grandpa.
Olivia closed her eyes in exhaustion. Going head-to-head with him was pointless. Dragging this out would only drain the last bit of energy she had.
"Fine." Olivia pushed Luca away, her voice weak. "I'll stay. Now, can you please leave? I want to rest."
Her compromise didn't make Luca happy. Instead, a heavy frustration clogged his chest, with no way to let it out. He let go of her, noticing the red marks on her wrist.
"Olivia..." Windy walked over with a glass of warm water, her eyes still red. "Are you still mad at me? How about I give the necklace back to you?"
Olivia gave a cold smile. "I already sold it to you. The necklace is yours now."
Windy offered the glass of water. "I really didn't mean to upset you. I just liked it so much..." She pretended to be frail. "I feel so dizzy. I'm a bit scared to be home alone, so Luca let me stay here tonight. Please don't mind."
Olivia didn't take the water. "You can stay here as long as you want. Anyway, I won't be living here much longer."
A flash of joy crossed Windy's eyes as she quickly glanced at Luca.
Luca wasn't happy at all. His face darkened, and he ordered sternly, "Olivia, listen to me. As long as I'm the head of this house, you're staying here! Don't even think about leaving me in this lifetime!"
The words stunned both women.
Even Luca was a bit shocked by what he said.
This lifetime?
They were about to get divorced. How could he say something like that?
Windy's face paled, her grip tightening on the glass.
Olivia didn't believe a word Luca said. He was just angry and trying to mess with her. "Stop making noise in my space. Get out. I need to rest."
She pulled her pajamas out of the luggage bag and walked into the bathroom.
Luca watched her back, his feelings a mess, before turning to leave the bedroom.
Windy quickly followed, walking weakly. "Luca, I feel so dizzy and scared. Can I stay tonight…?"
"Get the driver to take you back," Luca cut her off, his tone firm. "I'll have the maid stay with you for a few days until your head injury heals."
He didn't ask her to stay, which left Windy stunned.
But Luca was in a terrible mood, and she didn't dare say anything.
In the bathroom, Olivia vaguely heard their conversation outside.
She only thought that Luca was afraid his grandpa would find out about his affair, which was why he didn't let Windy stay and wouldn't let her leave either.
But once the family gathering was over, none of this would be her problem anymore.
Olivia filled the tub with hot water, lay down in it, and closed her eyes to clear her mind.
She didn't know how long she had been soaking, but her body started to relax, and she felt sleepy.
Suddenly, there was a soft noise as the bathroom door opened.
Olivia snapped awake, grabbed a folded towel nearby, and quickly wrapped it around herself.
Luca's tall frame filled the doorway, blocking out the hallway light and making the bathroom feel even darker with the lights off.
Olivia sat in the tub, the towel clinging to her body, highlighting the curves of her chest in a way that was even more tempting than if she wore nothing.
Luca's gaze darkened instantly.
"What... what are you doing in here? Get out!" Olivia shouted in panic.
Luca's eyes lingered on her smooth shoulders peeking out of the water, his throat bobbing.
"You've been in here so long without a sound," Luca said, taking a step forward and closing the bathroom door behind him. "I was worried you might be too weak and faint in the tub, so I came to check."
Olivia tensed up, clutching the towel to her chest and shrinking back. Her voice trembled slightly. "Well, now you see I'm fine! Get out now!"
But Luca didn't leave. His gaze fell on her chest rising and falling quickly, and he suddenly felt thirsty. "You're weak. It's not convenient for you. How about I help you wash?"
Olivia flinched, embarrassed and angry. "I don't need your help! Get out now!"
She turned to hide in the corner of the tub, forgetting to hold the towel in place.
The towel loosened and floated up in the water.
Without anything covering her, Olivia's body was fully exposed to Luca.