Chapter 42 Overnight Stay
Luca took a deep breath and picked up the phone. "Grandpa."
On the other end, Linus's angry voice came through immediately. "Luca, are you messing with me? I specifically hired Eileen to help you and Olivia prepare for a baby. How could you just send her away? Do you even want a child?"
Luca put the phone on speaker, so Olivia could hear Linus's words too.
Olivia was startled, not expecting Linus to be so upset.
Luca sighed helplessly and explained, "Grandpa, it's not what you think. Olivia hasn't been feeling well, and having a nutritionist around just adds to her stress. We'd rather let things happen naturally when it comes to having a baby. We don't need someone telling us what to eat all the time—it's just too much."
Linus wasn't so easily fooled. He snorted coldly, "Don't try to trick me. I know you two don't even want a child! I might as well just kick the bucket now, since I'll probably never get to meet my grandchild anyway!"
Luca's body tensed for a moment. He stayed silent for a few seconds before finally giving in. "I'm not lying to you, Grandpa. I promise I'll sleep with Olivia every night. Is that okay?"
Olivia gripped her water glass tightly, nervously waiting for Linus's response.
Linus snorted again. "I don't believe you. You have to send me a photo every night as proof!"
"Fine, I agree."
After hanging up, Luca let out an irritated sigh.
Olivia couldn't help but speak up. "This is too much hassle. Why don't we just take a bunch of photos today, pose differently in each one, and send a new one every day? Grandpa won't suspect a thing."
Her face showed clear reluctance and unwillingness.
Luca was already in a bad mood, and seeing Olivia would rather fake it than sleep with him made him even more upset.
He walked toward her, his expression dark. "You have no choice but to cooperate. You sleep with me every night. Don't forget, I'm the one who got rid of the nutritionist for you. You owe me!"
"But..." Olivia didn't know what to say. After all, Luca was doing this for her sake.
Luca stepped closer. "Can't you handle sleeping together every night? If you're not okay with it, go tell Grandpa right now that we're planning to divorce and watch his health get worse!"
Olivia frowned. "Why are you so worked up? I didn't say I definitely wouldn't do it. I just think it's a hassle..."
"Grandpa's too sharp. He'll figure out if we're faking the photos. So no matter how much of a hassle it is, we have to report to him every day!" Luca cut her off, his voice tinged with anger. "Do you really hate being around me that much? You can't even pretend for a little while?"
Olivia was at a loss for words.
Just then, the doorbell rang outside.
Both Olivia and Luca frowned at the same time.
The maid hurried over, opened the door, and turned to say, "Sir, Madam, it's Miss Windy."
Why would Windy show up at a time like this?
She stood outside in a long red dress, looking worn out and shivering in the cold with her suitcase.
Windy gave an apologetic look. "Sorry for bothering you so late, Luca."
Luca's tone softened with concern. "What are you doing here? Come in, it's cold outside."
Seeing him care about Windy, Olivia looked away with no expression on her face.
"I had no other choice, Luca. The hotel room feels so unfamiliar. I lie there, anxious and unable to sleep. Can I stay here for a while?" Windy clutched the handle of her suitcase, her eyes filled with fear.
Olivia watched coldly, finding it ridiculous.
What an act.
She just wanted to stay here. Why all the excuses?
Luca frowned. Windy's pale face didn't look fake.
He asked, "Is there a problem with the hotel? I can have my assistant book you another one."
"It's not about the hotel..." Windy's eyes welled up with tears. "It's me, Luca. Do you remember? Back when you fell into the water, I struggled so hard to pull you out. You were unconscious, and no matter how much I called your name, you didn't respond. I really thought you were gone..."
Olivia listened quietly.
Fell into the water.
In an instant, she recalled a dream she had during therapy.
Her missing memories were also tied to falling into water.
Windy's voice trembled. "That fear has never really left me. Last time, a pipe burst at my place, and water was everywhere. It instantly reminded me of that day. When I'm alone in the hotel, all I can think about when I close my eyes is you drowning. I'm scared, Luca. I'm so scared!" Windy suddenly got emotional, tears streaming down her face. "I can't be alone. I need to see you, to know you're alive and okay. Only then can I feel at ease."
Luca listened as she brought up the drowning incident. It was a nightmare for him, too.
He had nearly died that day. Thankfully, Windy was there.
That's why he had always been patient and caring toward her.
Luca initially wanted to say no, but thinking of how Windy saved him back then, he couldn't bring himself to refuse.
Olivia saw the hesitation on Luca's face, and her heart grew cold.
Here we go again.
Whenever Windy cried, Luca softened.
After a few seconds of silence, Luca's voice turned gentle. "Windy, I understand you might be shaken up, but staying at the villa isn't a good idea."
Windy froze, tears falling instantly. "Luca..."
Luca continued to explain, "There's a lot going on at home right now, and Grandpa's still in the hospital. Having you stay here might cause trouble for others. You can rest in the guest room tonight, and tomorrow morning, I'll have my assistant arrange the best therapist for you and find a suitable place for you to stay. Is that okay?"
Windy clenched her teeth, feeling extremely unwilling.
What she wanted wasn't just a one-night stay or some therapist!
But she could tell Luca's stance was firm. And since this also involved his grandfather, if she pushed further, Luca might think she was being unreasonable.
Windy took a deep breath and nodded with a grateful look. "Sorry for the trouble. Olivia, I'm sorry for disturbing your rest, too."
Olivia crossed her arms coldly and couldn't help but ask, "Windy, what exactly happened with Luca falling into the water? Was anyone else there at the time?"
Hearing her sudden question, Windy's expression froze, a hint of panic and guilt flashing in her eyes. "Sorry, it's the one thing I can't bear to talk about. I can't tell you..." Her gaze flickered as she avoided Olivia's eyes. "It's been so long. Let's not bring it up. It scares me." She quickly changed the subject. "I'll head to the guest room now. I won't bother you."
Olivia was taken aback, but Windy hurriedly pulled her suitcase along, signaling the maid to lead the way.
Olivia's suspicion grew deeper.
Windy's reaction felt off, as if she was afraid Olivia might dig up more information.