Chapter 79 Shopping
Mentioning this, Linus waved his hand. "I'm fine."
He looked at Olivia with a smile and said, "Luckily, Olivia was there. I'm really grateful to her for keeping me company during this time. She's such a sensible and thoughtful girl."
Clara quickly agreed, "Yes, Olivia seems so well-behaved. Luca is lucky to have married you."
Olivia felt a bit shy from the praise, lowering her head to eat and trying to ignore the unease in her stomach.
Luca, sitting beside her, noticed how close his mother was to Olivia and felt a strange warmth in his heart. Seeing that Olivia hadn't eaten much, he pushed a large plate of steamed fish toward her and said softly, "This fish tastes great. You should try it."
After dinner, everyone sat in the living room chatting. Arthur kept Linus company while Luca went to the yard to take a phone call.
Clara took the chance to pull Olivia into the study and closed the door.
"Olivia, be honest with me. Is there something else wrong with your health?" Clara asked seriously.
Olivia's heart tightened, but she forced herself to stay calm. "No, Mom. I'm just a bit weak from the injury. Sorry to worry you."
"Don't try to fool me," Clara said, holding her hand. "You barely ate anything at dinner, your face doesn't look right, and you're avoiding eye contact. Something's definitely on your mind. Is it the wound not healing well, or are you feeling unwell somewhere else?"
Olivia bit her lip but still shook her head. "Really, it's nothing. Maybe I just haven't fully recovered, and my appetite isn't great."
Clara looked at her stubborn expression and didn't press further, just sighing. "Silly girl, don't keep things to yourself. Whether it's about your health or something else, I'm on your side."
She patted Olivia's hand. "Take good care of yourself. Don't push too hard, and tell us right away if you feel unwell."
Olivia's nose stung, and she almost teared up. She quickly nodded. "I understand, Mom."
"By the way," Clara suddenly smiled, "I want to go shopping tomorrow. Come with me, okay? It'll be a good way to relax. Staying at the hospital all the time must be boring."
Olivia hesitated for a moment, thinking she needed a break and a chance to escape her troubles for a while. She agreed, "Sure."
The next morning, Luca dropped Olivia and Clara off at the agreed-upon mall entrance, repeatedly reminding them, "Don't overdo it. Call me right away if anything comes up."
Clara teased with a smile, "Relax, I'll take good care of Olivia."
The two walked into the mall. Instead of heading straight to luxury stores, Clara went to the women's clothing section first. She picked up an apricot-colored sweater and held it against Olivia. "This suits you. The color is soft, and it's loose and comfortable."
Without waiting for a response, she asked the staff to wrap it up and picked out several more clothes and accessories, stuffing them all into Olivia's hands.
"Mom, you don't need to buy so much. I have enough clothes," Olivia said, feeling a bit embarrassed.
"Not at all. Girls should buy more pretty clothes," Clara said with a warm smile, her eyes crinkling. "Come on, let's check out the jewelry store up ahead. Last time, I saw a necklace that I thought would look perfect on you."
As soon as they entered the jewelry store, a familiar figure approached them—it was Windy.
Windy wore a sweet smile, holding a delicate gift box. "Clara, what a coincidence! I didn't expect to run into you here."
Her gaze landed on Olivia, a flicker of hostility in her eyes that she quickly hid.
Clara nodded lightly. "Quite a coincidence. You're shopping too?"
"Yes, I heard you were back in the country, so I prepared a little gift for you," Windy said, handing over the box. "This is a hand cream I had someone bring back from abroad. It's very moisturizing. I hope you like it."
Clara took the box and politely said thank you, without opening it.
Windy then turned to Olivia, her tone carrying a hint of showing off. "Olivia, you're here too? Has your injury gotten better? Luca shouldn't let you come out shopping when you're still hurt. You should be resting at home."
Before Olivia could reply, Clara cut in, "I'm the one who dragged Olivia out. She's been cooped up at hospital and needed some fresh air. It's good for her health."
She turned to the staff. "Bring out the pearl necklace I looked at last time."
The staff quickly brought the necklace. Clara took it and put it around Olivia's neck herself, nodding with satisfaction. "It looks beautiful. It really suits you."
Windy eyed the expensive pearl necklace with obvious jealousy, though she forced a compliment. "It's gorgeous. It looks perfect on Olivia. Pearl necklaces are tricky to pull off— not everyone has the right vibe for them."
Clara glanced at Windy, her tone calm. "Since we've bumped into each other, I'll get you a gift too. Windy, is there anything you like?"
Windy's eyes lit up, but she waved her hand. "No, no, how could I let you spend money on me?"
She looked at Olivia, her words carrying a hidden jab. "Besides, I think jewelry feels more meaningful when you buy it yourself or get it from someone you love. Otherwise, it just doesn't feel the same."
Her words were clearly a dig at Olivia, implying that the necklace was from Clara, not Luca, and hinting at a lack of affection between them.
Olivia smirked inwardly and was about to speak, but Clara beat her to it. "That's not true. Jewelry from family carries heartfelt care, and that's more precious than anything."
She turned to the staff. "Wrap up those diamond earrings for Miss Windy."
Windy's face stiffened. She hadn't expected Clara to call her out like that and insist on giving her something. "Clara, really, you don't have to…"
"Take it. It's just a small gesture," Clara interrupted, her tone firm and leaving no room for argument. "Feel free to visit us at home in the future, but next time, watch what you say. Young people should learn to respect others."
Windy's smile faltered. She took the earring box, muttered a thank you, and hurriedly left.
Watching her embarrassed retreat, Clara gently patted Olivia's hand. "Don't bother with people like her. She talks too much."
Olivia felt a warmth in her heart. Clara had clearly been protecting her just now.
"Thank you, Mom," she said sincerely.
Clara smiled. "Why so polite with me? Come on, let's look at more stuff. Today, I'm going to spoil you."
They continued shopping in the mall. Clara acted like a real mother, always thinking of Olivia, picking out things she liked and that were practical.
Olivia looked at the kind Clara beside her, a long-lost warmth filling her heart. This feeling of being genuinely cared for made her want to hold onto it.
By the afternoon, Luca called to say he was waiting for them at the mall entrance.
Clara helped carry Olivia's bags, smiling. "We had fun shopping today. Let's do it again next time for other things."
As they walked out of the mall, they saw Luca standing by the car. Clara handed the bags to him. "Take good care of Olivia. If she's upset again, I won't let you off easy."
Luca smiled and nodded. "Got it, Mom. I will."
As the car drove away from the mall, Olivia touched the pearl necklace around her neck and looked at Luca. "Your mom is really nice."
Luca glanced at her, a faint smile on his lips. "Yeah, she treats you better than she treats me."