Chapter 87 Acceptance
Olivia walked into the kitchen, tied on her apron, and started preparing dinner.
The frying pan sizzled, and a delicious aroma slowly filled the air. Leo was sitting on the living room rug, playing with his paintbrushes and paper, humming a tuneless nursery rhyme.
Five years ago, after she followed Jason abroad, her health had been unstable. Jason said that forcing surgery would be too risky, so after a long hesitation, she decided to keep the baby.
Jason had been helping her take care of the child ever since. Luckily, he had an important research project that required him to stay abroad for a few years. They supported each other, and just like that, four years passed.
Over the years, she rekindled her passion for design, taking on freelance projects. Though they weren't rich, it was enough to support herself and Leo, and their life felt full and peaceful.
The sound of the door lock turning broke her thoughts. Jason walked in carrying a thermal container, still wearing his lab coat, clearly just back from the research institute.
"I'm back! I can smell something good. What did you make today?" Jason smiled as he changed his shoes, his gaze naturally falling on Leo before shifting to Olivia in the kitchen.
"Freshly made meatball pasta and your favorite garlic bread," Olivia said, scooping some ribs out of the pot. "Go wash your hands and let's eat."
Jason nodded and walked over to pat Leo's head. "How did the livestream go today? Did you get a lot of compliments?"
"It went great! LO bought all my paintings again!" Leo looked up excitedly.
Jason chuckled, then went to the kitchen to help Olivia carry the dishes. While Leo wasn't paying attention, he lowered his voice and asked, "How have you been feeling lately? Anything bothering you?"
Olivia paused for a moment, then shook her head. "I'm fine. Why do you ask?"
"Nothing, just wanted to talk about something," Jason said, his tone turning serious. "Our research project is finished, and I'm heading back home next month."
Olivia's hands froze mid-motion, a wave of reluctance and uncertainty washing over her.
These past four years, Jason had been like family, helping her so much. If he left, it would just be her and Leo on their own.
"Going back is good. You can finally see home again," Olivia said, hiding her emotions with a smile.
"I wanted to ask you," Jason looked into her eyes, "would you like to come back with me? Home is still home for you, and your mom's villa has been sitting empty. It's a shame to let it go to waste."
Olivia fell silent.
She had thought about returning, but she still had reservations.
There were too many memories tied to Luca back home, and she was afraid of being haunted by the past if she returned.
"I know what you're worried about," Jason said, seeing through her thoughts. "It's been four years. He probably won't bother you anymore. Plus, Leo's growing up. He should experience life back home. Staying abroad forever isn't the best idea."
He paused, then added, "I'm worried about you and Leo being here alone. If you come back, I'll be there to help if anything comes up."
Olivia looked at Jason's sincere expression, feeling deeply touched.
She knew how Jason felt about her. Over these four years, he had quietly done so much for her, and though his feelings occasionally showed, she had gently turned him down.
It wasn't that she wasn't moved; it was just that, after her failed marriage, she lacked the courage to start a new relationship.
"Let me think about it," Olivia sighed. "I need to ask Leo what he thinks. If he's okay with it, we'll go back."
Jason nodded, not pushing her. "Alright, no rush. Take your time."
At dinner, Leo ate heartily, his little mouth stuffed full, still remembering to serve food to Olivia and Jason.
"Mom, you eat some ribs too. They're super yummy!"
"Uncle Jason, eat more veggies. They'll help you grow tall!"
Seeing how thoughtful her child was, Olivia felt a warmth in her heart.
That night, after his bath, Leo, dressed in bear-patterned pajamas, snuggled into Olivia's arms to listen to a bedtime story.
After the story, Olivia gently stroked his hair and softly asked, "Leo, can I ask you something?"
"Sure," Leo replied, blinking his sleepy eyes, his voice soft.
"How about we go back to my home country? To the place where Mommy used to live. There's a big house there, and lots of kids to play with," Olivia said, trying to keep her tone light.
Leo looked puzzled, his little brows furrowing. "Back to your country? Can we still do painting livestreams?"
"Of course. We can livestream there too, and even paint in parks or see little pandas at the zoo," Olivia said with a smile.
Leo thought for a moment, then suddenly hugged Olivia's neck, burying his face in her chest. "As long as I'm with Mommy, I'm happy anywhere."
He looked up, his eyes shining. "Does Mommy miss home? Then let's go back. I'll be good and won't make Mommy upset."
Olivia's heart melted, her eyes welling up.
This little boy always managed to touch the softest part of her heart.
"Mommy knew Leo is the sweetest," Olivia said, hugging him tightly and kissing his forehead.
Leo suddenly added, "Mommy, will Uncle Jason come back with us?"
"Probably. He has to go back for work," Olivia nodded.
"That's awesome!" Leo clapped happily. "Uncle Jason cooks yummy food too, and he flies kites with me."
He paused, then leaned close to Olivia's ear and whispered, "Mommy, when are you going to accept Uncle Jason? He looks at you so gently, and he secretly buys me strawberry ice cream."
Olivia was stunned, not expecting her child to say something like that.
She gave a helpless smile. "Leo, grown-up stuff is a bit complicated. You'll understand when you're older."
"But I can tell," Leo said seriously. "Uncle Jason really likes Mommy, and Mommy likes him too, right? Whenever he comes over, you make lots of yummy food and smile a lot."
Olivia patted his head, not saying anything.
She admitted she relied on Jason and was grateful for him, but it wasn't love.
The wall in her heart wasn't something she could easily get over.
"Alright, it's late. Time to sleep," Olivia changed the subject, tucking Leo in. "Sleep tight. You've got painting tomorrow."
Leo obediently closed his eyes and soon fell asleep.
Olivia sat by the bed, looking at her son's peaceful sleeping face, and made up her mind.
The next morning, Olivia called Emma.
As soon as the call connected, Emma's lively voice burst through. "Liv! You finally called! I've missed you so much!"
"Emma, I've got some good news," Olivia said with a smile. "I'm planning to come back next month, with Leo."
"Really?!" Emma's voice shot up with excitement. "That's amazing! I've been waiting for this day for four years!"
"I've been taking care of the villa your mom left you. I air it out and clean it every month, and the furniture is well-maintained. You can move right in when you're back."
Emma kept chatting away. "What are your plans after coming back? Want me to help find you a job? Or do you want to take some time to rest first?"