Chapter 11 Remember I'm Here!
Evelyn felt a deep ache in her heart as she listened to Olivia.
She quickly pulled Olivia into a tighter embrace, comforting her, "Olivia, this isn't your fault. The one to blame is that jerk, Michael! But... I support your decision. Whether it's divorce or pursuing your career, you're an amazing doctor. Even after three years away, you'll come back stronger than ever! I believe in you!"
Olivia nodded.
As they talked, Olivia finished her hot soup, feeling warmth spread through her body.
Evelyn set the bowl aside and asked with concern, "Feeling better now? Are you still cold? Is there anything else bothering you?"
Olivia shook her head and said, "I'm much better, thank you."
"No need to thank me, I'm just glad you're okay."
Evelyn sighed in relief and then suggested, "Why don't you stay here tonight? Don't think about anything, just get a good night's sleep and head back tomorrow."
"No," Olivia gently declined, appreciating Evelyn's kindness. "Bianca is still at home, and it's raining outside. She's terrified of thunderstorms. If I don't go back, she might not sleep well."
Evelyn glanced outside.
The rain was pouring harder, and the thunder was indeed frightening.
Given Bianca's condition, leaving her alone wasn't an option.
She'd definitely come looking for Olivia in the middle of the night!
Evelyn didn't insist and immediately said, "Then I'll drive you home. I need to see you get there safely to feel at ease."
"Okay."
This time, Olivia didn't refuse.
Half an hour later, Evelyn dropped her off, reminding her, "Olivia, remember to call me if you need anything. Don't bear it all alone, okay? No matter what happens, I'm here for you! If it comes to it... I'll help you take care of Bianca!"
Olivia felt tears welling up and replied, "Okay."
Evelyn waved and quickly left.
Watching her go, Olivia finally turned and went inside.
Michael wasn't home yet.
His frequent absences had become something Olivia was used to.
She didn't pay it much mind and went straight to the bedroom to check on Bianca.
As expected, Bianca was sleeping fitfully.
Olivia quickly changed into her pajamas and climbed into bed, gently cradling Bianca in her arms to soothe her.
Perhaps due to the rain and wind, Olivia felt a chill.
Her head was a bit foggy, and she vaguely heard familiar footsteps outside.
Michael was back!
But he walked right past the bedroom without stopping.
It seemed he didn't care whether Olivia had made it home safely that night.
Olivia didn't have the energy to think too much about it or to be upset. Her discomfort soon pulled her back into a deep sleep.
The next morning, Olivia was woken up by Yara.
She glanced at the time and saw it was already past ten.
Her head throbbed slightly as she rubbed her temples and got out of bed.
Yara was helping Bianca get dressed and spoke up when she saw Olivia, "Mrs. Johnson, Mr. Johnson wants you to come downstairs with Ms. Johnson after you freshen up."
Olivia instinctively frowned and asked Yara, "Is something going on?"
Given past experiences, she doubted Michael's intentions were good.
Yara was about to respond when a child's voice suddenly echoed from outside. "Transformers, attack the monster!"
The voice was familiar.
It was Sophia's son!
Olivia's expression darkened.
He had actually brought that nasty-mouthed Aiden home?
A wave of disgust rose within her, and she ignored Yara's urging, taking her time getting Bianca ready.
Yara seemed anxious but didn't dare to rush her, waiting on the side.
It took about ten minutes for Olivia and Bianca to be fully dressed and head downstairs for breakfast.
Passing through the living room, Olivia saw Michael busy on the couch.
Michael, in his white shirt and black pants, looked elegant and composed, his fingers tapping away on the keyboard, seemingly engrossed in work.
Beside him, Sophia's son Aiden was playing quietly with a model airplane.
Olivia had no intention of engaging.
She hadn't forgotten Aiden's cruel words to Bianca at the funeral.
But Aiden spotted them first and greeted Bianca cheerfully, "Bianca, you're awake!"
Aiden's tone was overly friendly.
It made Olivia's heart tighten.
Aiden was frighteningly good at switching between personas.
Just like his mother, Sophia!
Olivia ignored Aiden, holding Bianca's hand as they headed to the dining room.
Michael looked up, displeased, and said, "Bianca's been awake for a while. Why are you coming down so late?"
Olivia's face remained expressionless as she coolly asked, "What's the matter?"
Michael frowned slightly at her attitude but didn't get angry, "Aiden's been waiting for her. He wants to play with her!"
Olivia's gaze turned icy as she glanced at Aiden.
Aiden blinked innocently and said sweetly, "Is Bianca feeling better? I brought lots of toys today. I want to be her friend!"
Seeing his fake innocence, Olivia felt a surge of repulsion.
If she hadn't witnessed his two-faced nature, she might have been fooled by his act.
Olivia looked away and bluntly refused, "No need. Bianca doesn't like playing with strangers."
Michael's face darkened, his tone cold and angry, "Olivia, must you speak like that? Dr. Anderson advised that Bianca should interact more with kids her age for her recovery. Aiden came here specifically to accompany her. Why crush a child's enthusiasm?"
Olivia's eyes grew colder, her disappointment in Michael deepening.
He rarely showed any real concern for Bianca.
Now, his sudden interest seemed more about pleasing Aiden than genuinely caring for Bianca.
And Aiden's previous insults were unforgettable!
Aiden's act now was suspicious.
She would never allow Aiden near Bianca!
Olivia firmly responded, "Bianca hasn't had breakfast yet. I'm taking her to eat. No time to play."
Aiden didn't seem upset, his voice even more endearing, "That's okay. You can take Bianca to eat first. I'll wait!"
As he spoke, a cunning glint flashed in his eyes.
Michael didn't notice, only seeing Olivia's harsh attitude as unreasonable.
In contrast, Aiden seemed so understanding and well-behaved.
He patted Aiden's head and praised, "Aiden, you're so mature..."
Olivia, seeing Michael's favoritism, chose to ignore it, leading Bianca into the dining room, out of sight, out of mind.