Chapter 54 Indeed, There's Nothing to Say
Olivia was at a loss for words after Vaughn's comment. It felt like a lump in her throat, making it impossible to respond.
Just as she worried she might betray her feelings, they arrived at the restaurant. Quickly changing the subject, she got out of the car with Vaughn and Victoria.
The restaurant was bustling, and private rooms required advance reservations. Since Olivia hadn't booked one, they had to eat in the main hall.
Vaughn and Victoria didn't mind. For them, the ambiance was secondary; the important thing was spending time together as a family.
Later, as the dishes were served, Olivia helped Vaughn and Victoria with their food. "This is their signature dish. Mom, Dad, try it. Since you're here, why not stay a few more days? Bianca's in school now, so I have some free time to show you around."
Victoria had no objections.
They hadn't seen Olivia and Bianca for a long time and missed them dearly, so they hadn't planned to leave quickly.
Vaughn didn't say much either, only kept putting food on Olivia's plate. "This is your favorite. Eat more and get your strength back."
"Okay," Olivia responded obediently.
To avoid worrying Vaughn and Victoria, she ate more than usual at lunch. The meal ended on a happy note.
As it was wrapping up, Olivia went to the restroom.
When she returned, she was surprised to see Michael. No, more precisely, it was Michael with his parents, Sophia, and a pair of middle-aged strangers.
If she guessed correctly, those must be Sophia's parents!
The six of them entered, chatting happily, and headed upstairs to a private room.
During this time, she noticed Michael being courteous and friendly to Sophia's parents, smiling warmly—a stark contrast to his cold demeanor towards Vaughn and Victoria. They looked more like a family.
Olivia felt a surge of anger. If they never intended to accept her from the start, why not make it clear instead of repeatedly belittling her? They were truly disgusting!
Olivia was so furious that she was trembling, unable to calm down for a long time.
It wasn't until Victoria called that she managed to suppress her emotions and return to them.
Vaughn and Victoria had finished their meal by then. To avoid them seeing such a hurtful scene, Olivia didn't linger and quickly took them out of the restaurant.
In the afternoon, she took Vaughn and Victoria on a tour, showing them many beautiful sights of Emerald City.
When they got tired, she took them home. Once home, Olivia went to the kitchen to make juice for them.
Vaughn and Victoria were discussing in the living room whether they should visit Michael's family.
"It's rare for us to come here. If we don't visit, it would seem rude," Vaughn agreed. "We should go. When Olivia comes back, we'll have her call."
Victoria nodded. When Olivia returned with the juice, she mentioned it.
Olivia's expression stiffened, and she instinctively refused, "No need, Mom. They're so busy; they might not have time. It's enough that I'm with you."
She had long lost hope with the Johnson family, especially after what she saw at the restaurant.
In Amelia's eyes, Sophia was probably her daughter-in-law. She had been humiliated enough; she couldn't let Vaughn and Victoria endure such embarrassment.
Victoria insisted, "Whether they have time or not is their business. We should at least show our courtesy. If anyone mentions it later, they can't say anything against you."
Olivia felt a pang of hurt.
Vaughn and Victoria were doing this to make her life with the Johnson family easier. They always considered her in everything!
Olivia finally relented, "Alright, I'll call and ask."
Without delay, she took her phone and stepped aside to call Amelia.
It took a while for Amelia to answer, and her tone was unpleasant. "What do you want?"
Olivia spoke calmly, "My parents are in Emerald City and would like to visit. Do you and your husband have time?"
She asked casually, not expecting Amelia to agree, prepared for rejection.
And as she expected, Amelia didn't agree.
Moreover, she used a more disgusting excuse, "Why didn't you say something earlier? I already planned a trip abroad with my friends. If you had mentioned it last night, I could've delayed my flight by a couple of days. But..."
She suddenly changed her tone, adding a mocking edge, "We don't have much to talk about with your parents. They don't understand business or our topics. Sitting there would be awkward! If they were in the same circle, maybe we could discuss some business, don't you think?"
Olivia heard the disdain and superiority in Amelia's words, her eyes turning icy.
She knew this call shouldn't have been made. But it was this call that made her fully awaken. She shouldn't hide the truth from Vaughn and Victoria. She should let them see the true nature of the Johnson family!
Olivia's tone turned cold, "You're right, there's nothing to talk about. After all, we're not on the same level spiritually. My parents have spent their lives educating countless students who got into top universities. They are highly respected and courteous, unlike some people!"
With that, she hung up the phone without wasting any more time.
Amelia was left furious. That damned Olivia, how dare she speak to her like that! She angrily called several times.
But Olivia had put her phone on silent and didn't answer any of them.
"Well? Do they have time?" Victoria asked immediately after Olivia finished the call.
Olivia hesitated for a few seconds, then said directly, "Mom, Dad, there's no need to meet them, and we won't need to in the future. Michael and I are getting a divorce."
They were stunned. Vaughn and Victoria's expressions showed surprise, but it quickly turned to seriousness.
Victoria gently pulled Olivia over and asked softly, "Can you tell me what happened?"
Olivia kept her head down, afraid to see the disappointment in Vaughn and Victoria's eyes, afraid they would oppose.
After all, Vaughn and Victoria were relatively conservative and valued marriage highly.
If she divorced, it would likely tarnish their decades-long good reputation.
But she couldn't bear it any longer, so she spoke, "Michael and I have long lost our feelings for each other. It's reached a point where we can't continue. Divorce is something I've considered carefully, so..."
She didn't say much, only looked apologetic, "I'm sorry, Mom, Dad. It's my fault for causing you trouble."
Vaughn and Victoria didn't immediately respond. After a while, Victoria said, "Lost feelings? I think Michael has another woman."
It wasn't a question but a statement.