Chapter 96

"Olivia, Olivia, are you okay?"

"Mommy!!!"

She heard their distant voices, slowly fading away.

*******

"Chester" she whispered, opening her eyes.

"You're awake. How are you? How are you feeling?"

"Please tell me Harlow is dead"

"Nope, but she has been arrested"

She sighed, turning her face away.

"What now? Look here, she can't escape this. I'm going to take this very seriously. We are reopening your case and Harlow will be sent to jail for attempted murder twice and many other stuffs about her that we're yet to find out" he assured.

"Thank you. Where are the kids? Are they okay? Did they witness the incident?"

"Are you feeling any pain? Do you need some help?"

"Chester, you are ignoring my question"

"I apologize. They are with Gemma and yes, they had to witness a little of it. I'm sorry"

"Where did you go so early without informing me?"

"We got the wrong information or rather, they fooled us. I stepped out to meet Aldo, I guess they planned it this way. Luckily, we were able to get a piece of new information about Harlow's visit. Didn't expect her to come with a gun, talk more of pulling the trigger"

"She looked like she was experienced. She didn't miss her target, not one bit"

"It's over now. I promise to pro...."

"No, don't make any other promises, I'm tired of hearing them. It's heartbreaking seeing your promise crumble before my eyes"

"I understand and I'm sincerely sorry....."

"Hey, it's fine. You don't have to apologize, okay?"

He relieved a sigh and took her hands. "I love you, Olivia and I'm never going to leave you" he expressed and kissed her palms softly.

"Sure, let's see how long you can hold on to your words"

"Olivia!!!" Gemma screamed out, running into the room with Trent and the kids.

"You arrived here so fast" Chester observed

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry this happened to you"

"Come here, babe. I missed you" Olivia expressed.

"You did not call as promised"

"There was no time to do that"

"Oh my God! I was so worried that I thought I'd lose you. You are and will always be a strong woman. Thank you for staying alive"

"The Doctor said she can be discharged today"

"Perfect! You will spend the night at my place, I will prepare your favorite, we will...."

"Gemma" she whispered, stopping her.

"What?"

"We were wrong. Chester is innocent. Harlow is the real....."

"No! I don't believe you"she cut in.

"Wait, listen to me. It was all planned out by Harlow"

"Let's talk about this when you're out of here, for now, I will pretend I did not hear anything you said. You are spending the night and coming days in my house, period!"

"Gemma, you're not listening to me. Give me a listening ear at least"

"I know you love Chester, I know you have always loved him but you're different now. You are not the Olivia he knew. This present Olivia sitting next to him belongs to me and she will have to do whatever I say"

She wore a smile. She had always loved how Gemma owned her and treated her like her daughter. "Yes Mom, but"

"No buts!"

"Mom" a soft little voice called out.

"Ouuu! My princess. Adrian and Aryan, come say hi to Momma as well. I'm alive"

"Thank you for staying alive!" Adrian expressed, hugging her tightly with wet eyes.

"Mom is the strongest woman I know" Aryan whispered.

She nodded as tears flowed down her cheeks. "She is. Come hug her as well"

After about an hour, Olivia was discharged and they were all prepared to leave.

"How long have I been unconscious?" She asked as she leaped to the car.

"48 hours"

"Really?" She turned and asked Chester, who was assisting her as she leaped.

"It was a whole lot trying to bring you down to New York but I'm glad it worked out smoothly"

"Come on! You are President Chester, things always work out for your good. How are you, Trent?"

"Oh, I'm great. It's so good to see you again"

"Gemma looks healthy. Thank you for taking great care of her"

He smiled.

"Gemma" Chester called out in a low tone, holding her hands. "I know the version of me that exists in you and I'm sorry you got it all wrong from the start. I know it may look like I abandoned her and replaced her with her best friend but I do hope we can talk more about this over a cup of coffee"

"I don't want to listen to whatever you have to say. It's easy to fool Olivia using her emotions but not me and no, I do not have issues with you because Olivia told me about you. I dug up some facts Olivia won't wish to hear. Let's make this easier for both of us, leave" she commanded.

"Babe" Trent whispered.

"Are you even human? After all these years, how did you get the guts to stand before her and try to have her back? Oh, our ride is here. Olivia, let's go"