Before the meeting, Olivia put on some makeup for a healthier complexion. Looking at the flurry of snow out there, she wrapped herself up in layers of clothes for warmth. After chemo, her physical functions, which included her immune system, had deteriorated, and her body was as brittle as glass. She had to test her complete blood count for the ratio between her red and white blood cells every two days. If the ratio dipped below average, she would need to take medicine to boost it. Otherwise, her life would be in danger if she caught any illness because of how she was immunocompromised.She'd rather be safe than sorry and pick warmth over style. After touching the thinned hair at the back of her head, she carefully put on a black beanie.Keith wasn't keen about Olivia going out and protested, "Olivia, you're not in a condition to leave home. You did the complete blood count test yesterday, and your ratio is below average. As your leading physician, I'm responsible for your health
Olivia lifted her head with a sarcastic smile on her lips. "What a smart question. Did you forget that you were the one who wanted a divorce?"He ignored her jibe and inched closer with a threatening air. "Were you with him for the past few days?"At the close distance, she noticed the iciness in his bloodshot eyes, and his face contorted into an aggressive scowl. She flatly denied, "No. He dropped me off because it was hard to get a cab on a snowy day."Ethan smirked. "Olivia, don't you know that you always stare upward when you're lying? You haven't changed that habit at all. Did you suddenly agree to the divorce after one year of dragging your feet, all because of that man? Did you vanish and leave behind your dad because of him too?"Olivia did not bother to cook up an excuse, knowing that it'd only be an insult to Ethan's intelligence and make herself look guilty. She swiftly steered the topic of conversation, "That's not important. Let's get the divorce over with."He gr
Thankfully, Olivia did not fall over because Kelvin pulled her at the last minute. She noticed Ethan standing not far away, apathetic. He was unconcerned about her condition. But again, he might have mistaken her action as an attempt to gain his pity. Given his hatred toward her, she wouldn't expect him to care. It was Kelvin who inquired with concern, "Mrs. Miller, are you okay?""I'm fine. It's probably low blood sugar." Olivia hurriedly made up an excuse before following behind Ethan. The garden was covered in white after a night of snowing. The housekeepers were nowhere to be found, so no one was there to clear the snow. The short walk from the car to the house made her pant. Fighting against the wind and snow, Olivia craved the warmth indoors. Ethan stood by the door with a smirk on his face. "I have to give it to you. Your acting has improved."Back then, in order to keep him by her side, Olivia had used up all ideas, including crying and throwing threats, which she n
Ethan could easily crush Olivia's dainty ankle in his grasp. He bent over her and slowly inched closer. Her terrified face and her aversion only fueled his desires. Her heart pumping wildly, she roared at him fearfully and furiously, "Keep your filthy paws off me! I don't want you touching me after you've slept with another woman!"However, he quickly shut her up with a kiss. Her eyes widened, and she shook her head relentlessly to free herself. His hand traveled under her neck to hold the back of her head, forcing her to look up at him and receive the punishing kiss. His crisp breath was sickening to her, especially when she remembered that he might have kissed Marina before this.Olivia mustered all her energy to shove him away and started heaving by the bed. When she was done, she noticed Ethan glaring at her with a grudgeful look. She said unflinchingly, "I told you not to touch me. You're filthy!"Ethan was simmering in anger. Olivia's puking was an instant turn-off, and
By keeping her diagnosis a secret, Olivia was making a bet with herself. If Ethan still loved her, she'd turn her death into her revenge against him. Even when she was dying, she wanted to make sure that he carried the guilt with him forever. However, if Ethan did not love her anymore, it would be pointless to inform him about her diagnosis. Not only would she humiliate herself, but it'd also give Marina a good laugh.With that in mind, Olivia left the bathroom and went downstairs. Madam Burgess had laid out a feast with many of her favorite types of food. Olivia invited Madam Burgess to dine with her. The lady wiped her hands on her apron and served Olivia some soup. "Here's some fruit soup that Mr. Miller specifically asked me to make for you. I told you that he still cares about you, didn’t I?"The dishes were a little on the heavier and spicier side than what Olivia preferred. She erred toward the opposite of Ethan's palate, who preferred bland dishes. In the past, they a
It had been so long since he called her "darling." Hearing that stunned Olivia, and she lay still in a daze. She didn't know how much he had drunk to get to this state. He was behaving as if they hadn't argued. He pulled Olivia into his arms. Enclosed in the heat of his familiar embrace, Olivia almost could not control herself.Struggling to remain rational, she reached out to push him away but Ethan stopped her, took her hand, and brought it to his lips. His warm lips gently brushed the back of her hand as he muttered, "Where did you go? I looked for you for so long."Olivia couldn't hold back her tears. It seemed that she was set to spend all the tears she had that year. Fighting her tears, she asked, "Weren't you the one who pushed me away?""Nonsense." Ethan held her tighter, drunkenly kissing the back of her ear. "The person I love the most in my life is you. How could I bear to push you away?"Pushing him away, she said, "Ethan, take a good look at who I am."The lights we
Why did things have to turn out like that? Olivia wanted to return to the carefree life she had two years ago."I'm here. I'm here," he repeated tirelessly.Olivia knew that his tenderness would only last a fleeting moment, and she should keep a distance from him. Yet, she couldn't help wanting to hold onto that tiny, remaining shred of his warmth.She wondered how good everything would be if he were still himself.When Ethan woke up at dawn, he felt someone in his arms before even opening his eyes. Despite all the alcohol he had last night, he figured that nothing would happen to him. His alcohol tolerance was high and he had great self-control.He didn't dare to open his eyes. He had a splitting headache and no recollection of what had happened the night before. It was only after mentally preparing himself that he gave in and opened his eyes. Upon seeing Olivia in his arms, he sighed with relief. However, upon recalling their current situation, he had the urge to shove her off
The bathroom door forcefully flew open, startling Olivia, who was picking up the last strands of her hair. Watching him nervously, she said, "Hey—"Before she could finish, her eyes were attacked by the sight of Ethan's bare, muscular chest. Even though they had spent countless nights together in the past, it made her uncomfortable after not seeing him for over a year. She quickly averted her gaze.Soon, the shadow he cast and his unique scent enveloped her as he approached. Olivia instinctively cowered and stared at him warily. "What are you doing?"Ethan slowly bent over her, his deep, dark gaze eyes falling upon her as he asked, "You said you were sick. How sick?"Olivia didn't know how to feel meeting his inquisitive gaze. His eyes were devoid of mockery, disdain, and aloofness; he genuinely wanted to know about her illness.At this moment, Olivia was conflicted. She suddenly had a thought: if she told Ethan now, would he feel even the slightest bit guilty for what he had done