Chapter 8: Daddy, You Upset Mommy
Olivia glanced up at Nathan, her expression calm and indifferent. She gently patted Liam’s back, speaking softly, “I’m sorry for what others have said to you. It’s my fault… but he really isn’t your dad. You’re mistaken. Come back with me, okay?”
Liam stood still, stunned, staring at her in disbelief. How can this man not be my daddy? he thought. He had hugged Daddy just last night, and he didn’t dislike him—on the contrary, he had felt very fond of him.
“Be a good boy,” Olivia urged, letting go of Liam as she stroked his head gently, comforting him.
Nathan observed the scene from nearby, and he felt his anger dissipate. Instead, a sense of confusion washed over him. This was something he had never seen before. He had encountered many sides of Olivia—timid, cautious, anxious, and angry. He had witnessed them all.
But today, he was seeing a new side of her—dominant, indifferent, and yet tender only in her dealings with Liam. She had changed, and it was clear she was no longer the woman he once knew.
Nathan’s eyes darkened, his gaze fixated on her, as though trying to unravel the mystery of her transformation. Olivia, seemingly unaware of his scrutiny, remained determined to take Liam away.
Liam, sensing the tension, looked up at her with a trace of disappointment in his eyes. Still, he was perceptive enough to understand there was conflict between Olivia and Nathan. That was why she refused to acknowledge Nathan as his father.
He rolled his eyes and, after a moment’s hesitation, gave in. “Mommy, I’ll go back with you… I’ll have Mr. Valtor pack up right away.”
Liam then turned to head back toward the villa. As he passed Nathan, he unexpectedly hugged his leg, clearly reluctant to leave. Olivia saw this and pretended not to notice, keeping her focus ahead.
Soon, Liam and Mr. Valtor returned, and Olivia led them out of Carter Manor without a backward glance.
On the way to the hotel, Olivia sank back into her seat, utterly exhausted. The sleepless night, the long flight, and the emotionally charged encounter with Nathan had drained her. Now that she could finally relax, the weight of her fatigue hit her hard.
Mr. Valtor noticed her weariness and appeared apologetic. “I’m sorry for bringing William here without your consent, Ms. Olivia. When we return, you can punish me as you see fit.”
“Never mind. It’s not your fault,” Olivia replied with a wave of her hand, dismissing his apology. She knew Mr. Valtor wouldn’t have acted against her wishes unless her son had persuaded him. Liam knew he was in the wrong and immediately began to play coy.
“Mommy, please don’t be angry. It was my mistake,” he said with exaggerated sincerity.
“You’re admitting fault? That’s a first!” Olivia teased, clearly not angry, as she flicked his forehead lightly with her finger. She could see right through his act.
Liam, sensing he had gotten off lightly, grew bolder. “Mommy, why did you lie? That person is obviously my daddy, right? Didn’t you say… children shouldn’t lie? Adults should set a good example, too!”
Olivia was caught off guard. She had wanted to deny it, but the intensity of his gaze made her pause. She couldn’t bring herself to speak. Instead, she rubbed his head helplessly. “You’re still young. There are many things you don’t understand.”
“I do!” Liam replied earnestly. “Since you won’t let us reunite, Daddy must have done something wrong to upset you, Mommy! Since that’s the case, I’ll keep my distance. The most important thing is that you like me, Mommy…”
With that, he snuggled closer to her, wrapping his little arms around her. As Olivia held Liam in her arms, she felt a warmth that soothed her weariness, but an indescribable loneliness lingered, a void she couldn’t quite fill.
