Chapter 48: Memories of the Past
Olivia suddenly found herself questioning whether she was in reality or a dream. A suffocating sense of despair kept rising within her. She felt cold, unable to stop her body from trembling.
Liam, sleeping in her embrace, suddenly woke up at that moment. Opening his eyes, he immediately recognized his mother. He rubbed his sleepy eyes and looked around.
Unable to recognize his unfamiliar surroundings, he asked softly, “Mommy, where are we?”
Olivia seemed dazed and did not respond.
Liam was perplexed by the silence and observed his mother with concern. He instantly noticed something was wrong with her.
“Mommy, are you cold? Why are you trembling?”
Liam touched her face and hands, realizing they were freezing. He felt anxious and asked urgently, “Mommy, what’s wrong?”
At this moment, Nathan approached the car, holding an umbrella. He opened the door. Seeing Liam and Olivia, he asked, “Are you awake?”
Liam was relieved to hear his father’s voice. He said urgently, “Daddy! Look at Mommy… something’s not right, she’s shivering…”
Nathan leaned in and switched on the overhead light. The car’s interior was instantly illuminated, revealing Olivia’s pale face and vacant expression.
“What’s happened?” Nathan asked softly.
Liam shook his head and replied, “I don’t know. She was like this when I woke up and didn’t respond when I called her.”
Nathan furrowed his brows and dropped the umbrella. He gently patted Olivia’s face. “Olivia?”
His cold hand on her skin snapped Olivia out of her daze. She turned and met Nathan’s inquisitive gaze.
Olivia felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her. Even though five years had elapsed, and despite her concealing her emotions well, certain memories still pierced through her composure in such a vulnerable moment.
Unable to control herself, she pushed Liam to the seat beside her, opened the car door, and dashed into the rain.
“Olivia!” Nathan was caught off guard by her actions. He was stunned momentarily before hastily standing up and shouting at her.
“Mommy!” Liam was also taken aback. He sat anxiously in his seat, wanting to follow Olivia, but Nathan stopped him.
“Stay here and wait for me,” he instructed before swiftly chasing after Olivia.
Liam called after him, “Mommy is terrified of rainy days. Daddy, please bring her back…”
Olivia continued running along the road.
The icy rain pelted down, drenching her entire body. Her long hair stuck to her face, making her appear increasingly disheveled. Still, she did not stop.
She kept running, hoping the rain would wash away the chaotic thoughts in her mind.
Unfortunately, she had run too fast on the downhill slope of the road in high heels, causing her to twist her foot accidentally. In an instant, she lost her balance and tumbled to the ground.
Her knees and hands scraped against the rough pavement, immediately breaking the skin. Blood seeped out, only to be washed away promptly by the rain.
The pain finally pulled Olivia back to her senses.
She sat on the road, feeling like she had lost her mind.
How did I suddenly lose control like this?
It’s only a similar rain. Why did it bring back those memories?
It’s all in the past!
It has been five years!
She heard urgent and steady footsteps approaching her from behind. Soon, Nathan had caught up with her.
He stood before Olivia, slightly out of breath. His white shirt and black trousers were soaked, yet he remained composed. Water dripped from his short hair, but he appeared unfazed by the rain.
He crouched down slowly, locking eyes with Olivia, and asked in a deep voice, “Are you all right?”
Olivia glanced up at him.
In the night, his figure seemed to merge into the shadows. Under the dim streetlight, his face was barely discernible, but his tone conveyed subtle concern.
Suddenly, Olivia found it somewhat amusing.
Why would Nathan be worried about her?
Five years ago, he did not even give her a second thought, deeming it unnecessary.
So, what changed five years later?
