Chapter 49: I’m Not Afraid of Getting Dirty
Olivia suddenly regretted impulsively running out like this.
She should never have let the past influence her. After all, she was no longer the Olivia of five years ago.
Realizing this, she blinked and answered coldly, “I… am perfectly fine!”
Her melodious voice took on a slightly husky undertone.
Nathan furrowed his brow. His deep-set eyes were as unfathomable as the night. She did not look like someone who was ‘perfectly fine’ to him.
“Why did you suddenly run out?” he asked, his tone laden with inquiry.
Olivia’s heart was constricted. She lowered her lashes, concealing the emotions swirling in her eyes. “There’s no reason. I just suddenly wanted to feel the rain.”
She did not anticipate the rain to leave such an unpleasant feeling.
Olivia chuckled, but the smile did not reach her eyes. Instead, her eyes were tinged with bitterness. Still, she suppressed her emotions, trying to appear carefree.
After a laugh, she rose from the ground, acting as if nothing had happened.
The scrapes on her knees and arms, now mingled with rain, sent tingles of pain through her. Her eyebrows slightly furrowed, and her complexion paled, but she feigned obliviousness, saying, “I probably startled Liam when I ran out suddenly. I’ll go back and check on him first…”
After uttering this, she turned around and strolled back slowly.
The rain persisted. The wind added to the frailty of her silhouette, making her appear even more fragile.
Yet, her footsteps were resolute, and each step was more determined than the last. She no longer stumbled like she did a moment ago.
Nathan remained rooted in place, watching the transformation unfold before him. His eyes were enigmatic, resembling the unfathomable sea. His features were concealed in the shadows, and the emotions on his face remained elusive. However, tumultuous emotions stirred within the depths of his gaze, incomprehensible to others.
The person before him had once been so fragile that she needed to seek refuge under his wings. Five years ago, he had forced her to spread her wings. Now, she possessed the ability to mend herself. Despite her petite frame, she could soar independently, no longer seeking his protection.
A peculiar sense of resentment suddenly surged in Nathan’s heart. After a prolonged pause, he rose slowly and followed her once more.
When the two returned to Beverly Hills, Liam was still anxiously awaiting them.
Seeing Olivia, Liam rushed over and embraced his mother’s legs. His voice quivered. “Mommy, you finally came back. Why did you suddenly run away? You got caught in the rain; you’ll get sick!”
Seeing her son’s distress, Olivia felt remorseful and swiftly squatted down to reassure him. “I’m fine. I’m sorry for scaring you, and I promise not to do it again!”
She then pulled Liam away. “My clothes are all wet. Don’t touch me. You’ll get dirty!”
Liam was unconcerned. He shook his head, saying, “I’m not afraid of getting dirty…”
Then, noticing her bleeding knee, he gasped, “Mommy, you’re hurt!”
Olivia whispered, “Don’t worry. It’s only a minor fall, nothing serious. Shall we… go home?”
Her voice was slightly hoarse.
Liam’s eyes welled up with tears. He exclaimed anxiously, “No, you’re injured. Mr. Valtor said wounds will get infected if we don’t treat them promptly. We must go to the hospital first to see the doctor. Then, we can go home.”
He immediately turned to Nathan, who was standing nearby. “Dad…”
Nathan remained silent but approached them with a grave expression.
He knew Olivia’s temperament well enough to know she would be unwilling to go to the hospital. So, as he approached, he bent down and swiftly scooped her up in his arms.
She was lighter than he had imagined.
Furrowing his brow, the man continued walking toward the house, reminding Liam, “Come inside.”
