Not a word came from Olivia.
Within the Harvey family, Vernon Harvey stood alone as the one who had ever treated her with real care. Since the day she entered their home as Theo's wife, he had welcomed her as if she were his own granddaughter, and that kind of warmth wasn't something she could ignore.
For a moment, she wavered, then lowered her gaze to her injured hand where blood still seeped through.
Time stretched before she finally spoke in a quiet voice. "Fine."
Once the call ended, Olivia turned around, only to realize Jennifer was already gone from the hall.
A bitter thought crossed her mind. This was the gentle, innocent woman Theo believed in?
That idea didn't sit well with her, and she had no intention of letting Jennifer walk away without consequence.
The following afternoon, Olivia dressed in a cream gown made just for her and made her way to the Harvey family's manor.
As she stepped into the courtyard, her eyes landed on an older man seated by a stone table, dressed in a linen suit while holding a cup of coffee. It was Vernon.
The moment he noticed her, his face brightened. "Olivia! You made it," he said, smiling warmly.
"Happy birthday, Vernon," Olivia said in return.
A hint of discomfort showed as she moved her bandaged hand behind her back, not wanting him to notice.
Without hesitation, Vernon guided her to sit beside him and poured her a cup of coffee with his own hands.
A sip of coffee passed her lips, yet a trace of guilt settled deep in her chest.
Facing Vernon like this didn't sit right with her, since she had already decided to end things with Theo.
Before long, Theo stepped into the courtyard and moved past the gathered guests. The moment he caught sight of Olivia smiling beside Vernon, his expression shifted. Approaching them, he said, "Grandpa, everything's set."
He took the seat next to Olivia and slipped an arm around her shoulders, drawing her in. His hand brushed against her shoulder as if it belonged there.
The softness of her skin didn't go unnoticed.
A shadow passed through his eyes as certain memories surfaced, ones that reminded him how well she fit against him.
No one else came close to her that way. That thought alone settled it for him. Letting her go was never an option.
Olivia tensed at his touch, though she didn't move away.
Leaning closer, Theo was about to speak when his gaze fell on the bandage wrapped around her hand. His brows pulled together.
He hadn't seen that before.
From where he sat, Vernon watched them and let out a quiet breath. "It's been three years since your wedding," he said. "When will I finally see a child from the two of you?"
Heat rose to Olivia's face at once. Her eyes flicked toward Theo, only to catch the look he sent her, a quiet signal for her to go along with him.
Looking down, she let her fingers move along the edge of her cup. "Theo and I haven't made a decision yet," she muttered under her breath.
Without missing a beat, Theo picked it up. "That's right. Olivia wants to focus on her work for now. We'll think about it when the time feels right."
"What are you waiting for?" A sharp edge entered Vernon's tone. "Don't try to fool me. This isn't Olivia's choice. It's yours. You're always busy, or you're chasing after Jennifer. When have you ever truly cared for her?"
Theo kept quiet. All he did was nod, taking the reprimand.
Seeing Vernon stand up for her stirred something in Olivia. Her throat tightened, and her eyes began to sting.
Within this family, only this old man had ever made her feel like she had a place here. If things had turned out differently...
"Vernon, don't be upset," she said in a low voice, reaching out to rest her hand over his.
A quiet sigh left him. "I don't like seeing you treated this way. If he ever crosses the line again, come to me. I'll deal with him myself."
Not far away, Jennifer watched the scene unfold, her grip tightening against the sides of her wheelchair.
Theo once told her that Vernon favored Olivia only because of her accordion skills.
For years, she had practiced that same instrument, all for him. Yet Olivia always ended up in the spotlight.
Pushing those thoughts down, she moved forward, her smile already in place. "Vernon," she called out sweetly. "I've been playing the accordion for years. Since it's your birthday, would you let me play something for you?"
