In the eighth year of her companionship with Rome Olson for his treatment, Ophelia Olson learned that his long-lost love was returning.
The quiet loft was filled with a soft night breeze.
After their seventh session, Ophelia lay limp in his arms, her body nearly dehydrated. Her mind was foggy until Rome untied her wrists, his voice deep and low: "Amber’s coming back."
Ophelia snapped wide awake.
Amber Bishop, as Rome called her, was his first love and the root of his emotional turmoil. Years ago, Amber had left the country without a word, leaving Rome with severe emotional issues. On the advice of his doctors, the Olson family chose Ophelia to be his companion and aid in his recovery.
To keep up appearances, they adopted her as a foster daughter. Over time, her role shifted from companion to something far more intimate.
Noticing how pale she’d gone, Rome added casually, "She’s not in the best health. I don’t want her getting the wrong idea."
"I understand, brother. I’ll move out soon," Ophelia replied, her lashes fluttering.
Finally, the day had arrived. She was free.
The place she lived in was actually Rome’s private residence, specially remodeled by his family for his comfort—and it had once been Amber’s home. Ophelia had only moved in to help with his recovery. With Amber back, Rome’s condition might improve on its own, and Ophelia was no longer needed. It was time to go.
"I’ve already had my secretary find you an apartment on the West End. You can stay there for now," Rome said with satisfaction, sliding an arm around her waist. His cool fingers brushed her cheek. "Didn’t you say you wanted some jewelry? Just tell me what you want, and I’ll make sure you get it."
"Three hundred thousand," she said. "Just give me three hundred thousand."
Her bluntness didn’t surprise him; he just lifted an eyebrow. "Our Ophelia’s growing up. A little spending money never hurts. As long as you behave, whatever you want, you’ll have."
With a soft chuckle, he pulled her closer. "Don’t worry. You helped heal me—I can’t do without you. The therapy part might end, but you’ll always be part of the Olson family. I’ll look after you forever."
Ophelia frowned slightly, swallowing her discomfort. She held back from shoving him away or letting her decision slip.
Just then, Rome’s phone buzzed.
"Mr. Olson, Miss Amber’s flight is about to land. Will you be picking her up?" The driver’s respectful voice came through.
A gentle warmth flickered in Rome’s eyes, and without missing a beat, he said, "Send me the location—I’m on my way."
Ending the call, he tucked a stray lock of hair behind Ophelia’s ear, murmuring, "Be good, Ophelia. I’m off to bring Amber home. She’s wonderful—you’ll definitely like her."
As he left, Ophelia retreated to her room. Soon, an attendant came upstairs and efficiently cleaned up the small loft’s mess.
Ophelia began packing her things, ready to leave the residence for good. She posted some gifts for sale on a secondhand marketplace, wiped her fingerprints from the apartment, and told the attendant to toss the lavender sachets she’d made for Rome.
"Miss Olson, didn’t you make these specially for Mr. Olson? Are you sure you want to throw them away?" the attendant asked, stunned.
Ophelia shook her head. "Yes, toss them. Mr. Olson won’t be needing them anymore."
Rome had trouble sleeping because of his psychological issues, often keeping her up through the night. No matter how she begged, he wouldn’t ease up. To help him sleep, Ophelia had learned old home remedies and crafted the sachets. But now, with the person who had kept him awake coming back, those sachets were useless.
Maybe as compensation, Rome’s promised transfer came through right after she finished packing.
"Get yourself whatever you like."
Staring at the transaction notice, Ophelia let herself smile—a light, carefree smile. What Rome didn’t know was that this three hundred thousand was meant to mark the final end between them.
Right then, Kenia Burke’s call came through.
"Sweetheart, are you really ready to come back to the countryside with me?"
"Aunt Kenia, I am. Mom’s gone, and my reason for staying here is long gone too. Besides, I want to see Grandpa for Mom’s sake," Ophelia said, gently touching the only thing her mother had left her—a small keepsake. She was filled with resolve.
She had no intention of moving to the West End.
She had put up with so much, at first for her mother’s sake. She’d taken on the role of companion in Rome’s house, bowing to circumstances because of her.
Her mother had passed away just a week ago. The moment it happened, the idea of leaving the city and going back to the countryside took root.
Ophelia remembered her mother’s story—how she’d been coerced into following Franco Adams to the city. She died wishing she could’ve gone back, desperate for one last look at her own father.
With Amber’s arrival, Ophelia now had a powerful reason to finally leave.
On the other end, Kenia’s voice was heavy with worry. "But won’t the Adams family try to hold you back? Even a washed-up businessman like Franco might refuse to let you go…"
"They won’t, Aunt Kenia. Without Mom, there’s nothing left they can use against me. I’m set on going back to the countryside."
Ophelia was sick of a life of compliance, dependence, and being a stand-in.
The glamorous front outsiders saw was nothing but numbness and disgust to her.
She ended the call, grabbed a cab, and left Westhill Residence, the road lined with winding oaks.
Her thoughts drifted back to when she was fourteen, just arrived at the Olson family.
Back then, the Burke family’s money troubles had pushed Franco, desperate for any advantage, to use her as a bargaining chip. She’d resisted until he threatened to cut off her mother’s medical care.
She’d had no choice but to join the Olson family as Rome’s companion.
As fate would have it, that very day, Rome’s Collie went berserk. Ophelia risked her own safety to pull him from the dog’s jaws.
Afterward, Rome looked her over, saw the resemblance to Amber, and said three words.
"I want her."
From that moment on, she was no longer just the Adams’ illegitimate child—she became an adopted daughter of the Olson family and a stand-in for Amber.
Throughout Rome’s treatment, she showed unfailing patience, even when his emotions swung wildly after Amber left. His possessiveness and control were terrifying; even stepping away for a second could set him off.
Over time, his dependence on her grew.
Eventually, he indulged her every whim.
The social circles buzzed with stories of his devotion, everyone assuming she was deeply in love with him too.
But no one knew that even if the prince held half the city in his hand, he still couldn’t treat others as equals.
Ophelia went back to her old apartment and stored her belongings there, knowing Rome would soon figure out she wasn’t moving to the West End.
But getting out from under Rome’s influence was the most important thing before she left.
Besides, with Amber back, even if Rome noticed, he probably wouldn’t push too hard.
The next afternoon, she visited an art exhibit to pull her submissions.
The exhibit manager was shocked. "Miss Olson, are you sure you want to withdraw from this show? This opportunity is incredibly rare."
"No need," Ophelia said.
Backing out would delay Rome realizing she was leaving.
The manager hesitated. "But if Mr. Olson finds out…"
"It’s fine. He’ll agree."
After all, his focus was elsewhere now.
Sure enough, not long after leaving the exhibit hall, the manager called back. "Miss Olson, your withdrawal request was approved by Mr. Olson, though he didn’t realize it was yours."
