Chapter 156

Olivia

The months after Nathan left were filled with both expectation and loneliness.

My pregnancy advanced, and my belly swelled, reminding me daily of the life growing within me.

I decided not to find out the gender of the baby. In fact, even though I began to have suspicions that I was carrying twins instead of a single child, I refused to let the doctor tell me the details. Just as long as the little life—or lives—inside of me was healthy, that was all I cared about.

Angela said that I was being avoidant. Maybe I was, but I didn’t care. It was my decision, and it was a decision that I was sticking with.

But it was Levi who became my rock during that time.

After realizing that my belly was growing too rapidly to be able to keep up with cleaning and maintenance on the villa, I had invited him to live with me. I not only needed help around the house, but I also found myself craving the company.

We became good friends, confiding in each other, sharing laughter and, sometimes, tears.

It was clear to both of us that our relationship was purely platonic. I had made up my mind to be a single mother and support myself once the baby was a few months old. Levi was just there to lend a hand, nothing more.

And yet, despite the friendship and the preparations for my new life, I couldn't shake the lingering thoughts of Nathan.

I would catch sight of him around town, his tall frame always standing out in a crowd, his eyes distant and sad. My heart ached every time, wishing that he was with me, that we hadn’t had to push each other away.

“Olivia, are you listening?” Levi's voice broke through my reverie one day as we were shopping at the supermarket.

“Huh? Oh, yes, sorry, Levi,” I stammered, tearing my gaze away from the window where I had spotted Nathan coming in earlier. “What were you saying?”

“Just asking if we should get the Brie or the Camembert,” he said, his eyes narrowing slightly as he followed my gaze to the window. “Everything alright?”

“Yes, I’m fine,” I said, forcing a smile. “Let’s get the Camembert.”

We continued our shopping, but my mind was elsewhere, replaying the image of Nathan’s face over and over again. He had looked so sad.

Was it because of me? Or was it something else?

My thoughts were interrupted when I turned a corner and found myself face to face with him.

“Hey, Olivia,” Nathan said, his voice guarded. “Hello, Levi.”

“Hello, Nathan,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “How have you been?”

“I’ve been well,” he said, his eyes flicking to Levi, and something dark and angry passed through them.

“That's good to hear,” I said, glancing at Levi, who was watching Nathan closely. “We’ve noticed how hard you’ve been working. The harbor is really coming along, isn’t it?”

Nathan nodded, and we engaged in small talk about the harbor and the town. But I could feel the tension in the air, and when I told Nathan that Levi was living with me, I saw his face harden.

“Long time no see,” Nathan said to Levi, his voice cold.

“Levi is living with me now,” I said, hoping to explain, but Nathan's reaction was immediate and visceral.

“I… I guess I just didn’t expect you to move on so quickly,” he blurted out, his face pale and angry.

“Nathan, I didn’t mean to—” I began, but he cut me off.

“I wish you well, Olivia,” he said, his voice filled with something I couldn't quite place. Betrayal? Disappointment? Anger? “I really do.”

And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, my heart pounding, my face flushed with confusion and pain.

“What was that all about?” Levi asked, his brow furrowed.

“I don't know,” I whispered, watching Nathan's retreating form. “I wanted to explain that we’re just friends, but he didn't give me a chance.”

“Do you want to go after him?” Levi asked, his eyes on my face.

I shook my head, tears stinging my eyes. “No. It’s his fault for not sticking around to have a real conversation.”

We continued shopping, but my mind was a whirl of confusion and emotion. Why had Nathan reacted that way? Was he jealous? Angry? Immature? Or just disappointed in me?

As we left the store, I glanced over my shoulder, and our eyes met. Nathan looked really sad, and something inside me broke.

“Olivia, are you sure you're okay?” Levi asked, his voice filled with concern as he helped me into the car.

“I'm fine,” I said, forcing a smile. “Just a bit shaken, that's all.”

But deep inside, I knew I wasn’t really fine. Nathan’s reaction had stirred something within me, a longing and a regret that I hadn't felt in months. I wanted to reach out to him, to explain, to reconnect.

But I also knew that it was too late.

As the car pulled away, I looked back at the store, my eyes searching for Nathan, but he was gone. The realization hit me hard, and tears welled in my eyes.

He was gone, and there was nothing I could do to bring him back.

As Levi pulled out of the parking lot, I leaned against the window, my thoughts a turmoil of emotion and longing.

The future loomed ahead, filled with uncertainty and fear. But I knew that I had to face it alone, without Nathan, without the man I had once loved although I refused to admit it.

Levi reached over and squeezed my hand, his eyes filled with understanding and compassion.

But as much as I appreciated his friendship, I knew that it was a poor substitute for what I had lost. I gently tugged my hand away, forcing a fake smile.

“I’ll be okay, Levi,” I whispered, more to myself than to him. “Don’t worry about me.”

And with that, I turned my face away from the window and focused on the road ahead, knowing that I had to move on, even if my heart was still with Nathan.

But in the quiet moments, when the house was still and the baby kicked inside of me, I couldn’t help but wonder what might have been if things had been different, if Nathan and I had found a way to be together.

That night, Levi and I made dinner as usual and set the table to eat. The house was filled with the aroma of roast chicken, fresh vegetables from the garden I had started out back, and steaming rice. Music played softly on the stereo to fill the silence.

“Man, these zucchini are enormous,” Levi said, inspecting the pan containing the chicken and vegetables as he pulled the tray out of the oven. “I don’t know how you do it, Liv.”

“Olivia,” I corrected with a gentle, but tense, smile. I didn’t let anyone call me ‘Liv’ anymore. That nickname was reserved for two people: my father and Nathan, and neither of them were here.

“Sorry,” Levi said, placing the tray down on the stove.

Suddenly, I heard a knock on the door. Levi and I exchanged confused glances.

“Who could that be?” I asked, making my way to the door.