A/n : 6.4k+ words ... I hope you will like this chapter too ... Do votes guyss and PLEASE FILL IT WITH COMMENTS 🥺.

Olivia's P.O.V.

My smile suddenly fades as I remember his words.

You can’t even walk. Why should I love you ?

I always used you for your reputation and money, Olivia.

My heart clenches as his words echo in my ears.

It’s been months, yet the wound caused by his words remains deep.

I feel a hand on my chin and look up at William.

He looks at me gently, with utter tenderness.

"Still stuck in that phase, huh?" he asks softly.

I meet his gaze, and before I can stop myself, the tears start filling my eyes. My heart clenches, and I feel weak—too weak to hold back the truth I’ve been avoiding for months.

"I loved him, William," I mumble weakly, my voice trembling. It’s the only thing I can say. The truth I’ve been carrying, heavy and painful. I loved Lucas with everything I had, and he crushed it all. And still, somehow, I can’t let go of him.

In a second, I’m pulled into his warm, strong arms, my face buried in his firm chest, while he hugs me tightly, as if our lives depend on it. I can feel his heartbeat, steady and strong, unlike mine, which is all over the place. His warmth surrounds me, and for a moment, I let myself breathe in it.

"I know, I know," He mumbles softly, "If a girl can fight with her loved ones for a person then, there shouldn't be a doubt in her love."

My sobs intensify as I hear his words, "S-Still, h-he left m-me- W-Will-liam- I w-was- s-so s-sad-"

His arms tighten around me as he says, "You don’t deserve someone like him, Olivia," His words are soft, "Not everyone deserve love, Lia and he is one of them."

His hand gently stroking my hair. His words are calm, soothing, and each one sinks into me like a lifeline. "He didn’t deserve your love. Someone better—more loving, more caring—is waiting for you. I know it."

I close my eyes, trying to believe him, but it’s hard. The pain is still fresh, like a scar that refuses to heal. I hear a ring of his phone. But, he immediately declines it, without even glancing at it.

"Life is unpredictable, Lia. It's full of surprises. You can't say what's going to happen next. You can only be prepare for it. And it's all Life. Love, Heartbreaks are the part of it." He says, calmly.

"Every sorrow has an end.. after every dark night a new morning definitely comes... all that is needed is to make yourself strong. Trust me, Olivia, a beautiful life is ahead. You just need to pass this phase. The phase of sadness, the phase of darkness and then you will see, Life is beautiful."

Tears still rolling down as I hiccup hearing his words.

"Someone who’s more handsome and kinder," he continues, his voice so tender, "someone who’ll love you the way you deserve to be loved. Not for your money, or your reputation, but for you."

I can feel myself breaking, but at the same time, something inside me softens. His words are gentle, like he’s trying to fix what Lucas shattered.

His hand still brushes through my hair, and I can’t help but relax into his touch, the calmness of his voice washing over me.

"And trust me, Lucas is already paying for what he did to you," he says, his voice dropping slightly. "Mason and Michael—they’re making his life hell. He and James... they’re not getting away with anything."

I let out a shaky breath. A part of me feels some twisted sense of satisfaction knowing that Lucas isn’t just walking away from this untouched.

But another part of me, the part that’s still clinging to what I thought we had, hurts more.

Because none of this changes the fact that I loved him, that I believed in him. And he lied.

"They are really making them pay for everything they did. Even Dylan", he chuckles, "Even that boy is furious. He literally beat James red and blue. And about Lucas, Mason is taking care of him properly."

I don't know how to feel about it—relieved, guilty, or both.

“It’s good you found out the truth now, before you wasted any more time on him," William says, his voice still calm. "You’re strong, Olivia. You’ve survived worse, and you’ll survive this too."

I stay silent in his arms, listening to him as my sobs quiet down. His phone rings again. He curses under his breath before switching off his phone.

He reaches up and wipes the tears from my cheeks, his touch so soft, like he’s afraid I’ll break if he presses too hard.

"You’ll find someone who loves you for who you really are," he whispers, his eyes full of a quiet confidence. "Someone who sees your strength, your beauty, everything that makes you, you."

I swallow hard, trying to keep the tears at bay. He’s right. I know he’s right. But it still hurts. It’s like the wound is too deep, and no matter how much I try to move on, it keeps pulling me back.

"Well, it’s still too soon to talk about life and love," William says with a slight chuckle, trying to lighten the mood. "You’re only 16."

16 ? Only 16 ?

I can’t help the bitter laugh that escapes me.

It doesn’t feel like I’m 16. I’ve lived through too much—more than I ever imagined.

Abuse.

Separation from my brothers.

The accident that left me disabled.

The constant criticism, being abandoned by my parents. I had so many friends once, and now... now I’m alone.

From being independent to feeling like a burden, from loving Lucas with everything I had to becoming his ex.

From being confident and self-assured to doubting everything about myself, even my own reflection.

From self obsessed girl to the girl who tried to end her life once...

I’ve seen too much of the cruelty this world has to offer.

I feel like I’ve aged years in just a few months. The insecurity, the way I used to love myself so easily... and now? Now I’m someone I barely recognize. Someone who even tried to end it all.

What’s left in this cruel world ? Life, is truly unpredictable. I sigh softly, lost in my thoughts.

Is anything still left ?

Author's P.O.V.

She sighs softly, lost in her thoughts.

William notices her drifting, her mind somewhere far away, and he sighs too.

He knows she’s still holding back, still too afraid to share her deepest pain with him.

And isn't it obvious ? If anyone were in Olivia's place, they would feel the same. Trust takes time and patience.

It isn't easily gained. The trust Olivia had in William—he lost it. It’s not something that can be won back easily.

And William knows that.

He understands he has to be patient.

She’s not ready yet, and he’ll have to earn her trust again.

It’ll be a long road, but he’s not going to make the same mistake of letting her go this time. He knows what he has to do now—he will stay by her side, forever if that’s what it takes. If it means taking a bullet for her, he would do it without hesitation.

Breaking the heavy silence, William decides to lighten the mood. "By the way, you still didn’t give us a breakup party, did you ?"

Olivia blinks, snapping out of her thoughts. Her brows furrow in confusion. "What ?"

"Yeah, your first breakup !" William says, grinning playfully. "It at least deserves an ice cream, don’t you think ?"

She stares at him, still confused but too tired to argue. She shrugs slightly. "Okay, I don’t mind."

"Good," William says, suddenly lifting her up in his arms without warning. Olivia gasps, startled by the sudden movement, but he smiles down at her. "Let’s go."

With Olivia still in his arms, he carries her to the car, leaving her wheelchair behind for the guard to handle. He places her gently into the passenger seat, making sure she’s comfortable before getting in himself.

As they drive off to the ice cream parlor, there is something Olivia feels inside in her heart.

First time in a while, she literally felt peace. Peace after crying her heart out.

Don't know about breakup party, but this peace actually deserves an Ice-cream treat.

<<°>>~<<°>>

As they enter the ice cream shop, William gently guides Olivia’s wheelchair toward the counter.

The bright display of ice cream tubs comes into view, and Olivia’s eyes instantly widen. Her eyes sparkle seeing the beautiful colours of the flavours of Ice-cream -- creamy chocolate, rich vanilla, caramel swirled with chocolate chips, mint, strawberry, and even cookie dough.

She feels a sudden craving. Her eyes lighting up like a kid in a candy store. The rows of smooth, cold scoops look incredibly tempting.

Her heart flutters with excitement, but before she can speak, William beats her to it.

"One american nuts and one cookie dough." He orders.

Olivia's lips curve into a small, surprised smile.

He still remembers.

"Do you want anything else ?" He asks her to which she shakes her head.

"Ok then, let's go." He pushes her towards a window side table.

He carefully maneuvers her chair into place before settling into the seat across from her. Olivia is unusually calm, her thoughts not racing as they usually do. She scrolls through her phone absentmindedly, her mind finally feeling still for the first time in what feels like forever.

But as peaceful as Olivia seems, William is anything but that.

His heart has been restless for days, weeks even. There’s something that’s been weighing heavily on his mind, a question that has troubled him for too long. He leans back in his chair, his brows furrowed slightly, and he watches her for a moment before deciding to speak.

"Olivia", he calls her softly.

She looks up, slightly startled by the tone of his voice. “Huh ?” she responds, her voice quiet.

He hesitates for a beat, then asks, “You thought I chose Hazel over you ? That’s why I left ?”

Olivia's eyes widen while she freezes in her spot. She feels her chest tighten, and for a moment, she considers lying, brushing it off, but what’s the point ? There’s no use in hiding it anymore. She sighs, and after a moment of silence, she nods.

William’s face falls, his eyes wide with shock as he rubs his face tiredly. “Oh, fuck,” he mutters under his breath, frustration bleeding into his voice. He lets out a heavy sigh before meeting her gaze again, his expression pained. “That’s why you hate her, isn’t it ?”

Olivia doesn’t say anything, but her silence is all the confirmation William needs. He leans back, closing his eyes for a second as if trying to absorb the weight of her belief.

He knows, somewhere inside in his heart, that the reason his sister hates his wife is because of him. But he wasn’t sure until today.

The way Olivia always spoke rudely to their wives, the way her jaw clenched whenever they scolded her for it—it all makes sense now. Deep down, she believes their partners replaced her in their hearts. She thinks they left her because of them.

But is it her fault ? No.

She’s just a kid who was easily manipulated by their parents.

She's just a kid who found it hard to share her brothers with anyone else.

“Oh God, Olivia... no,” he says softly, his voice almost breaking. “I love you both. I could never choose anyone over you.”

Olivia lowers her eyes, but William leans forward, speaking more firmly now. “Yes, I love Hazel. She’s my wife. But that doesn’t mean I left you. I love you too. If she is my wife, you are my child. Do you understand ? A man doesn’t choose between his love and his child. You both are important to me, and I swear, I would die before choosing one of you over the other.”

Olivia looks in his eyes. Her eyes glistening with tears. Bitterness rises in her throat as she glares at him with her teary eyes, “I heard you told her you could leave everyone for her... but never her for anyone.” Her voice is soft and wounded.

William blinks, surprised at her words. The accusation in her voice is something that troubles his heart.

He knew since childhood, she was always possessive of them. The idea of sharing her brothers with anyone sets her off. But look at fate—the very thing she was possessive over was snatched away from her for four years.

Along with their parents manipulation, they also watered the seed of misunderstanding in her heart, by not paying attention to her.

If they had paid attention, they would have noticed the growing jealousy and misunderstanding building inside her little heart over time. But they always assumed she was just being rude to everyone because their parents were spoiling her. They believed their parents' way of raising her had turned her into a rich, spoiled brat.

So whenever they found her speaking rudely to Hazel, Sophia, or anyone else, they thought it was their parents' influence and thoughts coming through her. It always killed them to see their soft, golden-hearted princess slowly turning into someone like their rude and arrogant mom.

He shakes his head and sighs, "That’s because she was insecure at the time"

She frowns, "W-Why ?"

"Mom and Dad made her feel like she was going to lose me, like she’d be alone again. She never wanted to make me choose between her and you. She was thinking I’d pick you guys over her, and it terrified her. Trust me, Lia, she wanted me to choose you guys. And she is still guilty. She still thinks that our family broke because of her. She is still blaming herself. She never said it, but I could feel it. But, that time her thoughts were eating her raw. Her overthinking was on the edge.” His voice soft but clear.

“That’s why I told her I’d leave everyone for her, to make her feel secure, but I never meant I’d leave you all behind. I never really left you, Olivia. I wanted to take custody of you all after leaving the Hernandez mansion, but it wasn’t possible back then. I left the house because I thought Mom and Dad were going to be there for you. But Hazel was alone. I couldn’t let her face that.” He looks down, tiredly.

Olivia remains silent, her heart feeling heavy but lighter with every word he speaks.

William reaches out, his eyes locked on hers, voice pleading “Even after I left the Hernandez Mansion, I never stopped knowing what was going on in your life. I knew everything about your school life, your friends, everything that is happening outside the house. But I didn’t know about what was happening inside the house. I didn’t know you were hurting so much.”

His voice cracks, and he takes a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. “I was wrong, Olivia. I’m so sorry. I should have been there. I’m sorry you ever thought I’d choose anyone over you. It’s my mistake. Not yours, not Hazel’s. Mine. And I should’ve cleared this up with you a long time ago.”

Olivia’s eyes begin to water as she listens to him, his words breaking through the barriers she had built around her heart. She swallows the lump in her throat, trying to keep her emotions in check, but it’s no use.

William’s voice grows firmer, more determined. “Keep this in your head, Olivia. I could never choose between you. I love each one of you. I’d die before I’d let any of you think otherwise.” He pulls out his hands slowly.

Olivia looks in his eyes trying to find the lie or doubt in his voice but the only thing she found was a determination. Before anyone could say anything, the waiter arrives with their ice cream, placing the bowls on the table.

Olivia silently thanks the universe for the distraction, blinking away the tears that had begun to well up.

She stares at the ice cream for a moment, her thoughts still spinning, but calmer now.

William watches her closely.

He wanted to enjoy this ice cream with a light heart, but once again, he ruined the moment. He sighs, annoyed at himself for bringing up the topic again. But it was necessary. It was necessary to clear the doubts in her mind, to let her know they never stopped loving her. It was necessary to tell her before she starts thinking otherwise and harms herself.

He snaps out of his thoughts when he hears a phone ring from another table. He looks outside and realizes it's getting dark.

He sighs, a peaceful and light-hearted icecream day will be some another day, then.

"It's getting dark, let's go now ?" He asks her softly, as he watches her eating her last scoop. She nods her head.

As they step inside the house, they find Hazel pacing around the living room, glancing at the clock repeatedly. They exchange confused looks and shrug their shoulders.

"Haz," he calls out.

Hazel snaps her head in their direction, taking a breath of relief before stepping toward them.

"Where were you guys ? It's been hours. Will, At least pick up a call or send a message. You have no idea how stressed I was when both your phones were off. Even Ethan is on duty tonight; otherwise, I would've sent him. She's a kid, William—you're supposed to be the mature one. She hasn't even taken her night medicine." Hazel suddenly gasps, turning to Olivia, "Did you eat anything yet ?"

Olivia stares at her, frozen in place.

"Tell me, did you eat?" Hazel asks again.

"Ice cream," Olivia replies softly.

"And ?" Hazel raises an eyebrow, waiting for more.

Olivia looks at William, but he just shrugs his shoulders.

"Don't tell me you didn't eat anything else." She narrows her eyes at the duo.

The usually unruly mouthed Olivia suddenly feels her tongue tied and just shrugs her shoulders.

Hazel snaps her head toward William, and his eyes widen comically in response.

She glares at him harshly, "You didn’t give her anything to eat ? Seriously, Will ? She has to take her medicines after dinner, and she hasn’t even had dinner yet. Look at the time, Will. It’s already 9:30. She’s probably tired from traveling, probably hungry. And the only thing you fed her is ice cream ? Seriously ? You didn’t even pick up the phone, and you didn’t feed her anything. I’m so done—"

"Calm down, Darling" He holds her elbows, gently.

Olivia stares at her with wide eyes, slightly shocked. The always sweet sister-in-law has this side too ?

William speaks up, "I was actually getting calls from one of my clients, and I didn’t want him to disturb the time I was spending with my sister, so I switched off my phone. Sorry, I should’ve messaged you."

Hazel sighs, "And what about Dinner ?"

He nervously chuckles, "I kind of forgot—" His eyes widen when he sees the glare his wife is throwing at him. "But i-it's her fault too."

He quickly adds, pointing toward Olivia, who widens her eyes in shock and disbelief.

"What ? My fault ?"

"Obviously. If I forget, you could've reminded me, but no, you only wanted to eat ice cream—"

Olivia stares at her brother with a look of betrayal.

"Stop blaming the kid, Will," Hazel glares at her husband again.

"But I am not-"

"You are, Will. You just blamed her infront of me, right now." She accuses him, folding her hands on her chest.

"Y-Yeah- but that's because she did forget-"

"You are blaming her again for something that's your mistake," she says sternly.

"But-"

Olivia lets out a laugh at William's helpless expression. The panic in his eyes as he sees the glare from his wife amuses her. It's genuinely funny to her to see the fear in her brother's eyes when looking at his wife.

Their heads snap towards her, and their eyes soften. William looks at his sister with adoration; her laughter is the only thing he wants to hear. His heart warms at the sight of her smile, while Hazel's eyes slightly glisten as she sees Olivia laughing freely after a long time. They exchange glances and nod their heads slightly.

"I am warning you, William. Take her outside and enjoy your day. But before that, inform someone. And most importantly, make sure she has her meals." She narrows her eyes at him, speaking in a mock stern voice.

William gasps, continuing his act. "You are warning me ? Excuse me ?"

"You are excused, mister. Now, accept your mistake and—"

"But it's not my mistake-"

"Sshhh, I am done with you. Come into the kitchen. Let's go, Olivia." She says, gently pushing her wheelchair toward the kitchen.

She could argue with her husband all night just to see her sister-in-law's precious laughs. But it’s already late, and they really need to eat something—especially Olivia.

William looks at his wife and his sister with admiration and adoration. This is what he wants ! His wife and his sister's bonding.

He knows this is just the beginning and that there’s still a long way to go, but for starters, he is satisfied. He trusts Hazel to find her way into his sister’s heart. He just had to clear the misunderstandings in his sister's heart, and he did that. Now, he trusts Hazel to build that bond with her again.

Shaking his head with a soft smile on his face, he follows them to the kitchen.

"Look, what I made for you, Olivia everything is your favourite." Hazel announces with a bright smile.

She gestures towards the counter, where an array of colorful dishes awaits them.

"We have your favorite creamy mac and cheese !” she exclaims, lifting the lid to reveal a cheesy, bubbling dish topped with golden breadcrumbs. “And look, I added extra cheese just how you like it !” She says with a soft smile, "These are your favorite honey-glazed carrots and Brussels sprouts,” she continues, her voice bubbling with joy, "And lastly, for dessert, I baked your favorite chocolate cake-" She continues, with her excited grin.

But as Hazel beams, Olivia can’t help but feel a pang of sadness. She sits quietly in her wheelchair, staring at the feast in front of her. Her heart heavy with memories of the times she was and is rude to Hazel.

As she now knows the truth, she feels guilty. Guilty for being rude to her. Guilty for being harsh to her. Guilty for blaming her. Guilty for everything she did.

Even after being so unkind to her, she is still trying to make her happy. She is still caring for her. She is still loving her. She is still so kind to her.

Does she even deserve her kindness ? No. Absolutely not.

Maybe that's why God is punishing her.

She has read somewhere that the children who have no one are the children of God. Maybe that's why God is angry with her, because she hurt His child, and maybe she deserves everything that is happening to her.

"Olivia, where are you lost ? Do you need anything else ?" Hazel waves her hand in front of her eyes.

Olivia stares at her.

"Tell me if you want to eat anything else; I will make it—"

"Hazel." Enough of living in guilt. She can't control the guilt that is continuously growing in her heart.

Hazel turns, her smile brightening even more. “Yes ?” she replies cheerfully, but as she looks into Olivia's eyes, her expression falters. The sight of tears welling up in Olivia's eyes dims her smile, concern immediately flooding her features.

“Sorry,” Olivia mumbles, her voice trembling.

Hazel crouches down infront of her, concern etched across her face. “Why are you apologizing, Olivia ?” she asks softly, her brow furrowed in confusion.

"I am Sorry, Hazel." She looks down, "I was always rude to you." she begins, her voice breaking slightly, "You were always kind to me, but I was s-so rude to you. I always hurt you with my words. I’m so sorry I even wished at some point that W-William should l-leave you. I always blamed you for something you never did. I am so, so sorry. I don't d-deserve your kindness, Hazel."

Tears spill down Olivia’s cheeks as she looks into Hazel’s eyes, filled with sincerity and regret.

William watches everything from behind. His heart heavy with emotions especially guilt.

Hazel’s heart aches for her. She immediately wipes her tears, "Sshhh, calm down Olivia, you deserve everything. You deserve the world, Olivia. And, stop apologizing, it's not your fault, you have every right to hate me. Because of me, William has to l-leave. Infact, I am so-"

Olivia immediately shakes her head in denial, "No, Hazel. It's not your fault. Not at all. It could be Mom and Dad's fault, it could be William's fault, it could be my fault. But it can never be your fault. Neither you nor Sophia. Stop blaming yourself."

A lone tear escapes from Hazel's eyes as she looks at Olivia.

Olivia gulps down a lump, "I remember the day William introduced you as his girlfriend to the family. No one made you feel welcome in the house, especially Mom. I'm so sorry for everything, Hazel."

She holds her hands, "I was just so immature back then. I was j-jealous that now William wouldn't l-love me like before. That I wouldn't be able to share a bed with him like before. That I wouldn't be the only girl in his life anymore. That he wouldn’t give me his full attention. All those thoughts clouded my mind, Hazel. They made me rude to you without realizing how wrong I was. It must have been so hard for you—and I just made it harder. I'm so, so sorry, Hazel. Please forgive me."

Hazel immediately wraps her hands around her.

"M-Mom told me that W-William left b-because of you and th-that just ignited the fire inside me- I am even rude to Sophia too b-but she is a-also always kind to me. Because of my i-immaturity, I-I h-hurted you guys-"

"No... It's not your immaturity, Olivia. You were only 12, not even a teen. Of course, you would feel angry toward someone who you thought took your brother away from you. If I had been in your place, I might have felt the same. It's not your fault, not at all. Please stop saying sorry." Hazel caresses her hair and rubs her back, comforting her.

Olivia calms down eventually.

William wipes away a stray tear on his cheek, a soft smile forming on his face.

They pull away from the hug, and Olivia says, “William didn’t tell me why Ethan and Sophia left, but now I’m starting to think they must have had their reasons too.”

Hazel sighs, squeezing her hands and looking into her eyes, “They do, Olivia. But I guess they’ll tell you when they’re ready.”

Olivia sighs too.

"Olivia…" Hazel calls out, a bit hesitant this time.

Olivia raises an eyebrow, "Huh ?"

"I will never interfere in matters between you and your brothers. It’s totally up to you when you decide to forgive them. I just want to share a few things I’ve noticed over these months, Olivia," Hazel says, looking back and forth into Olivia’s eyes.

Olivia looks quiet unsure but still nods her head, indicating her to continue.

"All of you are suffering, Olivia. Jack, Noah, Michael, and Mason too. It feels like everyone is fighting their own demons in silence. I’m not trying to guilt-trip you or anything, but I just want to say, look at them once. You’ll see that they’re suffering with you." She says softly.

"Look in their eyes, Olivia, and you’ll realize that their apologies aren’t out of pity, but because they’re recognizing their mistakes. I don’t want to bring this up, but Mom and Dad were unfair to them too. They grew up without parental love and care as well."

Something stirs in William as he hears this. A realization hits him hard.

"I'm not telling you to forgive them so quickly, but I want you to actually see their efforts. I want you to see how desperate they are to talk with you—"

"I was desperate too, Hazel. I was also once desperate to talk to them, but back then, I was alone," Olivia interrupts her.

William stares at his sister and can tell that she's stressed. At this point, he doesn’t want her to worry about anything so, he decides to intervene.

"Guys, enough talking. I’m starving," he says, making them aware of his presence.

Hazel was about to say something, but William subtly signaled her by shaking his head slightly.

"What did you cook, Hazel ? The fragrance is pulling me toward it," he says, smoothly diverting the conversation.

Getting the signal, Hazel immediately puts on a smile. "I made all of Olivia's favorites," she says, glancing at Olivia before asking, "You still haven't told me if you want anything else. I can prepare it now."

Olivia, not noticing the shift in the conversation, quickly shakes her head. "Nuh-uh, it's already so much. I’ll be stuffed."

William chuckles, "Then what are we waiting for ? Let’s dig in."

And with that, they start eating.

After eating, Olivia heads toward her room but halfway through, she hears William’s voice. She doesn’t intend to eavesdrop, but her curiosity piques.

“Thank you, Hazel,” William says softly.

Hazel interrupts him immediately, "What are you thanking me for ?"

He sighs, "Olivia was right. You and Sophia suffered so much because of us. But neither of you ever complained. You’ve handled my family as if it’s your own. You took care of my sister like she’s yours. Thank you for everything."

Hazel interrupts him again, "Will, do you know I always wanted to become a mother ?"

William’s eyes soften. "Haz, we—"

"Sshhh, Will," she cuts in, "Let me finish. I always wanted to be a mother, but now, I already feel like one. My heart aches every time I see tears in Olivia’s eyes. It hurts me whenever I see any of them sad. I feel protective over them, Will. I wanted a family, and God has given me such an amazing one. I would do anything for them. I don’t need thanks for that. They’re my own."

William feels overwhelmed, his eyes glistening with tears as he gazes at his wife with admiration.

Hazel softly asks, "Do you remember when you promised me you’d never leave me ?"

William nods slightly. She smiles gently, "I promise you, too, I’ll never let this family break. We will bring our old Olivia back soon, William. I promise."

William immediately pulls her into a hug, and they find comfort in each other’s embrace.

Olivia, her eyes watering, thinks to herself, "I hope you can bring my old self back, Hazel." She mumbles this and quietly heads to her room.

Hazel decides to lighten the moment.

"You are the real pookie, Will." She says, ruffling his hair.

He frowns and pull out from the hug.

"What ?"

"Pookie", She grins.

"What that means now ?" He groans in annoyance.

"That's gen-z term, you won't understand." She smirks.

He narrows his eyes, "You know these gen-z terms too ?"

She rolls her eyes, "Obviously, Mr. Hernandez. I am not boring like you. I am active on social media unlike you."

He made a 'O' face but then before he could think anything else, he says, "Then what does Benching means ?"

Hazel's head snaps towards him as her eyes are widen in shock, "Who told you all this ?"

William's eyes widen too seeing her so shocked, "I heard that somewhere, but I think it's maybe some positive word. So, if I am a pookie, then you are my ben-"

"Shut the fuck up, William", She snaps at him, "I am not anything like this."

"What ? Why ?" He looks at her confused.

"Benching means", She looks around and lowers her volume a little, "In Gen Z terms, "benching" refers to a form of dating behavior where someone keeps another person as a romantic option without fully committing to them."

His eyes widen like a saucers.

"Essentially, they 'put them on the bench' like in sports, staying in touch and occasionally flirting but not moving the relationship forward. This person isn't the main focus, but they're kept around as a backup option in case other romantic pursuits don't work out."

"What the fuck ??" His mouth wide open in shock.

Hazel chuckles at him.

"S-Sorry-"

She pulls his wrist with her towards their room, "It's okay, it's okay... Let's go, now"

<<°>>~<<°>>

Olivia's P.O.V.

[ Next Day ]

How have you been, pretty Hernandez ?

I smile looking at the message.

I am fine... What about you, Rocky ?

I type and not even a second later, he replied back.

Rocky 😈

I am fine but I am actually missing you.

You

Why ? I mean you're talking like we used to hang out all the time and then suddenly I just left you 😅🤣.

Rocky 😈

Lol 😹 !!! I mean College life is boring without fighting with you.

I roll my eyes at that. Typical Rocky !!

You

Ha ! Very Funny ! 😑

Rocky 😈

Since Childhood, darling 😉

You

Shut up 🤫

Rocky 😈

Okay ... Okay... Calm Down... But seriously, pretty Hernandez, what's going on with life ?

I sigh.

You

I don't know, Rocky... Whatever the Doctor said that day, I felt as if I might not be able to walk again.

Rocky 😈

Bullshit !!! Since when you started listening to these people ? You are that girl who makes everyone listen to her words, you don't listen to anyone else's words.

I let out a chuckle.

You

That was Old Olivia, Rocky.

Rocky 😈

Oh Shut up !!! I know you can walk again. I know you will walk again. And you know what, you have to walk again because I am really missing you right now. I am missing my number one Enemy so fucking much. So stop overthinking, and trust me, you will walk again !!!

Everyone has so much trust in me, but what will happen if I am never able to walk again ?

Rocky 😈

By the way, I have sent you a gift... when you get it, let me know if you liked it, ok ?

I frown.

You

Gift ? For what ? Why ?

Rocky 😈

Because I wanted to. Stop questioning now. And listen, I am going now, I have some work. Talk to you later, Pretty Hernandez, Byeee 💓.

Before I could reply, he went offline.

God, Why did he send me a gift and who gave him the address of the farmhouse ?

"God, please, don't give him any wrong ideas... I don't want him to get attach to me. In the end, it will only hurts him. Please God, I don't want to give him any false hopes." I sigh rubbing my face, tiredly.

But I flinch slightly when someone barges through my door.

My head snaps towards the door, only to groan in annoyance upon seeing none other than my annoying brother, Jack.

"Who were you talking to?" he raises his eyebrow.

"God," I simply answer him.

He makes an 'O' face in understanding before coming towards me.

"Let's gooo."

Now, it's my turn to raise an eyebrow, "Where ?"

"We are playing a game," he grins.

I roll my eyes, "I am not interested."

He smirks, "And who told you I was asking for your permission ?"

Before I could even realize what he was implying, he comes near me and lifts me up in his arms without warning, making me gasp.

"Noooo... Please... Leaveeee meeee," I groan, struggling in his grip.

He starts walking towards the living room with me still in his arms.

"Oh dear little sister, we are here to enjoy our holidays, not for staying in the room," he says.

"Jack, be careful," I heard Ethan's voice, and I looked in that direction, only to see all of my family members sitting in a circle, with some space between Hazel and Ethan.

Jack gently places me beside Ethan, then settles himself beside me, positioning himself between me and Hazel.

"So, let's start the game... Here's the bottle, and we're playing Truth or Dare—" Before Michael can finish, I interrupt him.

"I'm not interested," I say, frustration evident in my voice.

"Please, Olivia... Let's play. It's been so long since we've done something like this with the whole family," Mason, who's sitting in front of me, says with a smile.

"Not my fault," I roll my eyes.

"Olivia, it'll be fun... Please, let's play," Michael pleads as well.

"No, I don—"

Before I can finish, Sophia cuts me off, "Please... Olivia."

I glance at her. Her eyes are practically begging me to stay. I look around and see everyone staring at me expectantly, with a hope in their eyes.

Something stirs inside me. I don't want to break their hopes.

I sigh, "Ok"

All of their faces light up.

"Okay then... You all know the rules," Michael says excitedly. "The lid side will ask the question, and the bottom side will give the answers... I'll spin the bottle. Let's start the game !"

To Be Continued...

I wanted to write more here, but this chapter is already so longggg, so I have to stop here...

Don't worry, the next chapter will be all about family bonding—no tears, just laughs...

Preview : Truth or Dare game or maybe a starry night with Ethan...

A little question : Do you guys want to see any other bond here ? I mean bond other than Olivia in it ? Like any brotherly bond or brothers bond with sister-in-law ? Or maybe any couple moments ? Or maybe any friendship ? Tell me if you guys want this...

I'm so sorry... This chapter is kind of longggg because I was confused about where to stop, lol 😹.

Tell me... What do you guys think about William and Olivia moment ?

What about Hazel ?

And Rockyyy ?

Don't forget to Vote and Comment.

I will meet you guys soon till then stay safe, take care and Love yourself ❤️.

Byee Byee ... Luv ya 😘.

Published : 30 September 2024.

Total words : 6478 words 😁.