Olivia's POV

After all these years of holding in my emotions, I’ve broken down like a faulty dam. I’m shaking violently, just like the other day, and I feel weak to my core. I never imagined a piece of art could have such a powerful effect on a person. Slumping to the floor in defeat, I let the tears take over.

Salt-ridden tears stream down my pale face, each one stinging for every year I’ve suffered. I barely register Freddie handing me a tissue before pulling me up from the floor to the chair in the corner of the room. It takes a while to calm myself down; I take steady breaths every so often, though hiccups take over for a while. Eventually, it passes.

When I look up, Freddie’s eyes burn into mine, filled with equal parts sadness and regret. “Talk to me.”

I drop my gaze to my knees. “I don’t—”

“Olivia,” Freddie says softly, slipping his hand under my chin and gently lifting it. His hand is warm against my cold skin. “Talk to me.”

With a downhearted sigh, I give in. “I just never expected... something like that to... to have such an effect on me.”

“If you’re saying you don’t want my idea to be our piece, I won’t be offended. You don’t have to beat around the bush.” Freddie’s eyes stay locked on mine, but I feel the need to explain.

“No, your piece is beautiful! It’s better than anything I could’ve done myself. I... I have no words to explain it...”

I trail off, unsure how to articulate my feelings. Freddie moves closer, his warmth radiating around the room, swirling aimlessly in the air.

“I thought it was personal,” he says softly. “Something we could both pour our emotions into. It’s not something I’m particularly good at, generally. So, tell me, what’s the real reason you broke down like that?”

I hesitate, but his voice is gentle, coaxing. “I... I’ve never really... faced my problems or showed my emotions. I’ve always thought my parents left because I wasn’t like them. I’ve lived most of my life believing I wasn’t... good enough.” My voice cracks, and I choke on the last two words.

“Olivia,” Freddie says firmly, his tone laced with conviction. “Anyone who’s ever told you that you’re not good enough isn’t worth your fucking time. Anyone who’s made you feel worthless? Ignore the shit out of them. You might not believe it now, but someone will come into your life and make you feel worthwhile again. For me, that person was Mason. It’s only a matter of time before the same happens for you.”

His words hit me like a tidal wave, dissolving me into a fresh set of tears. Freddie has a way with words I never knew about, one I doubt anyone else could replicate. Behind his tough exterior, he’s one of the kindest and most selfless people I’ve ever met.

I just wish other people could see it.

Freddie squeezes my hand in moral support. His grasp is strong, steady, grounding. But then, suddenly, a strange sensation shoots through me like a bolt of electricity. Both of us abruptly pull back, startled.

Tingles run down my spine; I’ve never felt anything like this before. Judging by Freddie’s expression, his wide eyes and the way his chest rises and falls rapidly, he felt it too.

Neither of us speaks. We just sit there, staring at each other, trying to figure out what the hell just happened.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Author’s Note: Sorry for the shorter chapter! I still hope you enjoyed it. I’m really starting to love Freddie, he’s such a good person beneath that exterior. Make sure to vote, comment, and follow for more!