"I love it you guys. Thank you!" She praised them for their generosity even though deep down she could feel their slight disappointment. Olivia was in less spirits and wanted nothing to do with the rest of the evening and longed to sleep. She could not believe what had just happened. The watch, notepad and new airpods she could believe had happened.

"I think I'm going to go to bed. I want to be alone. Laura please close the bathroom windows this time okay," she instructed making her way to her room. Jayden was not pleased with his own actions and sought consolation from Willy. Everyone else did.

"She was starting to believe you were really taking her out on a date you know." In half disappointment and embarrassment, Willy expressed her intentions and awaited outcome she hoped for after the alleged date. Olivia was going to be happy with Jayden and that was for sure. But his heart was with someone else.

Olivia hesitantly attempted but was certainly not in the mood to wrestle with her inner demons on whether to sleep with or without her clothes on. They were so comfortable that she wanted to sleep in them instead of the light bed. She stared at her slightly blurred reflection on the mirror behind her door and let down a tear. At its falling, she responded speedily and wiped it off. Her dress fell slowly like a feather blown by a soft breeze onto the floor and moved her feet out of it. She tiptoed back in bed in her shorts and over-sized t-shirt. Closing her eyes, her conscious awakened to attend to its duties. It reminded her of the days she had feared the most.

Four weeks after the break-up

Its done. I am completely decided on this. We are going to leave this place and Josephine along with it. Living with your publisher is not the best suit you can use to cover your dignity as a person. She promised to give me a cut of my final payment so I can find myself a place to live. I should have accepted the offering extra hands before all this happened. I cannot do everything on my own. I have learned that now. I genuinely wish Toby was here to tell me what to do. No texts, calls, DMs, emails or snapchats from him. I have been ghosted. He is probably married by now.

So the lease has been signed and we are proud owners of a new home and it is more comfortable than being watched and criticized for every step I take. I do not blame them. I look and feel miserable. Willy is sleeping and I have to finish this chapter before going to bed. The neighborhood is full of noise. It is in the middle of the city after all. Men are drunk and sing their hearts out and women accompany them with their loud harmony. It is official, I miss Toby. I'm angry with him but I miss him. I grab my phone right next to the laptop and call him. Shit I have no idea what to say.

"Hey love sorry Olivia," he says in a low tone as one in distress.

"Are you okay? You don't sound alright." I have no idea what I am saying right now. My head is spinning

"Can't study. Just that a lot has happened sin..since you left and I-" He was stammering making my heart sink in pain.

"Toby you are going to get through this okay. I know the exams are around the corner but don't beat yourself up. We'll get there."

"Thanks. Is that why you called?"

"Actually I just wanted to tell you that I miss you and I will forget everything you did to me just so I can be with you."

"Olivia?" He calls out breaking off the silence.

"Um sorry I just called you to ask when I can give you back the ring."

"I only want it on your finger. How about we meet up this Saturday and you can give it to me then."

"Steers?"

"Yeah."

It's not a date. Don't get too overexcited!

Present day

Knock on the door.

"It's Jayden."

Olivia woke up involuntarily and put on her tracksuit and found Jayden waiting for her at the door. She already assumed his intentions and walked him out to go and get himself a taxi.

"I'm really sorry Olivia I didn't mean to let him spoil your night like that. He sounded very keen to meet you and Carrie pressured me to it."

"So it is true about the both of you?"

"Carrie and I? Yes. We just started seeing each other and I didn't want to cause any further complications since you and Toby aren't a thing anymore." He was very apologetic. His voice was sincere and spoke nothing but the truth.

"I can't believe I thought you wanted me all this time," she was no longer embarrassed about her mixed feelings and they were both in the 'speak nothing but the truth' phase.

"I did- I do. I just-"

"You do?"

"I can't Olivia. I've always loved you but I guess there comes a time when someone has to move on and I'm doing that with Carrie."

"You ready for the responsibilities brought by the baby Jay?"

"Still adjusting to the situation and I'm sure I will get there. She really misses you Olivia. Give her a call sometime."

"I will."