That Lady’s Stalker - Chapter 45
“Then just get rid of the process! I just want to live with him!”
“What?!”
Olivia managed to make her father grab the back of his neck. She was truly like a runaway colt, charging forward without looking back.
“Get out! Get out!”
Her father’s voice echoed through the study and even into the hallway, causing the butler waiting outside to enter and escort Olivia out.
Once she was gone, her father sighed deeply, as if finally able to breathe. For a brief moment, his face seemed to age, and faint wrinkles appeared.
“Who does she take after with that temper? I can’t handle it.”
“…”
Oliver remained silent. If he was to say she took after their father, he’d surely be kicked out of the room himself. Instead, he buried his face in the papers, pretending to work hard.
“Oliver.”
“Yes.”
“Try to convince Olivia. She’ll be anxious, but your mother and I are in no state to prepare for this.”
His father’s shoulders, which once seemed as broad as mountains, sagged in exhaustion. Oliver cleared his throat, trying to release the tension in his neck as he responded.
“…Yes. I’ll do that.”
* * *
And so, starting the next day, Oliver began going to Olivia’s room instead of the study. Naturally, she was not thrilled about it, but Oliver, remembering his father’s weary face, endured her fiery temperament.
She was blinded by love and was bound to act recklessly, so he had to keep watch over her.
But to his surprise, Olivia, who seemed like she was about to do something reckless, was strangely quiet. Aside from the fact that Asher visited her twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, she did nothing else.
She just furrowed her brow and seemed lost in thought. The atmosphere was relatively peaceful, but Oliver remained on edge. It was clear that, with her silence, she was planning something impossible to control.
By the time the worry on their parents’ faces had begun to fade, Oliver’s nerves were on high alert.
“It’s about time for something to happen…”
Oliver muttered to himself before hurriedly covering his mouth with both hands. Olivia’s piercing gaze felt like it was laced with danger.
“What do you think you’re looking at me for?”
“…I… I can’t say.”
Olivia clenched her fists tightly, shivering before turning around and walking away.
“You’re lucky, Oliver.”
“Where are you going?”
“To Mother!”
Oliver immediately followed her, determined not to fall behind.
“Why are you following me?”
“I’m coming with you.”
“Ugh!”
Angrily, Olivia ran to the room where their mother was, with Oliver desperately chasing after her, refusing to let her out of his sight.
The siblings, who were not accustomed to physical exertion, were out of breath after just climbing one floor, their breaths sharp and heavy.
“Don’t follow me. Go do your own thing now.”
“No.”
Even as they walked quickly, they continued their bickering. As they entered the Madam’s room, their eyes didn’t leave each other, filled with silent glares.
Their mother, Angela, smiled as she watched them.
“You two still get along so well.”
“Not at all.”
Olivia muttered as she sat down across from her mother. The table was already filled with a variety of desserts and tea. Oliver, inhaling the fragrant smells, sat next to Olivia.
Lately, he thought he understood why his mother had been seeking out Olivia more often. It was impossible not to see that she felt the same way about Olivia as their father did. But unlike their father, who was always consumed with sorrow, their mother seemed to have a slightly different attitude.
She appeared proud, perhaps even a little impressed.
Their mother stared at Olivia for a moment, then slowly, but surely, a bright smile spread across her face.
“My daughter, you’ve really grown up.”
“…”
Today, their mother was different. Unlike the usual times when she simply enjoyed spending time with Olivia, it seemed she was about to have a conversation that had been postponed for some time.
Olivia bit her lip hard. Tears welled up in her eyes. She felt guilty toward her mother. Every cry she had let out while waiting for Asher, her mother had listened to. Her mother had absorbed all of her tears.
Without her mother, Olivia wouldn’t have been able to endure those times.
“Liv, I know exactly how you feel.”
Her mother’s voice caught in her throat as she raised her teacup. Her hand trembled slightly as she held it.
“The prince is a good man. He’s pure and kind. Though his hair color might obscure it, that’s an undeniable fact. But Liv, his position is no light matter. Another situation like the last one could happen at any time. Will you be able to endure it each time?”
“…”
Olivia lowered her head, staying silent for a long while. The question her mother had thrown at her was filled with the concern of their entire family. Oliver, who also wished for his sister’s happiness, couldn’t help but worry after watching her suffer.
None of the three sitting at the tea table could easily find their voice.
“…Mother.”
Finally, Oliver spoke, trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere. Olivia had already raised her head and was staring directly at her mother. Her gaze was different from before—strong, resolute.
