Chapter 59
While on their way home, Tyler received a phone call from Naomi. They were still holding hands, but the moment Olivia heard Naomi’s voice, she immediately withdrew her hand, as if shocked.
Tyler sensed her nervousness as she pulled away but didn’t look at her. Instead, he gazed down, recognizing her unease.
Naomi sounded cheerful on the phone, “Tyler, it’s my birthday tomorrow. I’d like to come home to celebrate, what do you say? Staying in the hospital is so dull, and I really don’t want to spend another birthday here.”
Olivia hadn’t realized that tomorrow was Naomi’s birthday. She clenched her. teeth, trying to shrink into the background as much as possible.
Tyler didn’t reach for her hand again, allowing her to sit there quietly. He replied to Naomi, “Your health might not handle it. There are many bacteria outside,
after all.”
But Naomi persisted, sounding somewhat coquettish, “Just do it for me this one time, Tyler. It’s agonizing being in the hospital. Consider it my birthday wish.”
He thought for a long time. “We should discuss this with your parents.” Naomi was well–prepared. “They’ve already agreed. They said to ask you.” How could he say no to that? After her plea, he agreed, “Alright, I’ll make the arrangements.”
Naturally, Naomi was thrilled with his decision. “Great, thank you, Tyler.” She continued chatting for a bit before they hung up.
Tyler then glanced at Olivia, who was sitting beside him.
She asked, “I–Is it Naomi’s birthday tomorrow?”
He replied softly, “Yes.”
“I can’t believe I forgot.” In truth, it wasn’t that she had forgotten. They hadn’t been communicating much, so her birthday had simply slipped her mind.
“I’ll get her a gift,” she mumbled to herself.
The moment they had held hands earlier now felt like an illusion.
Tyler remained silent, offering no response.
The following day, Olivia headed to the mall in the morning to purchase a gift for
Naomi. She wasn’t quite sure what to get her but ultimately settled on a bracelet after checking out various stores.
Almost immediately after, she received a call from Naomi, who asked her to come home. Naomi was dressing up and couldn’t decide what to wear. She wanted Olivia’s opinion.
Upon entering Naomi’s room, Olivia found her sitting at her vanity, considering two elegant gowns in red and white. Despite the sophistication of the dresses, Naomi’s frail appearance couldn’t be concealed.
Seeking Olivia’s advice, Naomi asked, “Should I wear red or white, Olivia?”
Olivia responded, “You’d look better in red.”
Naomi took her input seriously, saying, “I think red is a good choice, but it might be too vibrant.”
Quick to reassure her, Olivia said, “No, you’ll look stunning in red, Naomi.”
Naomi chuckled after hearing Olivia’s words. “Red it is then.”
Olivia went to the designer to get the gown on the mannequin after Naomi made her choice. However, as Naomi looked down, she spotted a love bite on Olivia’s neck.
The smile on her face froze.
