“Olivia, even though we’re divorced, you can stay here as long as you want!”
No one responded.
Ethan thought Olivia must be in her room.
He walked to Olivia’s bedroom and pushed open the door.
After Sophia returned, he and Olivia had argued countless times.
Eventually he got annoyed and chose to sleep in separate rooms with Olivia.
This was the first time he had actively opened Olivia’s door.
“Olivia, didn’t you hear me…”
The wind blew the white curtains, sweeping through the empty room.
All of Olivia’s things were gone.
He uncertainly called out: “Olivia?”
The only response was the cold wind blowing in.
Ethan’s hand gripping the doorknob felt cold. He couldn’t believe it.
He couldn’t believe Olivia had left.
10:17 AM
<
He couldn’t believe Olivia had left.
Where could she go?
Ethan took out his phone and dialed Olivia’s number.
“The number you have dialed is not in service…
Ethan checked the phone number several times.
Olivia had changed her number?
Why didn’t she tell him?
Unable to reach her by phone, Ethan opened WeChat and scrolled for a while before finding Olivia,
Their last WeChat conversation was from a month ago.
The day before he got drunk and stayed at Sophia’s.
Olivia had asked if he was coming home.
He had only replied one word: Busy.
After a moment, Ethan frowned and typed in the chat box.
“Olivia, why did you leave? You have nowhere to go. You can stay here even after the divorce, I don’t mind,”
After sending the message,
He was met with a big red exclamation mark.
WeChat kindly reminded him:
You are no longer friends,
12
Ethan’s pupils constricted.
He could hardly believe it.
Olivia had actually blocked him.
He angrily closed the chat window, gripping his phone tightly.
A moment later, he still picked up the phone and dialed Linda’s number.
No matter what, he couldn’t just ignore Olivia’s whereabouts.
When the call connected, Linda’s voice came through.
“Ethan dear, when are you and Sophia coming home? I’ll make some soup to nourish you both.”
Since Sophia’s return, she visited home every week.
Linda would make all sorts of delicious foods for her.
Perhaps due to their blood relation,
Olivia’s cooking tasted just as good as Linda’s.
“Mom, has Olivia come back?”
<
Hearing his words, Linda was silent for a few seconds before answering.
“No, that child hasn’t been back since she threw a tantrum that day.”
She hadn’t gone home…
Where could she have gone?
“What’s wrong, Ethan? Did Olivia argue with you again? That child, always so inconsiderate-”
Ethan cut off her words.
“Mom, Olivia and I are divorced.”
Linda fell silent, only asking after a long while.
“Really?”
“Yes, we just got the certificate today.”
After thinking for a bit, Ethan continued, “She’s probably just throwing a tantrum. It’ll be fine in a few days.”
“Is it really just a tantrum…” Linda murmured, sighing, “Mom just hopes you two will be alright.”
After hanging up, Linda told Frank about this.
Frank snorted coldly.
“All thanks to your fine upbringing.”
Ryan, who was peeling an orange nearby, chimed in.
“Mom, you’ve spoiled her too much. She doesn’t even know how badly she’s messed up.”
Linda looked at the orange and sighed: “Olivia likes oranges too.”
Ryan felt the orange didn’t taste as good anymore.
Linda opened her phone and sent Olivia a message.
The red exclamation mark made her freeze for a long time.
“Olivia deleted me?”
Hearing her say this, Frank became even angrier.
“Deleted deleted! I don’t have such a disrespectful daughter!”
Frank and Ryan went back and forth criticizing Olivia.
But Linda felt uneasy.
This had never happened before.
She sent many messages, then sent a friend request.
At this time, Olivia had already landed in Florida.
She had gotten a new phone, new number, new WeChat.
Everything was new.
Olivia dragged her suitcase to the rental apartment.
10:17 AM
<
Everything was new.
Olivia dragged her suitcase to the rental apartment.
Someone was already waiting for her there.
It was the caregiver Mr. Davis had arranged through a friend.
A tall young man who looked only about 20 years old.
He wore a blue and white floral short–sleeved shirt and knee–length shorts.
His whole face radiated an enviable youthful energy.
Seeing Olivia, he warmly greeted her.
“You must be Olivia. I’m Jason.”
Jason eagerly took Olivia’s luggage.
This made Olivia feel somewhat embarrassed.
“It must be hard work taking care of a cancer patient like me.”
When Mr. Davis introduced him, she had expected a middle–aged woman.
She only found out it was a young man after getting off the plane.
She felt a bit uncomfortable with the male–female situation.
“It’s not hard at all. At least I can earn tuition money. This is my first time being a caregiver.”
“But don’t worry, even though it’s my first time, I’m very smart and can do anything.”
“Don’t worry, I’ve already arranged leave from school. I won’t leave halfway!”
Jason was afraid of being rejected and hurriedly explained.
The words of refusal died on Olivia’s lips.
How could she bear to deprive a child of his education?
She’d just consider it an act of charity.
“Then, I’ll be in your care from now on.”
Jason grinned like a golden retriever puppy.
“Great! I’ll definitely take good care of you!”
Olivia looked towards the beach, breathing in the unique scent of the sea breeze.
Her mood felt especially light.
For the last few months of her life,
She could finally live properly.
13
A week after Olivia left, Ethan still hadn’t heard any news of her.
Looking at the unsent messages on WeChat,
10:18 AM
Olivia had never gone this long without contacting him.
In the past, Olivia would message him about every little thing.
Back then he found it annoying and set her WeChat to mute.
But now.
“Ethan, which color do you think I should buy?”
Sophia’s phone showed baby clothes.
Each one was very cute.
Ethan thought of Olivia.
She had also held up her phone to ask Ethan before.
“Ethan, which outfit do you think would look cute on a baby?”
Back then he had only replied:
“We don’t have kids, why are you picking out clothes?”
The memory of Olivia’s face overlapped with Sophia’s current face.
He hadn’t noticed before, but they looked somewhat alike.
Ethan pushed away Sophia’s phone.
“Whatever.”
Sophia’s expression turned ugly.
“Ethan, are you still thinking about Olivia?”
Ethan responded to her with silence.
Sophia clutched his sleeve.
“Ethan, haven’t you thought about giving me a proper status? Don’t you want to marry me?”
“Sophia, you said you wouldn’t ruin my marriage. That night was just a misunderstanding.”
“So you won’t marry me?”
Ethan didn’t answer.
Sophia angrily slapped her belly.
Ethan grabbed her hand in alarm.
“What are you doing!”
“Since you don’t want to take responsibility, what’s the point of this child!”
Sophia looked at Ethan with tearful eyes.
“Olivia stole you for five years, have you fallen for her? Then what about the ten years I’ve loved you?”
“Sophia, what happened between us was my fault.” Ethan gently comforted her, “I’ll take responsibility for the child.”
“But you won’t marry me. You’ve divorced but you still won’t marry me.”
10:18 AM
Sophia burst into tears.
“Ethan, do you like Olivia that much? You even called out her name when we slept together”
Ethan had been about to deny it but was stunned.
“Sophia, didn’t you say you didn’t remember anything from that night, that you were drunk?”
Sophia’s face flashed with panic.
“Ethan, I just didn’t want to lose you again!”
Ethan’s heart became clearer.
He pushed away Sophia’s hand.
“Sophia, after you left me back then, I had already let go of those feelings. Now we have a child because of my mistake. I won’t abandon you, but.”
But he had married Olivia willingly.
He didn’t continue, afraid of upsetting Sophia.
After all, she was still pregnant.
“Get some rest. I’m going to work.”
Ethan straightened his clothes and turned to leave.
He had no memory of what happened with Sophia that night.
Hearing from Sophia that he had called out Olivia’s name, he felt strange.
In these five years, had Olivia already gained such a place in his heart?
No, this was probably just habit.
Just habit, that’s all.
After leaving Ethan, Olivia was living very freely.
Jason would make breakfast for her every morning and wait for her to get up.
Today was no exception.
When Olivia came to the living room, Jason was sitting by the window reading.
The breeze swept through his hair, making his brows and eyes look especially gentle.
Somehow, Olivia thought of Ethan in his youth.
He also loved reading.
When he came to see Sophia, he would often sit in the Hayes family garden flipping through books.
Back then Olivia was just starting to have feelings for him, but knew Ethan didn’t like her.
She would mostly hide on the second floor balcony, secretly watching Ethan.
So she could only ever see Ethan’s profile.
Jason turned to look at her, squinting as he smiled.
<
“Olivia? You’re up.”
14
Jason’s bright white teeth made
toel a bit nervous.
She quickly turned away.
Only then did she notice the vegetable porridge she had mentioned a few days ago on the table.
This was a small island in Florida.
Buying fresh vegetables required driving across the bridge, taking 1-2 hours round trip.
“Try it quickly, I learned how to make it from a video.”
Jason put down his book and came over, holding out the porridge proudly.
Olivia took a bite, feeling a lump in her throat.
Since her grandmother passed away, no one
Had cared for her like this.
Seeing her cry, Jason frantically handed her a tissue.
“Olivia, does it not taste good? Tell me and I’ll redo it right away!”
Olivia shook her head, stopping her tears.
“You made it very well. Don’t worry, you’re taking great care of me. I’ll pay you more.”
Jason’s mouth turned down, his handsome brows furrowing.
“Olivia, do you think I’m only being nice to you for money?”
Before Olivia could speak, Jason brought her hot milk with a cold face.
“Drink this, it’s good for you.”
Finally he added,
“I bought the lactose–free kind.”
Olivia was lactose intolerant, which no one knew.
She was somewhat surprised.
In just two weeks, Jason had already come to understand her to this extent.
He was truly fulfilling his duties as a professional caregiver.
Olivia put down her bowl and went to his side.
Jason, I didn’t mean it that way. I’m saying you’re very good to me, and I’m happy.”
Jason looked up, the dark clouds on his face completely disappearing.
“I’m sorry, I’m the one who didn’t do well. I shouldn’t have made you comfort me.”
“Don’t worry, from now on, whatever you say goes!”
Olivia couldn’t help but smile.
0
10:18 AM
But Olivia was also grateful he acted this way.
Jason held up his book in front of Olivia.
“Olivia, is this the rose sunset?”
“I checked, there isn’t one by the sea.”
The rose sunset was a memory between Olivia and Ethan.
It was on their third wedding anniversary.
Ethan had taken his first annual leave to travel with Olivia.
He said he wanted to make up for their missed honeymoon.
They climbed snowy mountains and visited grasslands together.
Then they saw the rose sunset.
Ethan held her hand for the first time on his own initiative.
Kissed her for the first time on his own initiative.
His eyes shone brightly, as if they only reflected Olivia.
But that was just “as if“.
It didn’t stop him from having a child with Sophia.
Olivia patted Jason’s drooping head.
“I don’t like sunsets. I prefer watching the sunrise by the sea.”
Jason’s eyes lit up.
“I know where to see the most beautiful sunrise on the island!”
Then he changed his tone.
“But Olivia, can your health handle getting up early?”
After all, Olivia was still a patient.
She shook her head and smiled.
“We should seize the day while we can.”
“Okay! I’ll take you!”
A few days later, Jason mysteriously said he had found the best viewing spot.
He took Olivia to the shore before 4 AM.
But by then, there were already quite a few people on the beach.
“Oh no, I thought no one would be here!”
Jason looked at the people around in dismay, shaking his head helplessly.
“As expected, wherever there’s a nice spot, you’ll see Chinese tourists who love to travel!”
Olivia laughed at his words.
<
“Isn’t it more lively to watch the sunrise with everyone?”
“But I wanted…”
Jason swallowed his words and smiled, nodding, “Mm, whatever you say.”
The sunrise was beautiful.
It was the prettiest sunrise she had seen since coming here.
She gazed at it in a daze.
A warm flow came from her nose.
Olivia turned her head, quietly wiping away the nosebleed.
She clutched the tissue stained with blood, her heart gloomy.
These beautiful days wouldn’t last much longer.
“Mommy, Mommy, the sun is getting up!”
“Susu, don’t run too fast, be careful not to fall.”
Susu…
Olivia’s whole body trembled as she looked towards the voices.
15
Noticing her change, Jason gently asked,
“Olivia, what’s wrong?”
Olivia stared at the child running happily in the distance, her eyes reddening.
“I used to have an unborn child, named Susu.”‘
In these 20–some days, Olivia hadn’t talked much about her past.
Jason had only pieced together bits of information from fragments.
“It’s just a shame,” Olivia wiped her tears, “I was almost able to be a mother.”
If not for the car accident that day,
Her Susu would surely have been a healthy child.
Jason put an arm around her shoulders, pointing at the children in the distance to comfort her.
“Olivia, look over there. That mischievous little boy is from our village.”
“He chases the geese around every day, everyone in the village is afraid of him. His parents can’t control him either. They all say he’s a little god come to collect debts.”
The child Jason was pointing at was indeed very naughty.
He was holding a shovel, scaring another little girl to tears.
“So you see, not all kids are as well–behaved as me.”
Olivia knew Jason was trying to comfort her, and she smiled.
The past was in the past.
10:18 AM
<
ད་་ མཔ་ ་་པཔ ་་་ ་ད་ P་པ་
She and Ethan were unfit to be parents.
Ethan came out of Mr. Davis‘ law office, standing dazed in the rain.
His mind kept replaying Mr. Davis‘ words.
“Mr. Hayes, don’t blame me for saying this. If you had cared about Ms. Hayes a year ago like you do now, she wouldn’t have miscarried in that car accident.”
“Ms. Hayes was over three months pregnant when she miscarried.”
“When… when did she miscarry?”
“You’ll have to ask yourself that. After all, I’m not Ms. Hayes‘ husband.”
Ethan thought of the day Olivia’s attitude towards him changed, a year ago.
It was the day after their wedding anniversary.
That day, he had stood Olivia up to pick up Sophia who had just returned from abroad.
Ethan took out his phone and opened his chat history with Olivia.
7:15 PM,
“Ethan, I’m waiting for you by the road.”
8:20 PM,
“Ethan, why aren’t you here yet?”
9:25 PM,
“Ethan, when will you arrive?”
10:45 PM,
“Ethan, are you here?”
12:00 AM,
“Ethan, I was hit by a car and I’m at the hospital now. Can you come?”
“Ethan, I really don’t feel well. Where are you?”
“Ethan, where are you?”
“Ethan…”
That day, he had accompanied Sophia home.
Celebrated her return with the Hayes family.
was also that day Sophia told him she went abroad because Olivia liked him.
Hearing Sophia say that, Ethan actually wasn’t angry.
But seeing the constant message notifications, he still chose to mute Olivia.
He thought it was just a minor accident, why was she being so delicate.
While he was muting her messages, Olivia was lying in the operating room due to miscarriage.
10:19 AM
<
She just wanted him to go keep her company.
She had been ready to tell him they were having a baby.
But because he stood her up,
She waited four whole hours in the snowy winter.
She lost their child because she fell.
No wonder.
No wonder Olivia became so thin after New Year’s.
Ethan walked to Olivia’s bedroom in a daze.
Looking at the empty room before him,
He suddenly regretted.
Regretted divorcing Olivia out of anger.
He never wanted a divorce.
He had never thought about divorce.
How could Olivia leave so ruthlessly.
Not even leaving a single thing behind for him.
Ethan stared blankly at the empty frame on the wall.
He didn’t like hanging their wedding photo in their bedroom.
Olivia had hung it in her workspace instead.
Now that she was gone, she didn’t even leave the wedding photo behind.
Ethan opened his phone, typed a few words, then deleted them.
Saying sorry on WeChat was useless now.
He had to find Olivia and bring her back.
He still had a chance.
It wasn’t too late!
Meanwhile, Olivia was sunbathing on the beach when she received a call from Mr. Davis.
“Mr. Davis, how have you been?”
“I’m fine, don’t worry about me.”
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Mr. Davis brought up Ethan.
“Ms. Hayes, Ethan came to ask me about your whereabouts the other day. I didn’t tell him.”
Mr. Davis paused, then continued, “He seemed very regretful that day.”
Did Ethan regret it?
Olivia fell silent.
<
Olivia fell silent.
16
So what if he did?
She wouldn’t regret it.
She had deliberately chosen this remote fishing village, with few people and a quiet atmosphere.
The beach had sunny days almost year–round.
Every day she sunbathed, took walks, ate foods she’d never tried before.
In these days since leaving Ethan and her family,
She didn’t know how happy she had been.
Only now did she feel truly alive.
But she didn’t have many such days left.
Her body had started to deteriorate, she could clearly feel it.
But this was still better than staying by Ethan’s side.
After hanging up, Jason came in carrying hot soup.
“Olivia, drink some soup. You’ve been having nosebleeds too often lately.”
Smelling the fragrant soup, Olivia took a sip, but could no longer taste the flavor.
She tried her best to appear normal: “Mm, your cooking has improved.”
Jason happily poured her another bowl.
“After you drink this, I’ll take you
somewhere.”
When they arrived, Olivia realized Jason had rented a speedboat.
