Chapter 10

Liam's kiss tasted like expensive whiskey and his signature cologne, overwhelming Olivia's senses. She struggled for half a second before surrendering to his embrace. The moment shattered when his phone screamed through the silence.

They sprang apart like guilty teenagers. Liam snatched his phone with a scowl while Olivia retreated to the couch, staring at her hands. What exactly was she to him?

"Where are you? You promised you'd come!" Evelyn's shrill voice pierced the quiet living room.

"We agreed you'd stop seeing your mute wife! Yet you keep choosing her over me. Now when I need you, you're not here!" Evelyn's whine dissolved into theatrical sobs.

Olivia's heart sank like a stone.

"Olivia isn't well," Liam replied curtly.

"But I'm sick too! Migraine, fever, and my period's coming. Liam, don't you care?" Evelyn's sticky-sweet tone made Olivia nauseous. She approached Liam, signaling he should go.

His face darkened instantly. Was she really pushing him away? Didn't she want him anymore?

Olivia misinterpreted his expression as anger over her eavesdropping. She dropped her gaze, fingers flying in apology.

"I'm coming," Liam bit out. He stormed out without a backward glance.

Olivia stood frozen as his footsteps faded. Hot tears traced her cheeks but she didn't wipe them. How she wished she could be selfish like Evelyn, could demand his attention.

But she had no right. She'd spent years pretending not to love him. Only she knew the truth - she'd die for him without hesitation.

Morning found Olivia at the bookstore, resignation letter in hand.

"Olivia! What happened after you left yesterday? Did Liam apologize?" Natalie pounced the moment she entered.

Olivia forced a smile, hands signing that everything was fine. She couldn't admit Liam had gone straight to Evelyn.

Natalie slammed her palm on the counter. "At least he's not completely blinded by that snake!"

Olivia chuckled weakly, warning Natalie to be careful.

"I can't help it! That woman makes my blood boil! Let her call the police - I'll expose her as the homewrecker she is!"

Olivia patted Natalie's shoulder, signing frantically to keep her out of trouble.

"I know this is hard for you..." Natalie sighed.

Changing the subject, Olivia produced an envelope stuffed with cash.

"What's this?" Natalie frowned.

Olivia's serious expression conveyed her decision to quit, the money meant as compensation.

"Don't be ridiculous! Keep your money! Why quit? Is Liam forcing you? Divorce him and live with me! My family might not be as rich as the Blackwoods, but we're not afraid of him!"

Olivia's chest tightened painfully. She lied with her hands, signing Liam wanted her home more to work on their marriage.

"Really? He actually wants to fix things?" Natalie's eyes narrowed skeptically. Still, remembering how Liam had carried Olivia away yesterday made her slightly believe.

"But you shouldn't have to quit your job for a man! Though if that's your choice..." Natalie shoved the money back. "Keep this. My door's always open if you change your mind."

Olivia nodded gratefully. As she tried to stand, the room spun violently. She crumpled like a ragdoll.

"Olivia!" Natalie's scream echoed through the bookstore.