Chapter 11

Natalie's strong arms supported Olivia as she tried to stand, but her legs trembled violently beneath her. The world spun as Olivia surrendered to Natalie's guidance, collapsing into the nearest chair. With swift movements, Natalie dialed for an ambulance while simultaneously texting Daniel.

Through the haze of dizziness, Olivia's thoughts drifted to what might have been. Had fate twisted differently, would she have chosen Daniel over Liam? After all, Daniel had once gotten down on one knee with a ring, and Natalie had always championed their union.

When Olivia's eyelids fluttered open in the sterile hospital room, Natalie's worried face hovered above her.

"How are you feeling? Any pain?" Natalie asked, fingers tightening around the bed rail.

Olivia lifted her IV-pierced arm slightly, finding comfort in the steady drip of fluids. She managed a faint smile, signing that she felt fine.

"The doctor says you have severe hypoglycemia and malnutrition," Natalie relayed, brows knitting together. "When was the last time you ate properly?"

Daniel's concerned voice came from the other side of the bed. "Olivia, how could Liam let this happen? For the Blackwood heiress to faint from hunger... Have you been skipping meals?"

Natalie slammed her palm against the mattress before immediately recoiling. "Sorry! Did I scare you?"

Olivia shook her head, fingers dancing to explain it was her own fault for neglecting meals. The truth was more painful - she'd stopped cooking elaborate dinners after months of Liam never coming home to eat them. Gradually, her own appetite had disappeared.

Seeing her friend's condition, Natalie adjusted the hospital tray, unveiling an array of Olivia's favorite dishes. "I brought everything you love. You're eating every bite today, or I'm keeping you hostage in this bed," she declared with mock sternness.

Olivia grinned as she sat up, but her smile vanished when Natalie exploded. "Liam is unbelievable! His assistant actually told me not to disturb him unless it was life-threatening. His wife collapses unconscious, and that doesn't qualify?"

Olivia's hands flew in frantic gestures, insisting she was fine now and Liam shouldn't be interrupted during important meetings. She emphasized she didn't need his attention.

Natalie opened her mouth to argue but stopped, reconsidering her words. Instead, she quietly opened a container of soup. "Just promise you'll call me if you need anything."

"You've got us both," Daniel added, stepping closer.

After hours of monitoring, Daniel and Natalie brought Olivia home.

The last person Olivia expected to see was Liam, sprawled across their living room sofa with thunderous expression.

"Where were you?" His gaze flickered over her before zeroing in on the takeout container. "Dining out?"

Olivia hastily set down the food, signing that she'd gone to resign from her position.

"And who brought you home? Who were you eating with?" Liam's voice sharpened with suspicion.

Olivia's hands froze mid-air. Why was Liam home at this hour? What strange twist of fate had brought him here now?

Her fingers resumed moving, explaining Natalie had driven her home after their meal together. A strange flutter tickled her chest - this was her first lie to Liam, and the deception made her palms sweat.

Then, biting her lip, Olivia signed the question burning in her mind - had he visited Evelyn? His unexpected presence demanded explanation.

To her shock, the question seemed to ignite Liam's temper. He closed the distance between them in two strides, gripping her wrist. "Bringing home leftovers? Since when do we eat takeout?"

Olivia shook her head frantically, struggling to explain. She simply hadn't felt like cooking, and the restaurant food had been too good to waste. She never imagined encountering Liam at this hour.

"Why did Natalie call me?" Liam pressed, his voice rising with each syllable.

Panic seized Olivia. She hadn't prepared for this interrogation. All she could do was gaze up at him, eyes shimmering with unshed tears and silent pleading.

Olivia's lips - still tender from last night's passionate kisses - pressed together tightly, her delicate features a portrait of wariness and beauty.

Something dark flickered in Liam's gaze. Without warning, he swept Olivia into his arms and carried her upstairs.

Liam had actually come home for lunch.

Memories surfaced of Olivia preparing elaborate meals he'd rarely stayed to eat. Finding the kitchen empty today had sparked unexpected irritation. But seeing her now, he desired something entirely different than food.