Chapter 461

"Let's just leave the past behind," Olivia interrupted sharply. The rain outside her window fell in relentless sheets, mirroring the storm in her heart. "I saw how determined Eleanor was that day. She's clearly chosen you. Whatever we had is over, and I won't stand in your way."

Liam's grip tightened around his phone until his knuckles turned white. "Do you truly believe Eleanor and I belong together?" His voice cracked with unspoken emotion.

Olivia remained silent, watching the raindrops race down her windowpane. The world outside blurred into watery abstraction, much like her tangled feelings for Liam. She was done drowning in this emotional quagmire.

After a steadying breath, Olivia continued, "Liam, despite your tarnished reputation, you're still extraordinary. And Eleanor? She's remarkable in her own right. She knows your history better than I ever did."

Her fingers traced invisible patterns on the cold glass. "You understand each other perfectly. With her influence, you could rebuild everything. You're ideal for each other. Don't let pride make you lose her - you'll regret it forever."

The line went dead with a sharp click before Liam could respond. Olivia stared at the darkened screen until her reflection blurred with unshed tears. The phone slipped from her fingers just as little Isabelle came bounding in, rubbing sleep from her eyes.

"Mommy! I dreamed about Daddy!" Isabelle's sleepy voice pierced through Olivia's melancholy.

Olivia's heart clenched as she gathered her daughter into her arms. Isabelle's wild bedhead and rosy cheeks made her look like a cherub straight from a Renaissance painting. "What did you dream about, sweetheart?"

Isabelle scrunched her face in concentration. "I... I can't remember his face. But he said he misses us so much!" Her small hands clutched Olivia's sweater. "When is Daddy coming home?"

Olivia's throat tightened. She brushed Isabelle's hair back, buying time to compose her answer. "Soon, darling. He's very busy with work right now. But he can feel how much you miss him, even from far away."

Isabelle's entire face lit up like sunrise over Newport harbor. "Really? That's amazing! Daddy knows I love him!" She clapped her hands with childish delight.

Olivia forced a smile, but guilt twisted in her chest like a knife. Years ago, she'd crafted this elaborate fiction to protect Isabelle's fragile heart. Now the lie had grown roots too deep to uproot without causing devastation.

As Isabelle snuggled closer, warm and trusting, Olivia prayed time would soften the eventual revelation. Maybe by then, Isabelle would have outgrown her childish fantasies about an absent father.

"Mommy, tell me more stories about you and Daddy!" Isabelle demanded, planting a sticky kiss on Olivia's cheek.

"Of course, my love," Olivia murmured, hoisting Isabelle higher in her arms as she carried her toward the nursery. Each step felt heavier than the last, weighed down by the unspoken truth.