My Ex Benched Me So I Dated His Brother.

Chapter 5

OLIVIA.

I can't believe he found me! I shook my head, pacing around the window as I counted a few seconds in my heart. I can't believe that stranger from that night found me.

How is that even possible?

This is probably a setup, right? My heart began to beat nonstop, and my hands started to tremble in fear.

Maybe I shouldn't have come back to this damn place to start with! My lips quivered as I spoke to myself.

I gently pulled the curtains discreetly and peeped outside to be sure he was gone. Thankfully, he was gone, but I'm pretty sure he will be back in no time to claim his son. I can't even hide it; there are some striking similarities between Jayden and that man.

It felt like my breathing was getting restricted with each thought jumbling through my mind. He kept that pendant all these years just to return it? I scoffed and walked straight into the kitchen. Pouring myself a glass of water, I downed it in one go, trying everything possible to calm my nerves.

I can't let that stranger know that this is his child. At least to keep myself safe from Alessandro's wrath and to also keep him safe from the eyes of Andro. Andro seems cool when he meets the eyes, but I know he isn't always as nice as he looks.

I can't quite wrap my head around it; I mean, how the hell was he able to trace me down here after five years?! This is ridiculous, and I just can't help it. I was getting nervous thinking about the best possible way to avoid this man.

Or perhaps maybe paying him off to stay away from my family, right?

He needs the money more; he is just a delivery guy.

The cute little voice of my boy jolted me from my thoughts as he walked up to me.

“Mommy?” he called out, and I turned, forcing the most genuine smile.

“What is it, Jay?” I asked, crouching down to his height and caressing his hair. “What is the problem, baby?”

“Did you get that necklace for me? Aunty Jane said it was delivered to the house when I left,” he said innocently, looking me squarely in the eyes.

The realization hit me like a ton of bricks, and I just gulped. My lips slacked into a grin. “Baby, there was a mistake with it; he returned to get me the real one. I think he missed our address,” I lied.

Holding his hands, I raised his chin up, my face lighting up with delight. “Don’t worry; I already told him he will be getting it back here in the next few days, so there’s nothing to worry about, Jayden.” I promised, cooing at his head as he walked away slightly disappointed.

I heaved a deep sigh of relief and sat down on the plush couch. I couldn't stop thinking about that stranger, and I just prayed that he never came back here for any reason at all.

Later that evening, around five PM, I dressed up in a customized Burberry outfit. I stood in front of the mirror and added some finishing touches to my face. I picked up the lipstick from the stand and applied some red lipstick to my lips. Rubbing my lips together, I smiled at how that red made me look not just elegant but also confident.

Taking one last look in the mirror, I was confident I still looked as good as the former Olivia Brown, but this new version of me was much smarter. I wouldn’t let those two play me right under my nose again.

I knew I wasn't supposed to attend any of the family functions since I had been disowned, but deep down, I had forgiven my father. He knew little about what had gone down and was only trying to cover his reputation. This was all the more reason why I needed to prove my innocence to him. We might have been apart, but I was sure he missed me just like I missed him.

I headed outside to where the car was parked. I settled into it and turned on the engine. Shifting into gear, the car accelerated forward as I made my way to the Brown family mansion.

I knew they'd never expect me to be back. But then again, I was their worst nightmare they’d never see coming.

About thirty minutes later, I sped into the mansion and parked in the lot. I heaved a deep sigh as I turned off the engine, my eyes wandering around the place. Nothing had really changed since I left.

The environment was filled with the aroma of freshly baked cookies, bringing a welcoming scent of comfort and happiness. As I approached the door, the sound of laughter echoed, creating a symphony. Yes, this is how the Christmas Eve of the Brown family has always been. The genuine joy and happiness that fills the room is worth it.

For my dad, he makes sure it's just the nuclear family who stays back with him for Christmas Eve. Tomorrow, he welcomes anyone else. When I reached the door, I took a deep breath, trying to steady my trembling hands. It’s been five years, and I don't know what to expect.

But after a few seconds, I made my way inside; the sound of laughter burst through even the windows. As I walked in, the clicking of my heels snapped everyone back to reality as they raised their gazes to see who it was.

Gasps rippled through the crowd at the table. My father's eyes went wide with shock as he just gazed at me, while Samantha looked as though she had seen a ghost in broad daylight. Her mouth hung open in disbelief as she stared at me.

My lips stretched into a smile. “Hi, everyone?” I broke the silence, pulling out a chair and settling into it. “Someone pass me those fresh, tasty cookies.”