Six
1423 Words
Olivia
I clenched my fists, keeping my face firm and strong as I turned fully to face her.
The night air was cool, but the air between us felt suffocating.
Jessica stood at the doorstep, her expression firm yet there was something almost smug in the way she held herself.
I should have walked away. I had nothing left to say to her, but something in her stance told me she wasn’t here to apologize or wish me well but rub it all over my face.
“What do you want, Jessica?” My voice was calm, but my body trembled slightly, either from the cold or from the sheer exhaustion of this entire night.
She hesitated before stepping forward. “I thought we should talk.”
I raised a brow, letting out a short, bitter laugh. “Talk?” I echoed. “About what? How you and Theo are so madly in love? How I was just a mistake that got in your way?”
She pouted her lips. “That’s not fair.” her voice etched with sarcasm.
“No, what’s unfair is me standing here having this conversation with you when I should be leaving,” I shot back, my patience growing less. “I have nothing more to give. You and Theo can have whatever fairytale you want, but it won’t be at my expense anymore.”
Her expression faltered for a second, but then she squared her shoulders. “It was never about hurting you, Olivia Darling”
I almost laughed at the absurdity of her words. “Oh, really? Then what was it about?”
She took a deep breath as if she were about to say something important. For a moment, I wondered if she’d admit to something, anything that might give me closure, but instead, she only shook her head.
“I didn’t come out here to fight or have an argument.”
“Then why are you here?” I demanded.
She hesitated before saying all she had to say.“Because I wanted you to hear it from me first.”
I frowned. “Hear what?”
She moved quietly on her feet, arms crossing over her chest. “Theo and I… we’re getting married.” her voice was a little bit loud.
The words struck like a knife to my chest. I had known this was inevitable, but hearing it so soon, with my heart still raw from the wounds of tonight, made it all feel unbearable.
I inhaled sharply, forcing myself to stand taller. “Good for you,” I said, my voice devoid of emotion.
Jessica blinked in surprise, as if she had expected me to break down, to scream, to beg.
“I mean it,” I continued, tilting my head. “The two of you deserve each other. I just pity the next girl who falls for him after you.”
Her face tightened. “Hey, don’t talk about my man like this or–”
“Like what?” I cut her off. “Angry? Bitter? Resentful? After everything, you expect me to just smile and congratulate you? You want my blessing too?”
She opened her mouth, but I wasn’t finished.
“You took everything from me,” I said, my voice shaking now. “My husband. My home. My dignity. And yet, you still feel the need to come out here and make sure I know just how much I lost? Why? To ease your guilt? To make yourself feel better?”
Jessica looked away, jaw tightening. “I just thought you should know.”
“Well, now I do,” I said, stepping back. “So if you don’t mind, I have a life to start over.”
I turned on my heel, determined to leave for good this time, but then I heard another voice.
“Olivia.”
It was Theo's.
My body went rigid as I closed my eyes for a brief moment. I wasn’t sure if I had the strength left for this.
Slowly, I turned to face him.
He stood beside Jessica, looking like a man caught between two worlds, but that was a lie. He had already chosen his world, and it wasn’t mine.
“What?” I asked, exhaustion creeping into my voice.
His lips pouted as if he had something important to say, but then he hesitated. I almost wanted to laugh.
“I…” he started, rubbing the back of his neck. “I just wanted to say-”
“Don’t,” I interrupted. “Please, don’t. Whatever it is, just keep it and focus on your marriage.”
He looked frustrated, but I didn’t care.
“Do you think I need an apology?” I continued, my voice rising. “Or closure? Or some half-hearted speech about how you never meant to hurt me? Because I don’t. I don’t need anything from you, Theo, not anymore.”
Jessica touched his arm as if to comfort him, and the sight made me sick to my stomach.
I shook my head and turned away for the last time. This time, no one stopped me.
I walked down the driveway, feeling each step solidify my decision. I was done.
_________________________________
The drive to my apartment was quiet, but my mind wasn’t.
It was racing with everything that had happened, every word exchanged, every moment of humiliation I had endured tonight.
By the time I reached my place, I felt drained and so exhausted.
I stepped inside, locking the door behind me before sinking onto the couch.
The silence was deafening and every step I took echoed.
A sharp pain shot through my stomach, and I winced, pressing a hand to my belly as if it'd stop it from hurting.
“I’m okay,” I whispered, as much to myself as if that'd calm the pain I was feeling in my tummy. “I am okay.”
Tears welled up in my eyes, but I wiped them away quickly. I refused to cry over Theo anymore.
A knock at the door startled me.
I frowned, glancing at the clock. It was late. ‘Who could possibly be here by this time?’ I questioned myself.
Another knock, more insistent this time.
I stood cautiously, my heart pounding. I took a deep breath and opened the door.
Grandpa.
His face was etched with worry, his stern features softened as he looked at me.
“Grandpa,” I breathed, surprised. “What are you–”
“Did you really think I’d let you walk away without checking on you?” he interrupted gruffly.
I swallowed hard, stepping aside to let him in.
He walked inside, taking a deep breath as he looked around my small apartment. “It’s quiet here.”
I nodded. “I like the quiet.”
He turned to face me, his expression unreadable. “You were always the strongest of them all, Olivia.”
Tears burned my eyes again, but I fought them back. “I don’t feel strong and I don't want to be.”
He sighed, stepping closer. “You will. One day, you’ll look back and see this as the moment you truly began to live.”
I smiled weakly. “I hope so.”
Grandpa reached into his pocket and pulled out an envelope, handing it to me.
I frowned. “What’s this?”
“A new beginning,” he said simply.
I hesitated before opening it. Inside were legal documents… and a check.
A very large check.
“Grandpa,” I gasped, shaking my head. “I can’t accept this, you know I can't-”
“Yes, you can,” he cut in firmly. “And you will. This isn’t charity, this is me making sure you have the chance to build a life for yourself.”
Tears finally slipped down my cheeks. “I don’t know what to say.”
He gave me a rare, small smile. “Say you’ll use it well.”
I nodded, gripping the papers tightly. “I will.”
He patted my shoulder. “Good girl.” Then, after a pause, he added, “And if Theo comes crawling back one day, make sure to slam the door in his face.”
A surprised laugh escaped me. “I will.”
With that, he nodded in satisfaction and made his way to the door.
He stopped just before leaving, turning back one last time. “I’m proud of you, Olivia and I will always be.”
- Writer
