Chapter 4 Too Close for Comfort!
1023 Words
Olivia stirred awake amidst the ongoing chatter between Hermann and Arthur.
She didn't have the strength to speak yet, so she just stared blankly at Arthur's face.
A gut feeling spread through her heart; she already felt an incredibly strong sense of familiarity from this face, and every time she saw it, a whirlwind of intense and complex emotions surged within her.
Olivia could hardly discern the source of this feeling. All she knew was that her heartbeat quickened because of him, and her body temperature rose because of him.
She couldn't explain any of it, especially since they had met for less than five minutes!
But Arthur's question interrupted her thoughts, and she used all her strength to respond:
"Olivia Tyler, sir. You can call me Olivia."
Arthur's eyes widened in surprise. Seeing her awake, he became somewhat flustered: "Oh, I'm sorry, ma'am, I had to do this, there's not much space in the car..."
Olivia was lying on his lap at the moment, and that was what he was referring to.
Well, that made sense.
Seeing Arthur's awkward expression, Olivia felt a bit more at ease. At least he didn't seem like the kind of playboy who took advantage of others: "It's okay, sir. After all, you were saving me..."
"Mommy!"
The two children cheered, their voices echoing in the car as they rushed to Olivia's side. Seeing their happy faces, Olivia's heart was filled with joy.
She attempted to prop herself up with trembling arms. Unfortunately, as she struggled halfway up, she couldn't muster the strength and fell back, her upper body leaning closer to Arthur's embrace.
Her long hair brushed against Arthur's nose, and the rich scent made it almost impossible for Arthur to think. Fernbar's roar echoed fiercely in his mind. Only Moon Goddess knew how much Arthur wanted to hold her tightly, but with the two children present, he had to muster all his resolve:
"Are you alright, Miss Tyler?"
He gently helped Olivia lie back down, letting her head rest on his lap.
However, the structure of the car seat made this position somewhat uncomfortable for Olivia, so she shifted slightly, seeking a more comfortable position.
Arthur's expression shifted from calm to alarm in an instant.
Olivia's face was facing his body!
He could practically feel her breath against his lower abdomen!
Almost at the same moment, Olivia realized the situation.
She quickly turned her body to the other side. Her heart raced like never before, and she hardly dared to meet Arthur's eyes.
Arthur remained silent as well. Fernbar was on the brink of losing control. In the shadowy corner of the car, a massive eye silently emerged.
"Are you okay, Mom?"
The kids anxiously gathered around her.
Olivia quickly forced a smile. She couldn't let the kids worry. However, to give them space, she had to lean her head back a bit. Immediately, something hard made contact with her.
Arthur's body jolted.
Olivia immediately realized what it was. Her face burned with embarrassment, and with newfound strength, she shot upright.
A bead of sweat slid down Arthur's forehead.
The kids glanced between Arthur and Olivia. Hermann reached out, worriedly touching his mom's forehead, while Nina gently wiped the sweat from Arthur's brow. "Are you feeling hot, sir?"
The moment her cool little hand touched Arthur's head, his mind cleared.
The massive eye in the shadows vanished, and Fernbar calmed down once more.
"Thank you, Nina."
Arthur said sincerely, a bit surprised.
Why did Nina's touch always bring him peace?
But now wasn't the time to ponder, with Olivia sitting right there. He wanted to explain, but with the kids in between, it was hard to speak.
Awkwardness hung thick in the car, and Arthur almost wanted to jump out the window.
Just then, the car miraculously came to a stop. The door opened, and Tony's voice came from outside:
"We've arrived at the hospital."
He paused, sensing the awkward atmosphere inside the car.
Olivia dashed out with her two kids, like a rabbit fleeing.
The cold air outside snapped Olivia back to her senses. She took a deep breath, still hesitant to meet Arthur's gaze. "Thank you, kind sir," she said, still avoiding his gaze.
"It's fine," Arthur replied with a hint of awkwardness, avoiding her gaze as well.
An awkward silence settled between them again.
Man, this was even more awkward than being in the car!
Olivia was hit by a twinge of frustration. On one hand, she was partly to blame for how things had turned out, but on the other hand...
This guy was way too sensitive!
"Ma'am, I think these are yours..."
Tony, ever the considerate one, stepped between them, holding Olivia's complete set of painting tools.
Olivia thanked him with genuine relief. She had already lost her job. Losing these tools would leave her completely at a loss!
Meanwhile, Arthur's eyes were drawn to Olivia's finished paintings, the ones she used to attract customers. He was so captivated that the world around him faded away.
"Arthur?"
Tony whispered in his ear, bringing him back to reality.
Arthur turned to Olivia, astonishment coloring his voice, "Did you paint all these?"
Olivia nodded.
"My Moon... God!" Arthur exclaimed, his mouth agape. "How could someone as talented as you end up painting on the streets? Your art belongs in the Met... No, the Louvre!"
His blunt praise left Olivia flustered and a tad wary.
"Please, don't get me wrong!" Arthur said, trying to be reassuring. "I studied oil painting in Milan for eight years! I might not be the best artist, but I've got a keen eye for art!"
Olivia was unsure how to handle such praise, but thankfully, Tony interjected at just the right moment, "Mr. Arthur, weren't you looking for an artist to paint your portrait?"
Arthur's eyes lit up with eagerness as he turned to Olivia, "Would you?"
This was all too suspicious, and Olivia couldn't fathom how the conversation had reached this point. Anyone with a shred of sense would hesitate to agree.
Yet, gazing into those clear blue eyes, Olivia found herself saying, "Of course, no problem."
- Writer
