OLIVIA
The tattoo machine buzzed in my hand as I carefully inked the design onto my client's skin. My focus should have been entirely on the art before me, but my thoughts kept drifting back to the conversation I'd had with Ely's parents the previous night.
I'd always admired Melanie and Luis McCade for their kindness and warmth, and hearing their concern for me had been both comforting and challenging. They had been like a second family to me, and their support meant the world. Yet, their unwavering stance against Ely and their strong disapproval of Talia still echoed in my mind.
"Olivia, are you okay?" my client asked, pulling me from my thoughts.
I blinked and forced a smile. "Sorry about that. I'm absolutely fine. Let's continue."
As I resumed my work, I couldn't help but replay o
