Hidden face

The Mask(ch-8)

Ch8

And then Ryan noticed that Olivia was facing problem with sipping her soup. So he left his meal and started to feed Olivia. After this all Olivia felt very guilty that Ryan had to leave his meal and come to feed her. But she didn’t say anything as she was sipping her soup. After soup was finished Ryan sat and made sure that Olivia was comfortable.

And slowly asked Olivia in soft and comforting voice,”Are you okay now? if you are not okay, you could tell me.I will always be there for you Olivia, you don't have to pretend in front of me. Why do you always pretend in front of everyone? I know you are very strong and you are not affected by anything that people say. But deep inside you know it yourself that you are just pretending. "

Olivia answered,”I am so sorry Ryan for making you angry. It's just that I feel very sad and guilty as because of me you have to go through a hard time. You are not getting proper food and proper rest. I feel very sad but I can’t do anything. Ryan said,” oh! you silly girl, how many times I have told you that you are not a burden for me but my aid. But you still think that you are burdensome for me. How could you even think like this? I love you, my silly girl. C’mon now let’s go for a walk outside." They both went for a walk but they didn’t know another storm was waiting for them. As Olivia adjusted her IV drip and slowly walked beside Ryan, her eyes froze when she saw a tall man in an expensive navy-blue suit standing near the hospital billing counter, holding a little girl's hand and smiling softly at a woman beside him who was clearly his wife.

He looked like he was successful and rich.

He had slicked-back grey-streaked hair, a golden wristwatch that glimmered under the lights, polished shoes, and a calm authority in his walk. He spoke with confidence. He laughed like life has never wronged him. His voice carried the ease of someone who has never known pain.

Olivia’s hands tremble.

She doesn’t need a name. That face—wawry with age, but painfully familiar—is enough.

Richard Collins.

Her father. The man who disappeared 12 years ago without a word.

Now... standing just meters away, laughing with a new daughter. Living a life that should’ve included her.

His personality screams charm and control. He looks like the kind of man who can win anyone's trust in seconds. His eyes are calculating, always aware of who’s watching. Yet, to Olivia, they once promised forever—and now, they reflect betrayal. After that....