Hidden face

The Mask(CH-11)

Ch11

The room was quiet. Only the soft beeping of the monitor filled the silence as Olivia and Ryan lay side by side on the hospital bed. The warmth of each other’s presence brought them peace — for a moment, everything felt still.

But in the darkness, Olivia’s mind was not at rest.

Her breath quickened, her body tensed. In her dream, Richard's voice echoed like thunder, cold and cruel. He stood above her, towering, tearing her world apart — again. He pulled away everything she loved, every bit of safety she had built. She was five again, abandoned, small, helpless.

“No… please… don’t,” she whimpered in her sleep, the nightmare gripping her tightly.

Ryan stirred. The moment he heard her panicked breath, he sat up instantly. “Olivia?” he called softly.

Suddenly, Olivia jolted awake, eyes wide, filled with terror, sweat lining her forehead. Before she could register anything, she threw her arms around Ryan, clinging tightly to him — her safe space in a storm she couldn’t control.

Ryan froze but only for a second, then wrapped his arms around her protectively. “Hey, hey… it’s okay,” he whispered, rubbing slow circles on her back. “It was just a dream. I’m here. No one’s going to hurt you.”

She didn’t speak, just held on tighter, her body trembling. Her tears wet his shoulder, but Ryan didn’t move. He simply stayed — strong, warm, real.

Eventually, her breathing slowed. Still holding each other close, they lay back down. Olivia rested her head on Ryan’s chest, listening to the calming beat of his heart and finally let her eyes close again.

This time, she knew… she wasn’t alone anymore. Morning sunlight streamed gently through the hospital window, casting soft shadows across Olivia’s face. She stirred slowly, blinking the fear from her eyes, her heartbeat still a little faster than usual. But Ryan’s steady presence beside her helped soothe the lingering storm.

The doctor soon entered with a calm smile. “Good news,” he said, looking at Ryan. “She’s stable now. But she must avoid any emotional stress. Keep her happy and calm as that’s the best medicine.”

Ryan nodded. “I promise.”

A while later, after she was discharged. Ryan helped Olivia into the car, her fingers still a little cold as they curled into his. He noticed — and gently held her hand tighter.

Just when the engine started, a sharp voice sliced through the air.

“Well, look who’s here.”

Olivia froze. Her grip on Ryan's hand turned weak as her eyes slowly shifted toward the voice.

Richard Collins stood there, smug as ever, walking towards them with slow, confident steps. Olivia’s entire body went stiff. Her breathing grew shallow, and her eyes filled with fear. She shrank back, trembling, her mind flooded with memories of abandonment, betrayal, pain.

“You look weak, Olivia,” Richard sneered. “Just like your mother. Still clinging to others for strength?”

Ryan’s jaw clenched. “Stop,” he said, voice low but firm.

But Richard went on. “You think this little game of being fragile will get you sympathy? You’re nothing, Olivia. Just a mistake.”

Each word stabbed deeper into her chest. Olivia looked down, ashamed, like the scared child she once was. Her lips quivered, eyes welling up.

Ryan stepped out of the car, face sharp with fury. “Enough. You’ve said too much.”

Richard laughed mockingly. “What will you do? A boy trying to play hero?”

Just then, Richard’s phone buzzed. He pulled it out — and his face went pale. “What…?” His eyes widened in disbelief as he read the message again.

“You are hereby removed from your position as General Manager. Effective immediately.”

His lips trembled. “What is this? This can’t be right!”

Ryan’s eyes glinted coldly. “It is. I own the company now, Richard. I earned it. And you… never did.”

Richard looked at him, stunned, angered, humiliated. Then without another word, he turned and stormed away.

But Olivia wasn’t okay. She sat frozen in the car, breath rapid, tears brimming in her eyes. She felt sick — disgusted, not just at Richard, but at herself for still being so affected by him.

Ryan leaned closer. “Olivia…”

She didn’t respond.

“Hey, look at me.” He took her face gently in his hands. “You are not what he said. You never were. You’re brave. You’re stronger than you think.”

Her hands were still cold. Ryan placed his over hers, rubbing warmth into her skin.

“Breathe with me, okay? In… out… just like that.”

Slowly, her breath began to match his. Her hands stopped shaking.

“You’re not alone,” he whispered, pulling her into his arms. “Not anymore.”

And in that embrace, Olivia didn’t feel weak. She felt safe and strong.