CHAPTER 3: BROKEN SILENT
1062 Words
Olivia walked into the audition room swaying minds and receiving attention from the crew members and the paparazzi nearby. She flashed her sweetest smile to the camera before entering the auditing room.
“Look who is here our nation queen bee” writer Choi praised Olivia lightly before the audition for Olivia started. The whole process was finalised after two hours before it was released to the press that Olivia is the main actress in the upcoming drama series.
“You really did well in there”Director Watson praised
Olivia smiled at him
“It was all thanks to your guidance”
Director Watson patt Olivia back before leaving her
“See you at the acting scene” Olivia shouted after him
He turned back with a wide smile acknowledging her words.
“That smile was good,” Keith whispered into Olivia's ear, causing her to flinch.
“Dont you know how to make a sound when walking?” Olivia asked with clear annoyance
Keith smile softly
“It is useless making sound while walking" Keith replied his gaze fixed gently on Olivia
"When are you coming to the film set?" Olivia asked
"What, afraid that I won't come"
"You can choose not to come but instead call I rather like it if you make noise than not to see you all at" Olivia uttered softly before walking away.
Keith remained fixed in a spot processing what Olivia said, when he finally snapped out of his thought. He called after her and she scolded him for being noisy. Their voice echoed and faded in the background.
THE CARTER'S MANSION
The grand dining hall of the Carter Mansion was dazzling with luxury. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, their golden light reflecting off polished marble floors and expensive silverware. Servants moved quietly around the room while members of the Carter family enjoyed dinner.
Olivia Hart paused at the entrance.
The moment her eyes landed on the dining table, her heart sank.
Theodore Carter sat at the head of the table, his handsome face as cold and unreadable as ever.
Beside Madam Carter sat Lena Reed.
Madam Carter was personally serving Lena food, her face full of affection and concern.
"Lena, have some more soup," Madam Carter said kindly. "You work too hard. Look how pale you've become."
Lena smiled softly.
"Thank you, Madam Carter."
Madam Carter lovingly patted her hand.
The sight was painful for Olivia.
Anyone who walked into the room would think Lena was the Carter family's beloved daughter-in-law.
Not Olivia.
Never Olivia.
The warmth on Madam Carter's face vanished the second she noticed Olivia standing there.
Her expression turned cold.
"So you've finally arrived."
The atmosphere immediately became tense.
Olivia lowered her head.
"Good evening, Madam Carter."
Madam Carter scoffed.
"I was wondering whether you even remembered this family existed."
The Carter family members exchanged glances but remained silent.
Olivia quietly took her seat.
Across the table, Theodore briefly glanced at her before returning his attention to his meal.
The indifference in his actions hurt more than Olivia wanted to admit.
Lena smiled gently.
"Sister Olivia, come sit beside me."
Olivia knew better than to believe the kindness in Lena's voice.
Before she could respond, Madam Carter interrupted.
"There's no need."
She looked at Olivia with obvious disgust.
"Some people don't deserve to sit beside you."
The room instantly fell silent.
Olivia lowered her gaze.
Her fingers tightened beneath the table.
Madam Carter continued.
"Lena is elegant, talented, and considerate. She knows how to respect her elders."
Her sharp eyes landed on Olivia.
"Unlike certain people."
Every word was meant to humiliate her.
Yet Olivia remained silent.
That only seemed to anger Madam Carter even more.
Suddenly, the older woman slammed her chopsticks onto the table.
"Why aren't you speaking?"
Olivia looked up.
"What would you like me to say, Madam Carter?"
The response made Madam Carter furious.
Without warning—
SLAP!
The sharp sound echoed throughout the dining hall.
Olivia's head snapped to the side.
A painful sting spread across her cheek.
The room froze.
Even Lena looked startled.
A red handprint slowly appeared on Olivia's pale skin.
Madam Carter glared at her.
"That is what happens when you forget your place."
Olivia bit her lip and endured the pain.
Her eyes watered, but she refused to cry.
Across the table, Theodore's hand tightened around his wine glass.
The temperature in the room seemed to drop.
His dark eyes fixed on the red mark on Olivia's cheek.
For the rest of the dinner, he remained silent.
But the icy look on his face was enough to make everyone uncomfortable.
Not long after, Olivia quietly excused herself and left.
She walked through the empty hallways until she reached a balcony overlooking the gardens.
The cool night air brushed against her burning cheek.
She thought she was finally alone.
Then she heard footsteps behind her.
Theodore.
Without saying a word, he removed his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
Olivia froze.
Before she could react, Theodore grabbed her wrist and led her upstairs.
Past the shocked servants.
Past the curious family members.
Straight to his bedroom.
The moment the door closed behind them, silence filled the room.
Theodore turned toward her.
His gaze immediately landed on the red mark on her cheek.
His expression darkened.
"My mother did that?"
Olivia remained silent.
Theodore's jaw tightened.
"Answer me."
She slowly nodded.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
The room felt suffocating.
Theodore stepped closer.
Carefully, he lifted her chin.
His fingers were gentle despite the anger burning in his eyes.
The moment he saw the swelling clearly, his face became frighteningly cold.
"Does it hurt?"
Olivia laughed bitterly.
"A little."
Theodore's eyes darkened.
"A little?"
His thumb lightly brushed against the injured skin.
The gentle touch nearly made Olivia break down.
Because no one had ever cared enough to ask.
Theodore stared at her for several moments.
Then he spoke quietly.
"You should have defended yourself."
Olivia smiled sadly.
"Against your mother?"
Theodore fell silent.
For the first time, he realized just how isolated she was inside the Carter family.
No one stood beside her.
No one protected her.
No one cared.
Except him.
And that realization stirred something dangerous inside Theodore Carter.
Something that made him want to confront everyone who had hurt his wife.
Including his own mother.
- Writer
