Chapter 13
The chaos in Washington didn’t reach Olivia in distant Vancouver.
Back when Alexander constantly threw money around to humiliate her, her late mother had left her a substantial inheritance.
Enough for her to live comfortably in this city.
She received countless dance invitations.
Olivia only felt exhaustion, rejecting everyone equally before heading alone to the rooftop.
Tilting her head toward the starry sky, moisture gradually welled in her
eyes.
After a long while, a suit jacket settled over her shoulders.
Olivia turned in surprise, meeting eyes that sparkled like constellations.
The man smiled warmly, his voice impossibly smooth: “Miss, have we met somewhere before?”
Olivia almost laughed–such a cliché pickup line–yet his face struck her as strangely familiar.
For a moment, even she wanted to ask: “Sir, have we met somewhere before?”
Seeing her dazed expression, he suddenly took her hand and traced his name onto her palm.
“Olivia, I’m David Smith ”
Chapter 13
David. Always returning, forever clear.
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Suddenly, this man’s features overlapped with the childhood neighbor imprinted in her memories.
Recognizing him lifted Olivia’s gloom instantly: “David?”
David’s eyes brimmed with laughter, yet his tone held playful reproach: “Took you long enough to remember me?”
Flustered, Olivia instinctively lowered her gaze.
He asked softly: “Want to grab some late–night snacks?”
As if enchanted, she nodded without thinking.
After that night, they often attended concerts and watched games together.
To Olivia’s surprise, David shared all her passions–they were practically kindred spirits.
Initially, she saw him only as an older brother, nothing more.
But during their time together, David stirred something new within her again and again.
Realizing she might be falling for him, Olivia instinctively fled.
She cut off all contact, bought a random plane ticket, and began wandering.
Three months later, David still lingered in Olivia’s thoughts.
His gentle voice, his spring–breeze smile, those unconscious little favors he’d slip her.
She even caught herself comparing David and Alexander as potential
Chapter 13
partners.
After fierce internal conflict, Olivia finally booked a flight back to Vancouver.
The moment she landed, she eagerly swapped in her old SIM card.
A flood of missed calls and unread messages overwhelmed her screen.
All from David.
Olivia, dinner tonight?]
[Olivia, are you busy?]
[Olivia, where are you?
Haven’t seen you home in days?]
[Olivia, did I do something wrong?]
[Olivia, I’m worried sick. Going crazy here!]
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[Olivia, please text me back when you see this.]
Each message laid bare his heart, shouting wordlessly-
You matter. I’m lost without you.
A sudden shadow fell over the area. Olivia slowly raised her head and was abruptly pulled into an embrace.
David rested his chin on her shoulder, his warm breath fanning her neck and leaving her heart in disarray.
“Olivia, I missed you so much.”
Chapter 13
His voice was hoarse, as if he’d stayed up countless nights without sleep.
But what made Olivia’s heart race most was the scorching heat radiating from his body.
Olivia steadied David, pressing her fingers to his forehead–it was alarmingly hot.
“David, hold on. I’ll take you to the hospital.”
But David clung to her stubbornly: “Promise me first–you won’t leave without saying goodbye again.”
“Okay, I promise.”
The assistant said with regret: “After you moved out, Mr. Smith’s emotions got the better of him, and his congenital heart condition flared up again.”
“His parents were worried, so they took him back to Vancouver for
treatment.”
“During that time, Mr. Smith was in a lot of pain–he not only searched for news about you every day but also had to undergo treatment.”
Gazing at his pale lips and slightly haggard face, Olivia’s guilt reached its peak
“Why are you crying?”
David had woken up at some point, smiling as he brushed away her tears.
“Olivia, don’t blame yourself. You’re perfect.”
