Chapter 4

A few minutes later, someone came out from inside.

It was Olivia's brother, Ryan.

Seeing Olivia, his expression was surprised and strange.

"Why are you here?"

It didn't sound like how one would greet a sister they hadn't seen in a long time.

More like seeing someone they disliked.

Olivia was already used to it.

"I need to see Mom about something."

Ryan hesitated before opening the door.

"Come in, Mom's in the living room."

After entering the yard, Olivia immediately noticed the newly planted flowers.

Winter jasmine filled nearly half the garden.

It was Sophia's favorite flower.

That area used to be where she had planted red camellias to please her father.

Now there was no trace of them left.

Noticing her gaze, Ryan said,

"Sophia likes winter jasmine. Dad had them planted."

It sounded like an explanation, but was really just informing her.

After all, none of her things mattered in the Hayes household.

Olivia looked away.

"Oh."

Ryan gave her an odd look.

In the past, Olivia would have been hurt hearing things like this.

Why was she so calm today?

Ryan tried to detect some signs of distress on her face, but found none.

Before she even stepped into the living room, laughter could be heard.

Her mother Linda was holding up a finished cheongsam, comparing it to Sophia's figure.

"Frank, look, how's the cheongsam I embroidered for Sophia?"

Her father Frank nodded appreciatively.

"Beautiful. The yellow winter jasmine embroidery is very elegant."

Sophia smiled and linked arms with Linda.

"Mom's handiwork is the most beautiful. I love everything she makes!"

Linda looked at Sophia with loving eyes.

"Such a sweet talker."

Sophia liked wearing handmade cheongsams.

Linda felt the ones sold outside weren't good enough, so she had been making them herself for Sophia for many years.

Sophia was in her thirties but still acted like a child, pouting.

She held up the dress and twirled around.

"Ethan, will this dress look good on me for New Year's?"

Only then did Olivia notice Ethan sitting on the sofa, hidden by the wall.

Ethan looked up at Sophia with a smile.

The misty blue sweater made him look especially gentle.

Where was any trace of how he acted in front of Olivia?

"It looks good."

Hearing Ethan's warm voice,

Olivia felt a stabbing pain in her heart.

He had never complimented her on looking good.

Not even once.

The scene before her eyes was warm and loving.

Just like a real family.

Ryan coughed.

"Dad, Mom, Olivia's back."

Everyone's smiles froze.

Linda turned and made eye contact with Olivia.

Linda's eyes darted away, then she spoke awkwardly.

"Olivia's back."

Her tone was distant and polite, completely lacking the affection she showed Sophia.

Frank sat up straight, not even sparing Olivia a glance.

"What are you here for?"

That tone of voice made her sound like the outsider.

Then again, other than sharing the Hayes name, she was nothing like the Hayes family.

Sophia waved the cheongsam and smiled at her.

"Sis, this is the one I asked Mom to make for me. Don't think too much of it."

Hearing this, Frank snorted coldly.

"Your mother can make dresses for whoever she wants. Does she need Olivia's permission?"

Sophia's eyes flashed with smugness.

It was always like this.

A few words from Sophia and the family would despise her.

In the past she would argue back, but now she had no energy for it.

Ethan watched the silent Olivia, feeling confused.

Olivia wouldn't usually be this indifferent.

What was wrong with her today?

Olivia suppressed the pain in her heart and walked forward.

"Dad, Mom, I didn't mean to disturb you."

"Nonsense, how could Mom ever find you a bother." Linda went to take Olivia's hand but was avoided.

Linda's smile froze on her face as she awkwardly withdrew her hand.

Olivia didn't want to exchange pleasantries and stated her purpose directly.

"I came today to take back the white jade pendant Grandma left for me."