Chapter 8- My Refuge.

Olivia.

This was the shortest flight ever. I was in Richmond before I knew it.

Ever since Mom died, Dad and I have become even closer. Not that we weren't close while she was alive—our bond simply became unbreakable once we only had each other. He truly is the best father in the world. There isn't a single doubt in my mind.

"There she is!" he exclaimed the moment his eyes found me.

The smile that spread across his face made me feel like I was still the most important person in his world.

"Hi, Dad."

I hurried into his arms without a second thought. There has never been a safer place on earth than wrapped in my father's embrace. Every hug reminds me that no matter how difficult life becomes, I'll always have somewhere to land. In his arms, I feel protected, cherished, and somehow beyond the reach of trouble.

He held me a little tighter than usual.

"You've lost weight," he murmured, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "Are you taking care of yourself?"

I forced a smile, hoping it would be enough to reassure him.

"I'm fine."

He gave me the look every daughter knows—the one that says, Don't lie to your father.

"Hi, sweet girl."

I turned to find Anne waiting with her arms wide open.

She has been one of life's greatest gifts to both Dad and me. If I ever needed proof that God can bring beauty from unimaginable pain, Anne is it.

Mom passed away when I was nine years old. Long QT syndrome stole her from us when she was only thirty-one. Losing your mother is something no little girl should ever have to endure. Dad and I spent three years learning how to survive without her before Anne walked into our lives.

She and Dad tried for years to have a baby together, but it never happened. Instead of seeing me as someone else's daughter, she simply chose to love me as her own.

And she did.

She celebrated every accomplishment, sat through every heartbreak, defended me whenever I needed someone in my corner, and even helped convince Dad to let me move to Alexandria after graduation. Being the fiercely protective father he is, he wanted me to stay in Richmond, attend school nearby, and live at home.

I adore him for loving me so fiercely.

Even if that love occasionally borders on overprotective.

The moment Anne wrapped me in her embrace, every ounce of strength I'd been clinging to disappeared.

The tears came before I could stop them.

Not quiet tears.

Not graceful tears.

The kind that steal your breath and shake your entire body.

"I knew something was wrong," Dad whispered.

Without hesitation, he wrapped both of us in his arms, pulling us together until we became one trembling embrace in the middle of the airport.

I didn't care that people were staring.

For those few moments, the rest of the world simply ceased to exist.

Anne rubbed slow circles across my back while Dad kissed the top of my head the same way he had ever since I was a little girl.

"You're home now," he whispered. "Whatever it is... we'll get through it together."

That was all it took.

I cried even harder.

After several minutes, Anne gently wiped my cheeks.

"Let's go home," she whispered.

I couldn't manage a single word, so I nodded.

I had a knot the size of the moon that kept me from breathing normally.

Dad picked up my suitcase while Anne slipped her arm through mine as we walked toward the parking garage.

Halfway to the car, I finally found my voice.

"I caught Noah cheating on me... with his receptionist."

Anne didn't hesitate.

"Bastard," she muttered.

Dad stopped walking for half a second.

His jaw clenched so tightly I thought he might crack a tooth.

Then, in the calmest voice imaginable, he said, "Get in the car, sweetheart."

The storm behind his eyes told me everything else.

"Fucking son of a bitch," Dad whispered when we settled inside his car.

His voice was low, controlled, but I had never heard him sound so angry.

Until now.

Dad slid into the driver's seat while Anne climbed into the back beside me, refusing to let go of my hand. Every few seconds, she'd rub her thumb across my knuckles, the same comforting gesture she'd used ever since I was a little girl. There was something about her touch that always made me feel safe.

"Four years..." I whispered between sobs. "Exactly four years. We met on Thanksgiving."

I buried my face in my hands.

"I was planning our anniversary dinner."

The words shattered what little composure I had left.

The visceral pain in my stomach intensified. I had already puked once.

My cries filled the car as Richmond blurred past the windows. Neither Dad nor Anne tried to interrupt me. They simply let me grieve.

My phone buzzed.

Amelia: Are you home yet?

I stared at the screen for several seconds before shoving my phone back into my purse without replying.

I couldn't talk to her.

Not yet.

There was too much trapped inside my chest, too much anger, too much heartbreak. If I opened my mouth now, I was afraid everything inside me would come pouring out.

A few moments later, Anne's phone rang.

I didn't even have to ask.

The sympathetic look in her eyes told me exactly who it was.

I gave her a small nod.

"Hi, Amelia," Anne answered, putting the call on speaker.

"Anne... is Liv with you?" Amelia asked, her voice trembling.

"Yes, sweetheart. She's here with us. She'll call you when she's ready."

I stopped listening after that.

I knew none of this was Amelia's fault.

But she was engaged to Noah's best friend.

His best friend had known.

He'd known Noah was cheating on me and had looked me in the eye anyway.

He'd smiled.

He'd shared dinners with us.

He'd watched me plan a future with a man who was betraying me behind my back.

And he never said a word.

I would talk to Amelia eventually.

But first I needed to trust that whatever I shared with her would stay between us.

I had always thought there was something special about the four of us dating four best friends.

Never—not even for a second—had I imagined how complicated it would become if one relationship fell apart.

The airport was only twenty minutes from Dad's house, so we were home before I realized it.

Dad carried my suitcase upstairs while Anne squeezed my hand one last time.

"I'm making you some tea," she said softly.

I nodded before disappearing into my bedroom.

The first thing I needed was a shower.

I wanted to wash him off me.

The thought that I'd been sleeping with Noah while he was sleeping with someone else made my stomach churn.

I stepped beneath the hot water and scrubbed my skin until it turned bright pink.

Then I scrubbed harder.

As though enough soap could erase betrayal.

As though hot water could wash away the memories.

The tears came as fast as the water cascading over my face.

Why?

Why would he do this to me?

He was the first man I'd ever loved.

The first man I'd ever trusted.

The only man I'd ever shared my body with.

I had built my life around him.

I went where he wanted to go.

I changed plans to fit his schedule.

I compromised because I believed that's what love looked like.

Little by little, he made every decision.

And somewhere along the way...

I stopped making my own.

I braced both hands against the shower wall and closed my eyes.

No more.

No more tears for a man who never deserved them.

"Screw you, Noah."

The words came out as barely a whisper.

Then, louder.

"Fuck you, Noah."

When I walked out of the bathroom, Anne was sitting quietly in the accent chair by the window. She looked up the moment I opened the door, as though she'd been waiting for me the entire time.

"Anne... are you still good friends with Dr. Almanor?"

She nodded gently.

"I am."

She studied my face for a moment before asking softly, "Would you like me to call her first thing tomorrow morning?"

I lowered my eyes to the floor.

"There’s something I need to tell you."

She waited patiently.

"Noah and I never used condoms. We always had unprotected sex." My voice cracked. "I can't stop thinking that he may have exposed me to something."

The words tasted bitter.

"You know..." I swallowed hard. "He admitted he slept with her." I took a painful deep breath. "Three months."

Anne crossed the room without saying a word and wrapped me in another hug.

Four years ago, she had been the one to take me to see Dr. Almanor after Noah and I decided to become sexually active. She wanted to make sure I understood my options and encouraged me to start birth control to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.

Before we stopped using condoms, Noah and I had both been tested.

Back then, getting tested had felt responsible.

Now, making another appointment felt like another painful reminder that the man I trusted had betrayed me.

Still...

I needed peace of mind.

Even if getting it meant reopening a wound that was still bleeding.

After a few quiet moments, Anne gently brushed my damp hair away from my face.

"Sweetie," she said softly, "you should call Amelia. She keeps texting me."

I sighed.

"Would you stay here with me?"

Her smile was warm and reassuring.

"Always."

She kissed my forehead before I rested my head in her lap, just as I had done countless times growing up.

I dialed Amelia's number.

She deserved to hear everything from me.

She had become more than my best friend.

She was family.

"Liv..." she answered, relief filling her voice. "Thank you for calling me back."

I told her everything.

From the moment I walked into Noah's office...

To finding him with his receptionist...

To throwing the watch...

Every painful detail.

The only part I hesitated to mention was James.

"I... I'm so sorry for slapping him," I finally admitted. "I know he's your fiancé."

I paused before continuing.

"But he was my friend too."

My voice trembled.

"And I can't help feeling like he should have honored our friendship enough to tell me the truth."

Silence.

For a terrifying second, I wondered if Amelia had hung up.

Then I heard her exhale.

"I know," she whispered.

The pain in her voice mirrored my own.

A lump formed in my throat.

"Noah showed up a few minutes after you left," she said.

I closed my eyes.

Of course he did.

"I gave him a piece of my mind too," she said with a humorless chuckle.

I wasn't surprised.

I knew Noah would come looking for me.

He always knew how to make himself look like the victim.

That had always been one of his greatest talents.

"I booked a flight to Atlanta first thing tomorrow morning," Amelia said. "When are you coming back?"

I stared at the ceiling for a long moment before answering.

"I only bought a one-way ticket."

Silence.

"I think... I need some time," I whispered. "I need to figure out what my next step is."

More silence.

"Amelia?"

For a second, I wondered if the call had dropped.

"I'm here," she finally said.

Her voice was thick with tears.

"Please promise me you'll come back."

The plea caught me off guard.

I couldn't make that promise.

Not when I had no idea what my life was going to look like tomorrow, let alone next week.

Then she spoke again.

"No..." she corrected herself through a sob. "Promise me you won't give up on us."

My heart shattered.

"Promise me you'll never stop being my best friend."

A small laugh escaped through my tears.

"Are you kidding me, Meli?"

She sniffled.

"You're stuck with me forever."

Another quiet sob escaped her.

"I'm furious with James," I admitted. "But you and I were family long before Noah and James came into our lives."

I smiled despite myself.

"They don't get to ruin us."

"I love you, Liv."

"I love you too." I assured her.

"I'll follow you to the ends of the earth," she said with a watery laugh.

"I know you will."

I laughed too.

"And I'll be right beside you."

For the first time since walking into Noah's office, I genuinely smiled.

We stayed on the phone for several more minutes, talking about everything except Noah.

I asked her to hug her parents for me and to tell her little sister I missed her.

That crazy fourteen-year-old always managed to make me laugh.

When we finally hung up, I realized Anne was still absentmindedly running her fingers through my damp hair.

I rolled onto my back and looked up at her.

"I'm so thankful for you."

Her eyes immediately filled with tears.

"I love you, Anne."

She cupped my face with both hands.

"I love you too, sweetheart."

She leaned down and kissed my forehead.

"Now get some sleep."

She smiled softly.

"We have a busy day tomorrow."

"Goodnight, Anne."

"Goodnight, sweetheart."

I was going to do my best effort to sleep through the night, but my ulcer was acting up, and my stomach was in legit pain.

The next morning, I woke to the irresistible smell of bacon drifting upstairs.

For the first time since yesterday, I realized how hungry I was. Then in ding on me that I'd only eaten lunch with my coworkers before everything fell apart.

Dinner had never happened.

Just coffee.

Far too much coffee, if I was being honest.

But then I had emptied my stomach at the airport right before I boarded the plane.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," Dad teased as I walked into the kitchen.

I frowned.

"It's only nine-thirty."

He chuckled.

"I've been up since six."

"Of course you have," I mumbled.

Anne slid a plate onto the table before looking at me. "I made you an appointment for ten forty-five."

I froze.

My eyes immediately found Dad's.

He simply smiled.

A small, reassuring smile.

No questions.

No awkward conversation.

No embarrassment.

Just unconditional support.

Heat crept into my cheeks.

Anne must have told him.

Part of me wanted to disappear beneath the kitchen table. Talking about sex had always been uncomfortable enough.

Talking about sexually transmitted infections with my father?

Absolutely mortifying.

Still...

He never made me feel ashamed.

He simply reached over, kissed my temple, and squeezed my hand.

"I'm proud of you," he said quietly.

I blinked.

"For getting checked."

My eyes instantly filled with tears again.

"It's the responsible thing to do."

I couldn't even answer.

I just nodded.

My appetite had disappeared as quickly as it had arrived.

I managed a few sips of coffee before nausea settled heavily in my stomach.

By the time Anne and I arrived at Dr. Almanor's office, I felt like I might be sick.

She never let go of my hand.

Not while we checked in.

Not while we waited.

Not even when my leg bounced uncontrollably beneath the chair.

Every possible scenario raced through my mind.

Every frightening possibility.

When Dr. Almanor finally called my name, I stood on shaky legs.

After explaining everything that had happened, I looked her straight in the eye.

"I want every test you can run."

I needed answers.

Because until I had them...

I knew my mind would never let me rest.

"I might be overreacting, Dr. Almanor," I admitted. "But I'd rather be safe than sorry."

She offered me a reassuring smile.

"I wish more women had that attitude, Olivia."

She set her clipboard aside before continuing.

"A lot of young women are embarrassed to talk about these concerns. They decline certain tests because they're afraid or uncomfortable."

She shook her head gently. "But here's nothing to be ashamed of."

That simple sentence eased something inside me.

"We're going to run three different tests today," she continued. "We'll check for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, and HIV."

I instinctively tightened my grip on Anne's hand.

Hearing those words from a doctor made everything feel terrifyingly real.

"When will I know the results?" I asked.

"We have an in-house laboratory," Dr. Almanor explained. "I'll have your pregnancy results by the end of the day."

She smiled at Anne.

"Since your stepmother and I have been friends for years, I'll call you personally tonight."

I nodded.

"The STD panel and HIV test will take a little longer. And regardless of today's results, I'll want you to repeat the testing in three months."

I swallowed hard.

"Okay."

Anne squeezed my hand.

"Everything is going to be okay, sweetheart."

I wanted to believe her.

I really did.

My heart pounded through the entire appointment.

My hands were ice-cold despite how badly they were sweating, and I was certain Dr. Almanor could hear the tremble in my voice.

Once the examination was over, Anne and I quietly walked back to the car.

Neither of us spoke for several minutes.

Sometimes silence is kinder than words.

Halfway home, Anne glanced over at me.

"What do you think about stopping at Wegmans?"

I looked up.

"We still need everything for tomorrow's Thanksgiving dinner."

A tiny smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

"We can grab lunch first."

She paused dramatically.

"And one of your favorite frozen coffees."

I laughed for what felt like the first time in days.

"That actually sounds perfect."

Keeping my mind occupied felt healthier than sitting alone with my thoughts.

If I stayed busy, maybe my brain would stop replaying yesterday over and over again.

Thanksgiving had always been one of my favorite holidays.

Maybe helping Anne cook would remind me that life hadn't completely fallen apart.

Besides...

She was one of the best cooks I knew.

Maybe some of her talent would finally rub off on me.

As though she'd read my mind, she smiled.

"Is there anything special you'd like me to make this year?"

My eyes lit up.

"Do you think we could bake an apple pie together?"

She didn't hesitate.

"Absolutely!"

Her smile grew even wider. "We'll grab everything we need."

She leaned over and squeezed my hand. "And we're definitely buying vanilla ice cream."

I laughed.

"Anything for my girl."

Those four words wrapped around my heart like a warm blanket.

For the first time since my world had fallen apart...

Home didn't just feel like a place.

It felt like the beginning of healing.

Some people say a mother's love is irreplaceable.

I believe they're right.

No one could ever replace my mom.

But the love Anne and I share comes as close as anyone possibly could.

Anne was a miracle from above.

Losing my mother left a wound that will never fully heal. For years, I was angry with God for taking her away from me. But somewhere along the way, He placed another remarkable woman in my life—someone who chose to love me as though I had always been her daughter.

Sometimes I catch myself wondering whether things would have been different if she and Dad had been able to have children of their own.

Would she have loved me the same way?

Every time that thought crosses my mind, I remember all the years she has spent proving that love isn't measured by blood.

It's measured by choice.

And every single day...

Anne chose me.

"Oh my goodness," I laughed as we reached the wine aisle. "How many people did you and Dad invite?"

She grinned while placing another bottle into the shopping cart.

"I may have gotten a little carried away."

A little?

There had to be ten bottles of wine in that cart already.

Considering how small our family was, I assumed they had invited friends from Dad's law firm or a few neighbors.

Either way, I was ready to spend Thanksgiving surrounded by people I loved.

"Mom and Dad are coming on Thursday," Anne said as she checked another item off her shopping list. "Your Uncle John and his family will be here too."

She looked up.

"Oh... and Kaily and Jeyren are stopping by tomorrow."

I froze for half a second.

Kaily and Jeyren Greenfield.

Not only were they the parents of one of my closest high school friends, Juliana...

They were also Justin's parents.

"Are Juliana and Justin coming too?" I asked, trying to sound far more casual than I felt.

Anne shrugged.

"I'm not sure. I forgot to ask. But you know it's Thanksgiving, sweetie — they will not miss it for anything in the world."

Justin.

The first boy I ever truly dated.

We'd been together for two wonderful years before graduating from high school. When college acceptance letters arrived, I chose Harding University while he accepted an offer from Virginia Tech.

We both knew that trying to build a serious relationship hundreds of miles apart would only end in heartbreak. So we made the difficult decision to end things while we still loved and respected each other.

It wasn't dramatic.

There were no screaming matches.

No betrayal.

Just two teenagers choosing to let each other chase their dreams.

Justin had always treated me with kindness and respect. He never pressured me into anything I wasn't ready for, and that was something I would always appreciate about him.

We kept our promise to remain friends.

We still followed each other on social media, although life had become busy for both of us.

The last time I'd looked at his profile, he was dating someone.

After that, work took over my life.

Between trying to earn a promotion and building a future with Noah, I hadn't given much thought to my first love.

Juliana and I, however, had stayed in touch over the years.

Some friendships are simply too special to let fade away.