Chapter 9 - Where's my phone?

Olivia's POV

The night air was a bit chilly and slightly biting to the skin but Olivia stood at the entrance of her place of residence, a seven-floor building. She lived on the top floor because it was the cheapest and therefore it was also unfortunately the smallest.

Taking in a deep breath, Olivia entered into the building.

It had taken a strong force of will to not crash out in the premium cab after Adam had escorted her to it. And that was the issue.

She understood his earlier reasons for pushing her away. While she could have actually done something major to help him, it would mean admitting her loss to her parents and doing it as Olivia Dunham.

So, she had tried helping in the way Olivia, just Olivia, could do. She gave him large discounts anytime she saw him, trying to make him take it for free didn't work and seemed insulting.

She had timed her working hours across her three jobs to always meet him. Once in a while, she gave him anonymous gifts.

She had even given up a high job offer so he could take it. It wouldn't be a stretch to say Olivia was Adam's biggest supporter.

It was honestly embarrassing since it was almost a one-sided relationship but she believed he would eventually achieve great things and it wasn't like she was expecting him to fall in love with her for her just for her actions.

The elevator in the building had a medium sized mirror so while it took her to her floor, Olivia studied her appearance.

Her brown turtleneck sweater complemented her green eyes and medium brown hair. The style was new since Daniel had begged her to not dress like a common person but she definitely looked beautiful.

‘Does he not like me?’

That was where she might have issues with Adam. He had impliedly hinted that he also liked her and she was sure that it wasn't her imagination. So if he didn't, it meant he led her on.

But if he did have some feelings for her, was he intentionally acting oblivious throughout the night.

“Argh!” she could only groan out.

Unfortunately, her next door neighbor was standing on the other side and heard her groan.

Madam Ulrica was like a matron in the apartment. Her husband had died some years ago and her sons had all gone to various countries so the middle aged woman took it upon herself to help her fellow tenants and basically anyone she could.

“Hallo! My dear Olivia. Is everything alright?” Madam Ulrica who had sensed Olivia's mood quickly grabbed onto her hands and gently guided her out of the elevator into the hallway.

“I sense an issue... It is a boy. Oh, yes. Love?” she continued, “You shouldn't bear issues of the heart alone. Speak, Madam Ulrica will help and if she can't, she will smack the boyfriend who doesn't know how to appreciate a fine lady.”

Olivia laughed out a bit, which seemed to make Madam Ulrica smile. The cunning woman has intended to make her laugh in the first place as an ice breaker.

Finding herself being escorted towards her door and Madam Ulrica being a calming presence, Olivia could only say what was in her mind. “It is a boy but we've not yet... we aren't boyfriend and girlfriend or anything.”

“Yet, she says,” the madam snickered, “so what did this not yet boyfriend do or not do, in your case.”

They had already walked into Olivia's simple room. It wasn't the first time Madam Ulrica had entered the single room apartment, so she didn't need to complement the flowery designs that adorned the room.

“Well, we have known each other for some months and we have something going on,” Olivia answered after they were both seated. “I didn't push it when he had to work and was busy but he is supposed to be free now and still acts oblivious.”

“That is not all, child. Something else bothers you. There is a third party involved; lay it all down I say.”

Madam Ulrica's tone was one of slight reproach and amusement which shocked Olivia at how she had been exposed. She could feel heat crawl up her neck and she was probably red.

The greying haired woman acted like she didn't notice it but she definitely did.

“Today, we met at a restaurant. He was with someone else... He said they had just met and I believe it but what if he ends up with her.” Olivia couldn't believe how she had bared her heart to the other woman but she just couldn't stop.

“I think I'm doing too much and am wrong in thinking he has feelings for me. It might just be my fantasy.”

“Liebe fällt, wohin sie will - Love falls where it wants." Madam Ulrica said, “you can't control it but you can regulate it. Put your share of effort and if it doesn't work, at least you know you tried.”

“Call him and tell him that you either want to see him again or you don't want to see him. He'll need to decide if he really wants you.”

For a short moment, Olivia debated following the older woman's advice. She even wondered why she should even follow someone else's advice, then her thought wondered why Madam Ulrica was so concerned with the matter in the first place.

‘Was she sent by father? No. He doesn't care enough. Mother? It might be possible but she wouldn't tell her spy to serve as an advisor. My siblings? They'd rather see me in a ditch.”

After debating it, Olivia realized nobody would want the Madam to assist her that much except maybe Daniel. But he didn't care about love and he wouldn't even like to see her depending on some random guy he hadn't vouched.

Not being able to bring a name to mind, Olivia dismissed her suspicions and dipped her hand into her bag to find the phone.

'Huh?'

Rummaging through her bag and pockets, Olivia came to a realization.

“I think I left it at his place.”

A sharp cackle cut across the small sized apartment. The old woman kept repeating and laughing a sentence in German. “Was sein wird, wird sein.”

After eventually calming down, she said, a sly glint in her eye. “You are fated to meet him again, child. Now you have a reason to meet him.”