เข้าสู่ระบบThree months had passed since that day. Time moved slowly, yet it never truly stopped. Olivia stood by the window of her apartment, gazing at the city of New York as it gradually became wrapped in the soft glow of the afternoon light. Her hair was now tied back simply, her face calmer, though her eyes carried a different kind of maturity.On her work desk sat a small framed photo of herself and Arnold. Olivia looked at it for a moment, then took a deep breath.“I’ve tried, Arnold,” she said softly. “Little by little.”She no longer cried every night. The tightness in her chest was still there, but it had transformed into memories she kept carefully. She learned to accept, even though she never truly forgot.There was a knock on the door.“Liv?” Elena’s voice came from outside. “Mommy’s coming in, okay?”“Yes, Mom.”Elena entered with a warm smile. She looked around Olivia’s room, which was now neater, filled with architectural models and rolled-up design papers.“You’re not leaving ye
gCHAPTER 295Olivia had just closed her bedroom door when her phone vibrated on the table. She was still wearing her work coat, her bag not yet neatly put down. Her breathing felt heavy after a full day spent buried in drawings and meetings.She glanced at the phone screen.Incoming call: Arnold’s MotherOlivia’s heart immediately began to pound erratically. Her hand trembled slightly as she answered the call.“Hello, Auntie…” Olivia’s voice was soft, still trying to sound calm.On the other end, the middle-aged woman’s voice sounded hoarse and heavy. “Olivia… have you arrived home, dear?”“Yes, Auntie. I just got home,” Olivia replied. “What’s wrong, Auntie?”There was silence for a few seconds. Only the sound of a restrained breath could be heard.“Olivia…” The voice trembled. “Auntie wants you to be strong, okay?”Olivia frowned. Her chest felt even tighter. “Auntie, what do you mean?”A small sob was heard through the phone. “Arnold… Arnold just passed away.”Time seemed to stop.
The meeting room at the design office that afternoon felt warm with sunlight. Olivia sat at the end of the long table with several sheets of the newly made ground-floor sketches. Even though her eyes were slightly puffy from lack of sleep, her expression remained professional.The door opened and a middle-aged man walked in with steady steps.“Good afternoon, Miss Olivia,” the man greeted warmly.“Good afternoon, Mr. Veer,” Olivia replied as she stood and shook his hand.Mr. Veer immediately sat down and looked at the neatly arranged papers. “Wow, I’m really curious. You said this is still in the sketch phase?”Olivia nodded. “Yes, Sir. I’ve only finished the rough outline of the ground floor. But I’ve already created the flow concept to keep it efficient for the 500 units later.”Mr. Veer already looked enthusiastic even before touching the papers. “May I see it?”“Please.”As soon as he pulled the sketch closer, Mr. Veer’s eyes brightened. He leaned forward, examining every detail o
— Olivia sat in her workspace, staring at the laptop screen that was still blank. The worksheet for the twelve-story apartment project with 500 units had been open since morning, yet she hadn’t managed to draw a single line. Her sketch pencil lay beside her hand, completely untouched.Her mind was still filled with the sound of hospital machines, the smell of antiseptic, and the doctor’s words that kept repeating in her head.“Mr. Arnold’s condition is very critical… we will try, but medically… please prepare yourself.”Those words made her chest tighten every time she remembered them.The office door was knocked softly.“Liv?” Elena’s gentle voice called. “Mommy’s coming in, okay?”Olivia only nodded without turning her head. Elena walked in with Tamara, who carried a cup of hot chocolate.“We made this so you don’t sit here stressing alone,” Tamara said as she set the cup down.Olivia gave a small smile. “Thank you, Mommy Tamara.”Elena stepped closer and sat beside the desk. “You
The hospital corridor was still filled with the smell of medicine and the soft beeping of medical equipment. Olivia sat on the metal chair in front of the ICU room, holding Arnold’s hand that was connected to an IV. Her eyes were swollen, but she tried to stay strong.“I’m here, Arn…” she whispered softly. “I won’t go anywhere.”Even though Arnold’s body did not move at all, the heart monitor beside him continued to beep steadily but weakly. Olivia gently stroked his cold cheek, hoping he would open his eyes.Elena stood near the door, watching her daughter with a sad expression. “Liv, you need to eat first, Sweetheart. You haven’t eaten anything since this morning.”Olivia shook her head without looking at her. “I’m not hungry, Mom.”Nathan approached. “Liv, you need strength. Arnold would want you to take care of yourself.”“I don’t want to leave him, Daddy. Arnold is scared of dark rooms, he once told me. If he wakes up later, he’ll panic if I’m not here.”Elena pressed her lips to
Queen Elisabeth’s boutique was busy that afternoon. Several tailors walked back and forth carrying fabrics, while an assistant was arranging beads on the long table. Olivia stood in front of the large mirror with a bright expression on her face.“Mom… this is so beautiful,” she said, holding the waistline of the white dress that was only half finished.Elena—known to everyone as Queen Elisabeth—smiled with satisfaction. “Of course it’s beautiful. Who do you think Mommy is?”Olivia giggled. “Yes, yes… I fully trust you on that.”Elena stepped closer, adjusting a bit of the dress around the shoulder. “Are you comfortable? Anything too tight?”“No, it’s perfect. I love the design. Simple but elegant.”Elena nodded. “That’s because you don’t like anything complicated. Mommy purposely made it without too many embellishments so you can move freely.”Olivia gave a warm smile. “Thanks, Mom.”Meanwhile, Arnold was driving toward the boutique. On the passenger seat was a small box containing th







