Chapter 4The clock was nearing eleven in the morning, and the apartment was wrapped in a heavy silence.Olivia sat on the couch, staring at the television without really seeing what was playing — as if her mind were still trapped in the office she had been fired from the day before.The cup of coffee in her hands had long gone cold, yet she kept holding it, as though the warmth it once had was the only thing keeping her together.Grace stepped out of her room, wearing her elegant coat and searching for her keys. She lifted her handbag onto her shoulder and said,— “I’m heading out for a bit, Olivia. I’ll stop by the store, then visit my friend. Do you need anything?”Olivia looked up slowly, a faint smile curving her lips.— “No, Mom, I’m fine. Thanks.”Grace studied her for a moment, then said gently, her tone filled with motherly warmth,— “Don’t weigh yourself down with worry, dear. You’ll find a better job soon, God willing.”Olivia only nodded silently as her mother left the apa
Last Updated : 2025-10-07 Read more