Chapter 4

"No! Stop!" Olivia screamed as she jolted upright in bed. The fear was overwhelming, and the dream felt frighteningly real. A truck had sped straight at her, slamming into her and tearing her body apart. Instinctively, she covered her eyes. In the dream, Jasper's cold voice had cut through everything. "There's no need to save her. I agree to donate her organs." Then, he decisively signed his name on the paper. The pain was so great that her dream-self burst into tears, yet her family just stood beside them with their arms crossed, as if this had nothing to do with them at all. Olivia broke down and screamed, but no one paid her any mind. It was as if they couldn't see her. The very next moment, a middle-aged woman's voice rang out. "Thank you, Jasper," she said, holding Jasper's hand gratefully. Olivia stared at the elegant woman in disbelief. Pain exploded through her chest as she murmured, "Mom, why…" The man beside them kept a straight face and remained silent. Olivia's tears ran dry as she stared at her husband, whose brows were knitted together. His eyes, which were usually cold and distant, were now full of concern. Who was it who made Jasper give up on her without hesitation? Olivia followed his gaze and felt her heart miss a beat. It was her precious daughter, Emilia. Emilia was standing beside the hospital bed with tears streaming down her cheeks, clutching the person's hand and sobbing uncontrollably. "I don't want you to die. I don't want you to die!" Olivia's tears sprang forth again. Out of everyone there, only her daughter, her own flesh and blood, would grieve for her. Her heart felt as if it had been split in two. The pain was sharp and unbearable. If she died, what would happen to Emilia? Emilia was so timid. Seeing her in this awful state would break Olivia. Right then, Olivia's gaze landed on the hospital bed, but the person lying there was Sage, Jasper's one true love. Of course. Who else could have made Jasper react like that? Olivia felt as though she was about to burn up. Anger, indignation, resentment, and a plethora of other emotions intertwined, tearing her to shreds. She couldn't help but laugh through her tears. "You'll be better in no time, Sage!" Emilia's innocent voice stabbed her ears like needles. The pain in her chest was so sharp that it almost stole her breath. In the present moment, the shrill ringing of a phone pierced through the air, dragging her out of her nightmare. Clutching her chest, Olivia answered the call. Theresa Flores' gentle voice came through. "Remember to come home for dinner tonight." After hanging up, Olivia gathered herself. She felt as if she had just been yanked out of a massive body of water, as her whole body was drenched. Everything in the dream had felt far too real. The excruciating pain terrified her. Olivia didn't want to wait any longer. She found Jasper's number and called him. After a long while, no one answered. Left with no other choice, she sent him a message. Olivia: "My mom asked us to come home for dinner tonight. I need to talk to you." Jasper only replied in the afternoon. "Alright." Olivia stared at that single word for a while. He was so cold. What was it about Jasper that she had ever liked? She couldn't figure it out, so she decided not to think about it anymore. She immersed herself in learning about the industry, and before she knew it, it was time for dinner. When she thought of Emilia, she made another call to Jasper before heading out. This time, he answered it in no time. His cold voice came through. "What is it?" Olivia froze for a moment before letting it go. They were getting divorced anyway. "Are you picking Emi up, or should I?" "That tickles, Sage. Stop it!" Emilia's delightful laughter was like a bucket of ice water dumped over Olivia, leaving her chilled to the bone. Her fingers unconsciously tightened around her phone. Then, she heard her own apathetic voice. "Oh, Emi's with you. In that case, I have nothing else to say." As soon as her words fell, the line disconnected. Olivia couldn't help but smile bitterly. He had hung up so fast. It appeared she had gotten in their way. She didn't dwell on it and drove herself back to the Young residence. … Emilia had been watching closely ever since Jasper answered the call inside the car. The moment he hung up, she asked, "Dad, was that Mom?" Olivia used to call her every day. Yet, she hadn't called her lately. Initially, she thought Olivia was still upset about her lying. Emilia was sure she would come looking for her once she had calmed down. After all, Olivia loved her so much. She would definitely be the first to give in and call her. When that happened, she would ask Olivia to apologize to Sage, and Olivia would definitely oblige. However, until now, Emilia still hadn't received a call from Olivia. When Jasper nodded, she couldn't help but straighten up in Sage's arms. "Did she not look for me?" she asked with a hardened expression. Jasper caressed Emilia's cheek. "She wants us to go to your grandma's for dinner." After hearing that, Emilia's face scrunched up. Olivia was doing this on purpose. Knowing that Theresa was always good to her and that she liked Theresa, Olivia wanted to have dinner at Theresa's place. "What about Sage?" Emilia inquired. "It's okay. I can have dinner with you tomorrow," Sage said gently, caressing Emilia's head. Emilia sounded a little down. "Okay." She wanted to bring Sage along, yet Olivia would undoubtedly be upset. Forget apologizing to Sage, Olivia might even lay her hands on Sage again. That wouldn't do… Emilia's longing for Olivia faded as soon as she thought about that. … As soon as Olivia stepped into the house, the image of Theresa's cold expression from her dream surfaced in her mind, causing her chest to tighten. Growing up, she was never an easy child. The only decision her family had unanimously supported was her marriage to Jasper. After all, the Prices were undeniably wealthy. However, after marrying Jasper, she kept her family away from Price Corporation to avoid people talking. She had never once used her marriage to help them secure business. It was only natural for Theresa to be resentful. Olivia was lost in thought. All of a sudden, someone took her hand. "Why are your hands so cold? You came alone? Where are they?" Olivia snapped back to reality. Warmth spread through her chest when she noticed the concern on Theresa's face. "That's a lot of questions. Which one should I answer first?" Theresa shot her a reproachful look. "What do you think?" "He's working overtime. He'll come over after picking up Emi." Olivia held Theresa's hand. Even at her age, Theresa's hands were still soft and smooth, thanks to how well she took care of herself. Olivia looked around, but she didn't see her father, Oliver Young. "Where's Dad?" Theresa sighed. "He's stressed about business. Say…" Olivia couldn't help but smile bitterly when she picked up on Theresa's hesitance. She had already refused Jasper's help back then. Now, she definitely couldn't ask for his help because they were getting divorced. Since her parents would find out sooner or later, Olivia made up her mind. "Mom, there's something I need to tell you and Dad." As soon as her words fell, Edith Moore, the housekeeper, gushed, "Mr. Price and Ms. Price are here, Mrs. Young!" The very next second, the warmth around Olivia's hand vanished. Theresa immediately let go of her hand and hurried toward the door while calling over her shoulder, "What are you waiting for? Get over here!"