Chapter 131

OLIVIA I couldn’t give Noah an answer. I closed my eyes and pressed my cheek against his chest, as if I could borrow some of his steadiness, even just for a moment. For a while, neither of us spoke. The silence hung between us, heavy and uneasy. “Noah,” I said quietly, my voice low and tired, “whether Liam and I were married or not, it doesn’t change anything. This… whatever this is… it won’t lead to anything.” I paused, then forced the rest of the words out. “I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for Grandma,” I added. “So just tell me how many times you want me to sleep with you. I’ll do it.” The moment the words left my mouth, they felt cold and hollow. I pushed him away and stepped out of his arms. I picked up my clothes, put them back on one by one, then opened the door and got out of his car. He didn’t stop me. There was only a dull, empty look in his eyes, as if something inside him had quietly gone still. I stood outside the car for a moment. He got out as well, but we both a