Divorce To Restart: A Billionaire's Redemption

Masked Facades

The attention of everyone in the hospital room shifted towards the doorway as Olivia called out, "Alex!" 

Upon entering, Alex's gaze swept across the room, settling on Clare and a few others who stood awkwardly. Clare felt the weight of his icy stare but couldn't bring herself to meet his eyes.

"Alex," Olivia interjected, her voice tinged with desperation, "are you still mad at me? Are you disappointed that I didn't stop Clare sooner? I wanted to intervene, I just didn't expect Clare to say those things to Emily."

Alex spared Olivia a glance, noting the tears streaking down her face and the patch on her forehead stained with faint traces of blood. Yet, despite her distress, he felt no sympathy. 

As Alex gazed at Olivia's tear-streaked face, he felt an unexpected detachment. His thoughts drifted to another image, one etched in his memory: Emily, tears welling in her eyes, yet refusing to let them fall. In his recollection, she turned away, a facade of strength masking her true emotions. It was a stark contrast to their childhood days when she would openly weep in his presence, her vulnerability laid bare.

But now, Emily seemed distant, a shadow of her former self. She no longer confided in him as she once had, her tears concealed behind a façade of composure. Alex couldn't help but wonder how much had changed between them, how much they had drifted apart.

Lost in his thoughts, Alex barely registered Olivia's voice calling out to him again. "Alex?" she said, pulling him back to the present.

"What happened tonight?" Alex's tone was frigid, his gaze fixated on Olivia's forehead.

Olivia was taken aback. She and her friends had already pinned the blame on Emily back at the restaurant. After a moment's hesitation, she responded with a carefully calculated reply, "Don't blame Emily for this. Even if the scar is permanent, I won't blame her."

Alex's expression darkened, and he remained silent, sending a chill down Olivia's spine. To avoid incriminating herself further, Olivia spoke up, "Alex, it's not Emily's fault. I wasn't careful enough."

Alex turned his gaze back to Olivia, his eyes piercing. "Well, be more careful next time," he said coldly, his tone final and unwavering.

Olivia's face paled at Alex's stern words, her expression shifting to one of shock and disbelief. After a moment of silence, she suddenly buried her head in Alex's coat, clutching onto him tightly as tears filled her voice. "I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "I'll remember next time. The doctor mentioned the scar, and I was devastated. You won't leave me if it's permanent, will you?"

Alex frowned with a hint of impatience, attempting to push her away, but Olivia clung to his waist, desperation evident in her grip. "Do you know why I risked my life to save you when we were kids?" she continued, her voice wavering with emotion. "Because I can't bear to lose you. Please, don't leave me."

Her words gave Alex pause as he reflected on the memory of being saved by Olivia in the lake. His memory of being saved by Olivia was a hazy blur, shrouded in the fog of unconsciousness. He remembered the sensation of being pulled beneath the surface, the icy water closing in around him, suffocating and disorienting. Panic seized him as he struggled against the relentless currents, his lungs burning with the need for air.

It wasn't until he woke up in the hospital, his body weak and battered, that he learned the so-called truth. His grandmother stood by his bedside, her worried expression softened by relief as he stirred awake. And beside her stood Olivia, her face a mask of concern. 

From that day forward, the memory of Olivia's selfless act lingered in his mind, a testament to her courage and devotion. 

Moved by the undeniable truth that she had once pulled him from the brink of death, Alex gently patted her back and softened his tone. "Don't worry so much. I'll drive you home so you can get some rest."