She wanted to say something, but Raphaelâs lips twitched into a faint, cold smile before he turned away to talk to the woman beside him.
The woman was graceful and beautiful.
Olivia recognized her too, she was the one Raphaelâs mother Kiley had hoped him would end up with.
It seemed that they were indeed together now.
A twinge of sadness struck Olivia as she watched them.
Olivia managed a strained smile.
Despite the years that had passed, seeing him with another still stirred discomfort within her-a reminder of the past relationship she had chosen to end.
At the wedding, Oliviaâs attention shifted completely when she learned of Jessieâs pregnancy.
She took great care of Jessie throughout the event.
In appreciation, Albert gave her an expensive gift as a token of gratitude.
Later, he teased, âYou should start looking for a partner too, otherwise Melissa will have me set you up with someone.
â
Jessie cast a glance at Albert, who stood confidently.
âJessie can also find someone nice for you.
She knows of many wonderful people,â he suggested.
Olivia smiled, though the gesture didnât quite reach her eyes.
âThank you, Uncle Albertâ she replied, playing along with the light-hearted banter.
Albert chuckled, recognizing her humor, and wasnât offended.
He assisted Jessie into the car before turning to Olivia.
âDid you drive here?â
âYes.
Donât worry about me.
Just take care of Jessie,â Olivia assured him.
As the black car pulled away into the night, Olivia was left alone with her thoughts, which soon wandered back to Raphael.
His unexpected presence at the wedding had caught her off guard.
It was clear he was doing well, which brought her a sense of closure and relief.
Perhaps it was time for her to seriously consider dating more actively, she mused.
Just as Olivia stretched, preparing to head to her own car, a black Bentley rolled up slowly and stopped in front of her.
The window lowered to reveal a familiar stoic face.
Raphael, looking as impassive as ever, offered, âNeed a ride?â
Olivia couldnât resist stealing a glance at the empty front passenger seat.
Raphaelâs offer to drive her home in the absence of his date made Olivia ponder.
Was he hoping to reconnect with her, or perhaps he wanted to flaunt his newfound success, making her regret her earlier decision to let him go?
But did the truth hold any significance anymore?
Many years had indeed gone by, bringing about changes in both of them.
Olivia was not the same person she once was, and Raphael had transformed as well.
Just as Olivia was about to refuse Raphaelâs offer, the back door of the lavish car swung open, and a sweet voice greeted her.
âOlivia, what a surprise! I never imagined running into you here after all this time.
I see youâre the bridesmaid.
Are you related to the bride or something? I heard the Green family has gone down in the world.
Itâs admirable how youâre still so supportive of Jessie.
You havenât lost your innocence and kindness.
Even if you hurt Raphael in the past, I believe you had your reasons.
â
Oliviaâs body tensed slightly.
She looked at the stunning woman seated in the back of the car.
The woman happened to be Oliviaâs college classmate and former best friend, Sharon Yeats.
Olivia was the one who introduced Sharon to Raphael.