Unaware that Sharon had feelings for Raphael, Olivia was oblivious to Sharonâs meddling.
It didnât help that Sharonâs father held a prominent position as a director of the chamber of commerce in Duefron, boasting an impressive background.
Raphaelâs mother had taken a Liking to Sharon, further complicating matters.
Olivia preferred not to dwell on the unpleasant memories.
Observing Oliviaâs discomfort, Sharon offered a small smile before turning to Raphael and suggesting, âRaphael, why donât we drop Olivia home? Itâs quite chilly tonight, and she isnât dressed warmly.
Havenât you had a boyfriend after all these years, Olivia? Or perhaps he simply doesnât want to come and pick you up?â
Raphael turned to look at Olivia.
Disgusted, Olivia averted her gaze, lightly tapping the ground with her designer heels before softly stating, âI drove here.
Itâs been a while since we last saw each other.
I wish you both happiness.
â
Sharon offered a gentle smile and said, âThanks.
â
She couldnât resist glancing at Raphael, who was seated before her.
He remained silent, his gaze fixed on Olivia.
His expression seemed to mix scrutiny with disdain for her.
Preferring not to engage in further conversation, Olivia bid them farewell and made her way to the parking lot.
Sitting in the car, Raphael gazed in the direction Olivia had left, hesitating to drive away for quite some time.
Sharon, sensing his unresolved emotions, ventured to ask, âYou still havenât moved on from her, have you? Then why didnât you deny ourââ
âNo reason.
â
Raphael reached for a pack of cigarette from the console, extracted one, and placed it between his lips, but refrained from lighting it.
He glanced up and noticed a car slowly exiting the parking lot across from him.
It was a pink Cullinan, and Raphael couldnât tear his eyes away.
Olivia was behind the wheel, and their gazes locked as she passed by.
Olivia also noticed him.
For a brief moment, they shared a meaningful glance, holding each otherâs gaze for just two seconds.
Then, without a word, Olivia turned the car around and drove off.
His fingers trembled slightly.
In the back seat, Sharon too caught sight of Olivia.
A crack marred Sharonâs once serene expression.
The feeling of superiority she initially felt upon seeing Olivia had vanished completely at this moment.
After a momentâs thought, Sharon spoke hesitantly.
âBack in college, Olivia was just an average student.
How can she afford such a lavish car? Raphael, I believe sheâs renting it to keep up appearances.
Could her past experiences have made her more concerned with appearances?â
Raphael continued to disregard Sharonâs words and snapped the cigarette in his fingers.
He started the car, the engine purring to life, while Sharon persisted in her chatter from the back seat.
However, Raphaelâs mind was elsewhere.
He couldnât help but ponder that for someone like Olivia, the cherished daughter of the prestigious Evans family in Czanch, a Cullinan was nothing.
With her resources, she could likely purchase a small country if she so desired.
The lights from the hotelâs roadside illuminated Raphaelâs face, rendering his expression indistinct.
After Olivia saw Raphael, her thoughts were in disarray.
She aimlessly drove around Duefron before eventually returning to her apartment-a modest building with five floors in total.
Oliviaâs apartment occupied 120 square meters, just right for a single person.