Without a word, Dylan silenced the phone and remarked, âNothing! Letâs carry on.
â
But Olivia had a sinking feeling about the callerâs identity.
It was likely Gina.
The fleeting passion that had briefly ignited within her instantly dissipated.
She no longer felt inclined to continue.
Slowly, she sat up and leaned against the back of the sofa.
After contemplating for a moment, she spoke up.
âDylan, I donât intend to meddle in your social affairs, but I canât condone you maintaining contact with a girl who has feelings for you and pursues you.
I understand her father saved you, but you should differentiate between gratitude and affection, Dylan.
â
Pausing, she added, âSometimes, choices must be made.
â
In Oliviaâs mind, if Dylan chose Gina, even if they couldnât remain friends afterwards, at least their relationship would be clear-cut, free from any future entanglements.
However, if they were to be together and he maintained ties with Gina, Olivia doubted she could ever tolerate it.
Dylan shifted and seated himself beside her.
At this moment, he was not in the mood to do it either.
He took out a cigarette from his pocket, lit it, and took a drag.
Then, in a subdued tone, he spoke his mind.
âGina is gravely ill.
She may not have much time left, perhaps just one or two years, so I indulge her a bit.
â
He apologized to her.
Although Olivia was surprised, she retained her composure, refusing to allow Dylan to care for Gina out of kindness, for love, she understood, was inherently self-centered.
If a choice had to be made, it must be Dylanâs to make.
Olivia straightened her clothes, preparing to stand up.
As she moved, Dylan caught her wrist gently and spoke softly.
âI donât have feelings for her.
â
Olivia offered him a slight smile, affirming, âI trust you on that.
â
But they were adults, and Olivia acknowledged that Dylanâs actions were basically driven by circumstances beyond his control, his compassionate nature notwithstanding.
Still, Ginaâs youth, beauty, and unwavering affection would make it totally understandable for a man to succumb to her allure.
Speaking softly, she advised, âDylan, fix your problems first.
â
Nevertheless, Dylan retained his grip on her hand.
Just then, his phone rang once again, this time from Ginaâs father.
Dylan answered the call.
When he answered the phone call, despite not leaving to avoid Olivia, he still made his way to the window.
His back was slender, and his body frame was perfect.
Olivia watched him quietly for a while and then got up and left, leaving the space for Dylan.
As she walked out and closed the door behind her, she pondered that it wasnât necessarily maturity that had changed her, but rather the realization that she might never love someone as passionately and wholeheartedly as she did in her youth.
She came to understand that perhaps love truly would diminish over time.