Chapter 182

Chapter 182

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I woke up to the gentle aroma of sizzling bacon wafting through the air, accompanied by the sound of laughter and soft chatter.

The morning sun was gentle as it stretched across my face. I stretched and yawned, feeling content with the new day.

“Evie!” Aria’s voice called out as I entered the kitchen. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of her. She was standing there in her

pajamas, flipping pancakes with a sense of grace and expertise that made it look like she had been a chef in a past life.

“Morning, sunshine,” she greeted me with a smile, a strand of hair escaping her loose bun.

“Wow, you're quite the cook,” I marveled, walking over to her, careful not to disrupt the wild pancake flipping she had going

She laughed. “Well, I have an audience to impress. They’re playing around in the living room.”

1. on.

She gestured to the girls, who were playing with Olive’s new toys in the living room, their giggles and laughter making the

morning even brighter. Once the food was ready, Aria and I served it to the kids, and they devoured it with the enthusiasm only

kids could muster. As they finished. leaned over to me and said, “I can take the girls home after breakfast.”

up, Aria

The apartment really was so quiet sometimes.

“Oh, thank you...” I hadn’t even thought of that, having already grown accustomed to them being there. “Also, I heard Olive

talking to the other girls about her mom,” Aria added then in a whisper, and that made my ears twitch in alert.

Emergency calls only

I turned to look at Olive, who was deep in conversation with Lily, her eyes dancing with excitement and determination.

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The morning continued to pass with laughter and love as we cleaned up, and Aria prepared the girls as they were ready to head

home. I stood at the entrance to the kitchen, watching as they gathered their things and exchanged hugs and goodbyes with

Olive. The house was gradually emptying, returning to its quiet state, and the familiar sense of emptiness tugged at my heart..

Aria approached me, her eyes filled with warmth and concern. “You two gonna be okay while I’m gone?”

I smiled at her. “Yeah. We should be fine.”

She nodded, her eyes darting to Olive. T'll be back as soon as I can.”

Once Aria left, I turned my attention to Olive. She sat in the living room, a thoughtful expression on her face. She was growing up

so quickly it seemed, and I’d only known her for a short while.

I joined her on the couch, my arm wrapping around her shoulders. “How are you holding up, hon?”

She looked at me, her eyes searching my face. “I’m okay, Evie. But there's something I need to do.”

1 raised an eyebrow. “And what's that?”

She huffed, her gaze unwavering. “I want to visit my mom today”

I took a deep breath, the knot of anxiety in my stomach tightening. “Of course, you can. We can go right now if

you want?”

Emergency calls only O

Olive’s expression was resolute, her eyes filled with determination. “Yes, please.”

I leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “I’m proud of you, Olive. You’re stronger than you know.”

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The drive to the hospital was filled with tension. Olive sat in the back seat, her anxiety almost mingling with my own. I couldn't

blame her for feeling on edge; the last time she’d been to the hospital, it had been to see her mother, and the memories of that

visit were undoubtedly haunting her.

I tried to keep my focus on the road, my grip on the steering wheel tight. We were a silent duo, our minds preoccupied with the

weight of the possibilities ahead.

As we pulled into the hospital parking lot, I couldn’t help but feel my breath growing more labored by the second. Scarlett had

been through so much, and the incident would leave both her and Olive emotionally scarred. I had to hold myself together for

their sake, though I was constantly coming

undone.

The hospital's sterile halls felt both familiar and foreign as Olive and I made our way to the front desk. The hum of fluorescent

lights overhead, the soft whispers of nurses and patients, and the scent of antiseptic filled the air.

Olive’s grip on my hand was strong, her fingers intertwined with mine as if seeking reassurance. I offered her a reassuring smile.

“Hi, I’m here to see Scarlett Fitzgerald,” I said to the nurse behind the desk, trying to keep my voice steady. “Can you tell me her

room number?” The nurse glanced at her computer screen, her fingers typing away. “Sure, let me check. Are you family?”

gency calls only

*D20% 13:34

I hesitated. “I’m a friend,” I finally replied, not wanting the situation.

too

The nurse nodded and provided me with Scarlett’s room number. “Room 305, just down the hall on your right.”

Olive and I thanked the nurse and made our way to the designated room. As we approached, a sense of unease settled over me.

I could feel Olive’s apprehension, and my own anxiety intensified.

The hospital corridor seemed to stretch infinitely as we approached Scarlett’s room, each step weighed down by the anticipation

of what lay ahead. I was caught in a whirlwind of emotions, my heart pounding in my chest, anger and concern bubbling beneath

the surface. Olive trailed behind me, her expression blank.

The door to Scarlett’s room was slightly ajar, and I could see someone standing just outside.

It was Stella.

Stella turned to fare us, her eyes widening in surprise as she saw Olive and me approaching. Her face contorted with repulsion

at my presence.

“What are you doing here?” Stella’s voice, laced with thinly veiled hostility, cut through the air like a sharp blade. Her eyes, sharp

and calculating, met mine, daring me to challenge her presence.

I squeezed Olive’s hand, guiding her to continue walking past Stella. “We're here to see Scarlett,” I replied calmly.

Stella’s gaze shifted and her eyes narrowed as she spotted Olive beside me. “What are you doing with my niece?” she asked,

her tone laced with. suspicion.

Emergency calls only

“Evie’s taking care of me,” Olive replied, her voice steady despite the tension in the air. “While Mommy's sick.”

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Stella hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering between us. “I’m her aunt. Why would Scar let you take care of her?” Stella

replied, her tone guarded.

The atmosphere crackled with unspoken words, and I could feel the tension escalating. My instincts screamed at me to protect

Olive, to shield her from whatever storm Stella might bring. I turned to Olive, my voice low and urgent.

“Olive. I think it might be best if we leave. Maybe another time?”

Before Olive could respond. Stella interjected, her voice surprisingly calm. “There’s no need for that, Evie. I dropped the

protective order against you. I blinked, taken aback by her statement. “What? Why?” The question escaped my lips before I

could stop it, a mix of surprise and suspicion coloring my words.

Stella’s gaze softened, if only for a moment. “At Timothy’s request. He thought it was best to let bygones be bygones, for now.”

Before I could respond, the door to Scarlett’s room swung open, and a doctor stepped out. His expression was neutral, giving

away nothing of

Scarlett’s condition.

Ms. Fitzgerald is stable now. You can go in and speak with her if you'd like?”

Relief washed over me, momentarily eclipsing the anger and frustration. I exchanged a quick glance with Stella before turning

back to the doctor. “Thank you.” I murmured, my voice tight with apprehension as I guided Olive inside the room.