Chapter 26

Jacob approached Olivia after Tyler left, moving closer as if he wanted to touch her cheek. She felt a surge of fear as he neared, but he took hold of her shoulders. “Olivia!”

He held her tightly in his arms. She felt utterly drained.

Meanwhile, Tyler had driven some distance away. However, he glanced at the rearview mirror when he stopped at a traffic light and saw them hugging Jacob’s sole concern was Olivia’s well–being. “Come on, let’s go to the dorm.” He held her hand and led her forward, but she spoke up, “I’m hungry, Jacob.”

He was as willing to give her anything she desired. He replied when he heard her, “Sure, let’s eat.”

When they took a seat at the restaurant they used to frequent, Jacob busied himself with serving her, fetching utensils and napkins.

Olivia sat there, observing his actions. In the past, watching him had always made her smile like a fool, but today, she couldn’t muster that happiness.

When their food arrived, Jacob placed a slice of meat onto her plate. “Eat more meat, Olivia. You need protein.”

She didn’t eat. He couldn’t comprehend why she wasn’t touching her food. “You said you were hungry.

Why aren’t you eating?”

Instead, she stated firmly, “Stop looking for me, Jacob. We’ve broken up.‘

This time, she spoke with unwavering seriousness, no trace of hesitation. She knew the slightest hesitation would give him hope, and she had no intention of giving him any.

His hands holding the utensils paused, and he stared at her.

Olivia had no desire to stay, so she rose from her chair. As she stood, Jacob reached out to grab her hand, his expression equally serious. “Can you tell me the reason?”

“I’ve fallen in love with someone else,” she declared.

“Who is it? Will you tell me?”

“You don’t need to know.” Olivia shook off his hand heartlessly. She wanted to leave.

Jacob blocked her and said coldly, “I don’t believe you. You’re not telling the truth.”

Olivia pushed his hand away and looked straight at him. “You want the truth? Fine, I’ll give it to you.

What’s the point of your hard work? You’ll always be at the bottom, no matter how hard you try. What’s the point of marrying you? To compete with you? Stop dreaming. How much time do I have to fight with you? Jacob, wake up.”

She had no idea how she managed to say all that.

Jacob took a step back, stunned to hear those words coming from her mouth. “Is that your truth?”

“Yes.‘

The restaurant was filled with other university students, and all eyes were now on them.

Olivia showed no concern for his dignity as she asked cruelly, “Is there anything else you’d like to ask me?”

Jacob stood there in silence, his expression blank.

Pushing the chair away from her, Olivia departed without looking back. She appeared resolute, as if she had finally shed a heavy burden.

However, as she reached a street corner, she began to feel suffocated. She squatted on the ground and sobbed, her hand covering her mouth. She allowed herself to cry for only a brief moment, well aware that Jacob was still at the restaurant and might come out at any time.