AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“...We haven't had a real vacation in years,” she took a step backward, swaying lightly as she fisted the railing.
“Remember that little Italian vineyard we talked about buying?” She glared at me. “Of course you don’t. Our thing has once again vanished under the weight of another billion-dollar deal."
The spite in her voice angered me. All I could see was red and a fucking ingrate.
“You cannot keep setting me up intentionally and blaming me. I gave you everything you’ve requested. What stops you from reminding me when you see I’ve forgotten? Be fucking reasonable, Olivia! I’m a busy man, and there’s only so much I can remember. There will be time for vacations and leisure, but later.”
“Later.” She repeated the words with a bitter echo. “How many fucking ‘laters’ do we get, Ethan? Our— my youth isn't an infinite resource you can just keep putting on hold!”
“This is nothing about age, Olivia,” I warned, moving until we were barely a few inches apart. She fucking had a way of twisting everything.
“Then tell me what the fuc—”
My heart stopped, and I quickly lunged to grab her hands, but just as my fingertip brushed her chest, she fell.
I watched with striking fear as she fell freely down the stairs.
Fuck.
Her body rolled dangerously down the stairs, twisting until it came to a stop.
No. No.
I dashed to the end of the stairs, bile rising in my throat at what I saw.
Her neck twisted at an odd angle, her eyes lifeless and blood flowing from her head.
She was gone.
Horror filled my bones as I knelt to bring her body to my chest.
No. No. No.
“Olivia, wake up. Olivia, you can’t—”
A small, sharp gasp interrupted me. I turned to see Sophie with wide eyes and tears streaming down her face.
Fuck.
***
Present Moment
Every day after that, I regretted indulging in the argument.
As Sophie’s condition continued to seem permanent, I blamed myself for not avoiding it like most nights.
Above all, I blamed myself for how I handled the aftermath of her death. The things I did… but it was all for Sophie…. and my reputation.
Maybe Olivia was right. I was a selfish bastard.
Philip was still working on finding Judy.
All attempts at tracing her were futile. It was like something wasn’t right.
She absconded from work, her number didn't go through, she wasn't at her house, and she didn't have any relatives.
It made me wonder if it was indeed a coincidence or a much-awaited opportunity for Judy.
