Even After Death

Olivia couldn't deny it because it was the truth.

While she was pregnant, Marina happened to return to the country.

Marina was pregnant as well.

She wanted proof that Ethan would treat her well, so she asked Ethan to cook for her, too.

Back then, Ethan was filled with guilt toward Kurt, so he would fulfill any wish Marina had.

"It's kind of boring talking to you," Olivia grumbled.

"T hit the nail on the head." Wayne flipped the food in the pan, sending sparks flying. RêAd lat𝙚St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

"I won't be like him.

I'm like a wolf, you see.

As soon as I lock onto a prey, I will never give up on it.

I won't be distracted.

"I'll admit that my background isn't as good as Ethan's.

But with my position, I can give you things he won't be able to.

I am not inferior to him in this sense." Olivia scoffed.

“Men would make empty promises and whisper sweet nothings when they are trying to court women.

"How would I know that you're not another Ethan to me? Or do you think that I'm a pure 18-year-old, and I'll fall for you because of some cheesy lines you said?" “Alright, I won't force you.

Why don't you tell me about you and him? How did you get to know each other?" Wayne felt that he should get to know his enemy better.

It would increase his chances of winning.

Since Wayne wanted to hear about it, Olivia would indulge him, of course.

She softly recounted the story between her and Ethan.

At the end of it, she looked at Wayne.

"What do you think?" Wayne scoffed.

"That's corny.

Even storytellers wouldn't use clichés like that.

Ethan only saved your life, and you're already giving him your hand in marriage?" Olivia pouted.

At that moment, he reminded her of a certain friend.

She said earnestly, "I was so young back then, and the sea was like a monster with its huge jaws wide open.

"There was thunder overhead, and the waves were roaring.

When he jumped off a warship and took me out of the water, he was like an angel who had descended to save me!" Even though it happened more than a decade ago, every time Olivia recalled that scene, she still felt her heart racing.

How could she not? His arms were so strong, and even though his voice was cold, it comforted her nervous and fearful heart.

"You're so naive." Wayne snorted.

He served the beef slices he had just fried.

Then, he raised his head and glanced at Olivia.

"Hey, if I saved your life, would you marry me?" Olivia replied, "No." "Why not? How am I worse than him?" Olivia took the cutlery out, lowered her head, and said, “Wayne, you don't have to compare yourself to anyone else.

"You're you, and there's only one of you in the world.

"Your background may not be as good as Ethan's, but you're the seed that will push through the soil even if it's on a cliff.

"You have strengths no one else possesses." Wayne started, "Then you—" "I won't marry you because I'm no longer a young woman in her teens.

“The woman you encountered is someone who has experienced the sweetness of love, and also its wilting, and the despair that comes with it.

"You've encountered a woman who survived against all odds.

To the teenage me, love was a necessity.

"But now, it's not." Olivia said earnestly, "Do you understand now? It's not your fault that I didn't accept you; we just met each other at the wrong time.

"We can't be a couple, but we can be friends, right?" "Those are empty words." Carrying the plate of beef, Wayne turned around and left.

Olivia was too good at this.

She was trying to bewitch him with just a few words.

But fortunately, he was a determined man.

Olivia watched as he walked away.

Men were strange creatures.

They were elated when she told them lies.

But when she started telling the truth, they wouldn't believe her.