The Beginning Of All Sins

Olivia’s head was lowered, unaware that her face rested against Tyler’s chest. His chin nestled in her hair as they stood together in the dazzling lights.

After a long pause, she finally responded to his earlier words.

Tyler lowered his face and whispered, “Happy Birthday, Olivia.”

Startled, Olivia lifted her head, her expression a mix of surprise and disbelief.

No one remembered her birthday, not even herself. She rarely celebrated it, the occasion only serving as a painful reminder for Hillary of Darren’s affair with her mother.

Therefore, they only celebrated Naomi’s birthday, never hers. As time went by, she stopped anticipating her birthday.

Olivia was quiet.

Tyler gently stroked the back of her head, saying softly, “This isn’t your fault. Don’t beat yourself up. You didn’t choose to be born. All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

His words made her feel a bit lighter. She often felt guilty just for being born.

“Thank you, Tyler,” she said, her voice tight.

Tyler held her closer, his face showing more worry. “Olivia,” he said softly.

Whenever he said Her name like that, Olivia felt as if he was really trying to understand her pain. But being so close made her feel trapped.

“I can’t breathe, Tyler,” she told him, feeling her heart squeeze with tension.

But she wasn’t actually smothered; it was her heart racing that made her anxious.

The next day, Olivia went to do the nuchal translucency scan with Tyler. She felt jittery

the whole way there.

He noticed her anxiety. “It’s just a routine check–up. It’s going to be alright.”

She nodded, looking down.

Tyler patted her head. “Just relax, everything’s okay.”

Olivia relaxed as he comforted her.

In the hospital, they went together for the scan. Lying on the bed, Olivia was anxious. She couldn’t stop watching the monitor.

Tyler watched too. The doctor moved the scanner over her belly, looking closely at the screen without a word.

Olivia’s heart was pounding, but she stayed quiet, not wanting to interrupt.

After about seven minutes, Tyler finally broke the silence. “How is it?”

“There seems to be a problem, Mr. Tyler,” the doctor replied. “The baby’s neck fold is thicker than usual. We need to do more tests.”

Tyler frowned at the news, and Olivia felt a chill run through her.