Chapter 7 – Welcome Home!!
“We can’t be sure until we conduct a DNA test, the doctor said gently. “We’re already working on it.”
I barely nodded, unable to speak.
Beside me, Rosa scoffed under her breath.
“She tried to kill my daughter and ended up burning herself,” she said d coldly.
I clenched my fists, but I had no energy left to argue with her.!!
I sat in the waiting area, my head in my hands, every second dragging painfully.
Minutes turned into hours.
Finally, the doctor returned
“Mr. Stonewell,” he said, “the DNA test results are ready.“!!
I stood up quickly, my heart hammering.
“The body. it’s not Olivia,” he said.
I nearly collapsed with relief.
“Thank God,” I whispered.
Rosa, standing a few steps away, didn’t look pleased. She shook her head and walked off without a word.
I didn’t care
I pulled out my phone and dialed Olivia’s number.
It rang and rang, but there was no answer.
I tried again. Still nothing X
With a shaky breath, I decided to leave a voicemail.
“Olivia, it’s Richard,” I said, my voice cracking. “Please call me back. I’m sorry I’m sorry I didn’t come back for you. Please, when you get this message, come to the hospital, Just let me know you’re okay, I’m so sorry, I promise I’ll make it up to you.”
I ended the call and lowered the phone slowly.}
Elena was safe.
The baby was safe.
And Olivia somewhere out there, hopefully safe too.
Olivia’s Pov!!
A pounding headache made me groan as I slowly stretched.K My whole body ached, and my head felt like it would split open.
I opened my eyes, blinking against the bright light above me
The moment everything cleared, I froze.
I wasn’t in the hospital anymore.
I looked around, heart racing. The room was small and luxurious, and the sound of humming engines filled the air.
I was on a plane.
There were tubes attached to my hand, connected to an IV bag beside my bed.
Confused and scared, I pressed the bell button next to me.
The door opened almost immediately, and a woman hurried inside.
“Cynthia,” I whispered, relief washing over me.
Cynthia’s eyes filled with tears as she rushed to my side. She looked exactly the same- woman who had taken care of me all my life.
little older
maybe, but still the same loving
by mom died ten years ago and
Cynthia was the nanny my mom employed when I was born. She took up the role of my mother after my she’s the only person I trust…
“My sweet girl,” Cynthe whispered, holding my hand gently. “Thank God you’re awake.”
I smiled weakly at her.
“Thank you for coming.” I said “LTthought I was going to die.”
Cynthia brushed my hair back.
“When you called, I left everything and came. I wasn’t 1 going to let anything happen to your
I squeezed her hand tightly.
jot weak there was a fire. I don’t even remember much
“I couldn’t catch the flight myself after the surgery, I got
“You don’t have to think about that now,” Cynthia said, her voice trembling. “You’re safe. That’s what matters ”
I nodded slowly, feeling tears prick the back of my eyes.
12:21 PM et
Cynthia sat down beside me and studied my face carefully.
“Why didn’t you tell me about the surgery, Olivia?” she asked softly.!!
I sighed.
“Everything happened so fast. I didn’t plan it it just… it just happened.”
Cynthia gave a small, sad smile.
“You’ve always been brave. Stubborn too,77
I chuckled weakly
“Some things never change.”
There was a small pause, then Cynthia spoke again.
“So, what now?” she asked gently. “You were supposed to marry Richard… but now that’s over, What’s next, Olivia?“!
I bit my lip hard.
“I don’t know,” I admitted. “But I won’t let anyone take my place. I won’t let them win
Cynthia’s face softened
“I’m just glad you’re coming home,” she said. “We’ve missed you so much.”
I leaned back against the pillow, closing my eyes for a moment.!!
Home &
After everything. I was finally going home.
Hours later, the plane landed softly.
Cynthia helped me out carefully. I winced a little as I stood, but I managed to walk down the steps, breathing in the fresh air..
A massive mansion stood in front of me.
My home &
The house my father had gifted me when I turned eighteen.
I looked around, memories flooding back. The gardens, the fountains, the wide marble steps leading to the front door.
“It’s good to be home,” I said quietly.
“Three years away is a long time,” Cynthia said, smiling. “But now you’re back where you belong.”
I nodded and followed her inside. Everything looked exactly the same not a single thing had changed.
As we walked into the living room, Cynthia turned to me.”
“What’s the plan now, Olivia?” she asked. “You know your father’s will is to be reread tomorrow,”
I nodded, already feeling the pressure build in my chest.
“If you don’t marry,” Cynthia continued carefully, “everything could be taken away. Your stepmother and Elena… they’ll do everything to grab what belongs to you.”
I clenched my fists.
“I know,” I whispered. “I’ll figure something out.”
Cynthia looked worried but nodded.
“Whatever you need,” she said. “I’m right here.”
I smiled faintly, feeling a little stronger because of herl
“But first,” I said slowly. “I need you to start searching for someone for me
“Who?” Cynthia asked.
“The man I met at the masquerade ball three years ago,” I said, my voice firm. “I need to find him.”
Cynthia blinked in surprise but didn’t argue.!!
“I do my best,” she promised.
Just then, the family doctor entered the room.
He checked my vitals, asked a few questions, and finally smiled.
“You’re doing well, Olivia,” he said. “But you must avoid a lot of stress. You’re still healing.”
“I understand,” I said, nodding politely!
After the doctor left, I turned back to Cynthia, feeling the full weight of reality crash down on me.
“I need to find someone to marry,” I said firmly
Cynthia stared at me, shocked
“You’re senous?
I nodded
the house, the company, everything And Rosa
12:21 PM
I nodded.
“If I don’t find someone by tomorrow, everything my father left me will be gone. I’ll lose th and Elena will take it all.“X”
Cynthia sat down heavily on the nearest chair.
“But why would your father…?“%
I looked away, my heart heavy with old wounds.
“My father knew I hated marriage,” I said quietly. “Because of what he did to my mother. She died heartbroken. He spent the rest of his life trying to make it up to me… trying to get me to forgive him.”
Cynthia’s eyes softened.
“And when you fell in love with Richard.”
“I thought he loved me too,” I whispered. “I thought maybe love was real after all.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat.
“But I was wrong.”
Silence filled the room, heavy and painful.X
“I have until tomorrow,” I said, my voice shaking but strong. “If I don’t find someone to marry by then… it’s over.
Cynthia’s eyes filled with tears.{1
We’ll find a way,” she said fiercely. “We’ll figure something out.”
I nodded, but inside, fear gnawed at me.
Tomorrow
One day
One chance X
Or I’d lose everything.
