Olivia

I lifted my face from the computer screen as Mr. Cameroon walked into the clinic with his dog. A smile immediately spread across my face as I greeted them both. With enthusiasm, I crouched down to the dog's level and began petting him gently.

"Hey buddy, how have you been?" I cheerfully asked the furry friend, who responded with a wagging tongue and wiggling body. Mr. Cameroon stood by, a grateful smile playing on his lips.

"Well, he's been pretty fine. He wouldn't allow me to rest ever since he got his energy back," Mr. Cameroon shared, and I nodded in understanding. "I'm glad he is," I replied, genuinely happy to hear about the dog's progress.

Mr. Cameroon's appreciative smile grew wider. "I was on my way from meeting a friend when I thought I'd stop by to check up on you. Glad you're good," he said, his kind words touching my heart.

"Thank you, Mr. Cameroon. Let me get you a cup of coffee," I offered, wanting to show my gratitude for his unexpected visit.

But he shook his head politely. "No, I'm fine. I will be on my way," he declined, and we exchanged farewells. I watched as he and his dog left the clinic, their figures slowly disappearing from sight.

A smile remained on my face as I reflected on the encounter. Mr. Cameroon had shown me such unexpected kindness, taking the time out of his day to visit and check on me. It was gestures like these that reminded me of the goodness in people and the power of simple acts of compassion.

Mr. Cameroon, with his gentle demeanor and handsome presence, left a lasting impression on me. Despite not being young, he exuded a certain charm and warmth that was hard to resist.

As I stood there, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the connections I made in my work at the clinic. It was not only about caring for the animals but also about forming meaningful bonds with their owners. It was these moments of unexpected kindness that made my job fulfilling and rewarding.

As the day came to a close, I decided to treat myself to some chicken nuggets. I had been craving them since morning, but with the busyness of the day, I hadn't had a chance to order lunch. It was a small indulgence, but sometimes, a simple meal could bring immense satisfaction.

On my way home, I couldn't help but think about Logan. We hadn't crossed paths that morning, and I assumed he was an early-morning person, leaving for work before I even woke up. I understood why he had mentioned having a lot on his plate. Balancing work and personal commitments could be overwhelming at times.

As I entered the house, ready to unwind and relax, the sound of voices caught my attention. I furrowed my brows in confusion, wondering what could be causing such a commotion. Walking further into the house, I was met with a surprising scene: Sarah and Amelia were engaged in a heated argument, their voices filled with frustration and anger.

"I dare you to throw me out of the house, Amelia! Just because you're Scott's wife doesn't give you the privilege to run your mouth however you please. I am also a daughter-in-law of this house," Sarah shouted, her words laced with defiance.

Initially, I contemplated stepping away, understanding that it was not my place to meddle in their affairs. Intervening might only invite unnecessary scrutiny and potential backlash. However, as Amelia charged towards Sarah with fiery determination, my instincts kicked in, and I swiftly positioned myself between them, determined to defuse the escalating confrontation.

"Stop! Please, let's calm down and talk this through," I urged, my voice tinged with urgency. The tension in the room was palpable, and I could feel the weight of their anger hanging in the air.

Sarah's eyes narrowed in defiance, while Amelia's hands trembled with a mix of anger and frustration. The heated atmosphere seemed to swallow the room, and the seconds ticked by with an unbearable heaviness.

Then, in a sudden and unfortunate turn of events, Amelia's hand swung towards Sarah, intending to deliver a slap. My heart pounded in my chest as I instinctively raised my hand to shield Sarah from the blow. The impact landed on my face, leaving a stinging sensation that resonated through my cheek.

"Argh!" I winced, my hand instinctively clutching my face in pain. The room fell silent, the shock of the moment freezing us all in place. I could see the surprise etched across both Sarah and Amelia's faces, their anger momentarily subdued by the unintended consequence of their clash.

As the pain throbbed in my cheek, I took a deep breath, mustering the courage to regain control of the situation. "This isn't the solution, neither of you should resort to violence," I said firmly, my voice carrying a pain.

As the sting in my cheek persisted, I struggled to find my footing amidst the escalating argument. Sarah's outburst, filled with venomous words, caught me off guard, leaving me momentarily speechless. The shame I had feared, the possibility of being dragged into their conflict, manifested with a painful slap on my face.

Inhaling deeply, I gathered my composure and spoke with a firm yet measured tone, determined to restore some semblance of calm. "This isn't the solution. Resorting to violence will only exacerbate the situation," I reiterated.

But Sarah's response cut through the air like a sharp blade. "Just mind your own business!" she spat, her words dripping with hostility. I felt a knot tighten in my stomach as her words stung me further. The realization hit me that my well-intentioned intervention had only exposed me to their wrath.

Amelia, fueled by the escalating tension, added her own threat-laden words. "Didn't you hear her? Leave before we turn our aggression towards you too." The weight of their anger hung heavy in the air, suffocating any hope of reason.

I spared them one last glance, realizing that my presence was only adding fuel to the fire. Slowly, with a heavy heart, I retreated upstairs, seeking solace in the safety of my own space. The echoes of their voices continued to reverberate through the house, their intensity seemingly amplified by my seclusion. I couldn't help but wonder if no one else could hear the tumultuous exchange or if they had chosen to turn a blind eye.

Sitting on my bed, I gingerly touched my throbbing cheek, wincing at the residual pain. In the stillness of my room, I whispered to myself, trying to make sense of the events that had transpired. "Olivia, in your attempt to help, you ended up with a slap on your face," I murmured, disappointment lacing my words.

Seeking solace and distraction, I decided to indulge in a routine that brought me comfort: taking a shower. The warm water cascaded over me, washing away the remnants of the day and providing a momentary respite from the chaos outside. Afterward, I settled down to enjoy the chicken nuggets I had ordered earlier, the familiar taste bringing a sense of normalcy amidst the turmoil.

As I savored the last piece of nugget, I reached for my phone, feeling the urge to reach out to Logan. My fingers hesitated for a moment before typing a simple message, "Still at work?" The silence in the dining room felt heavy, perhaps accentuated by the absence of Logan's presence. I couldn't help but wonder if my return after dinner had disrupted our usual routine or if something else was amiss.

Minutes ticked by, and my message remained unread. The unease within me grew, and I couldn't help but grab my phone again, hoping for a response that would alleviate my growing anxiety. Yet, as I scrolled through my messages, disappointment settled in. There was no indication that Logan had even seen my message.

A mix of emotions surged through me—doubt, worry, and a tinge of hurt. "Is he still busy or has he fallen asleep?" I pondered aloud, my words trailing off into the silence of the room. Deep down, I knew that there could be a multitude of reasons for his silence. Perhaps he was caught up in work, exhausted, or dealing with personal matters.

Deciding to let go of my concerns, I resigned myself to the embrace of sleep, hoping that the new day would bring clarity and connection. Pulling the covers over my body, I settled into bed, willing my mind to quieten and my worries to fade away.

The following day was a Saturday, a welcomed break from my work at the clinic. As I joined the rest of the household for breakfast, the absence of Logan's presence was palpable. A sense of curiosity mingled with concern as I wondered whether he was still sleeping or if he worked during the weekends. My limited knowledge of his routines and preferences left me guessing about his whereabouts.

The conversation at the breakfast table meandered until Mr. Nero broke the silence with a question that piqued my interest. "Scott, have you heard from Logan?" I leaned in slightly, eager to catch any news about him.

Scott paused, gently wiping his lips with a table napkin before responding. "Yes, I spoke to him last night. He mentioned that he has signed the deal and should be back today. He mentioned taking the evening flight."

My heart sank at the revelation. Logan had left without a word, without informing me of his plans. The reality of his absence hit me with a pang of disappointment. I had allowed myself to worry and wonder, thinking that he was preoccupied with work, but it turned out he had made the decision to travel without a thought of informing me.

In that moment, I couldn't help but question my own expectations and the nature of our relationship. I reminded myself that I was here solely to fulfill my role as the bearer of his child, and any assumptions of a deeper connection were unfounded. The realization stung, leaving me with a bittersweet mix of emotions—a blend of disappointment and a renewed understanding of my place in his life.

As the breakfast continued, I sat there, silently contemplating the significance of Logan's absence and the weight of unspoken expectations. The unfulfilled hopes and the unvoiced desires simmered beneath the surface, reminding me of the delicate balance I had to maintain. In the midst of it all, I knew that I had to guard my heart and temper my emotions, for this arrangement was not meant to be anything more than what it was—a transaction of convenience.

Retreating to the solace of my room, I couldn't shake off the residual fatigue that accompanied the events of the day. It seemed that the weight of the recent conflict had taken its toll on me, leaving me longing for a moment of peace and solitude. With the realization that I should refrain from meddling in Sarah and Amelia's affairs, I resolved to focus on my own well-being during this weekend.

I reached for a book from the small bookshelf, eager to immerse myself in its pages and find solace within the world of words. As the story unfolded before me, I felt a sense of tranquility wash over me, momentarily forgetting the problems that had plagued my thoughts. The characters and their struggles offered a temporary escape, providing a respite from the tumultuous reality that surrounded me.

Lost in the words, I was abruptly pulled back to reality by a knock at my door. Startled, I furrowed my brows in confusion. "Who's that?" I called out, my voice carrying a mixture of curiosity and caution. The silence that followed only deepened my intrigue.

"If you're not going to talk, then please leave," I urged, my voice tinged with weariness. Yet, to my surprise, the door was slowly pushed open, revealing an unexpected visitor on the other side. Our eyes locked, and a jolt of recognition surged through me.