Olivia

After what happened between Logan and I last night during our conversation, I decided to just go with the flow. Yeah, I know I'm still struggling with my insecurities, but I'll try not to push him to do something he doesn't want to. He already said it himself that he feels like I'm forcing him. So, I'll focus on myself instead of trying to create something between us. As usual, I woke up, took a shower, got dressed, and got ready to start a new day.

The reason I called Logan was to ask if he could come with me to the hospital. The doctor wants to see my husband or fiancé, as she put it. I don't know what she wants to talk to him about, but I'll come up with something. The dining table was filled with the family members as always. I quietly took my seat, stealing a brief glance at Logan. The look we exchanged held unspoken words. I tried my best to concentrate on the breakfast in front of me. At least, the silence at the dining area was somewhat helpful. It felt like a funeral announcement had been made.

No matter what, I can't ignore the fact that the family lacks bond. No one is making an effort to connect with each other. If this is how they are, how will my child grow up in an environment where everyone only cares about themselves? Is it worth it?

Scott was the first to leave the dining table, announcing he was off to work. His wife Sarah followed suit. That's how, one by one, they left the dining hall. Mr. Nero was the last one left, seated with his wife and me.

I had finished eating, but my legs felt too heavy to stand up. A part of me wanted to say something, while another part warned me not to get involved in affairs that doesn't concern me. "Bring a cup of tea to my room," Mr. Nero finally broke the silence, standing up. I thought I saw a hint of sadness in the woman's eyes, which she quickly masked with a smile.

"Excuse me," she said, pulling the chair back and making her way to the kitchen. I don't know what has caused this awkwardness within the family. Why don't they communicate with each other as a family? Nevertheless, I felt the need to find out and maybe mend what was broken.

With that thought in mind, I made my way to the kitchen where I found the woman preparing the tea for Mr. Nero. "Um... let me help," I offered.

"No, it's fine. He doesn't like his tea made by just anyone," she replied, her eyes distant. I didn't move.

"Can I ask you something, Ma'am?" I said. She spared me a glance before going back to what she was doing. "Go ahead, ask away."

I took a deep breath, careful not to be too forward with my question. "I know it's not my place to meddle in this family's affairs, but I feel like the sons are not getting along with their father."

Her hand froze on whatever she was doing, and I knew I had touched a sensitive topic. "I'm sorry for-"

"You're right. There's no bond between the sons and their father," she said, cutting me off, and then turned to face me.

I closed my slightly open mouth, surprised by her straightforward response. "But that's not something I can control."

I raised my eyebrows in question. "Aren't you their mother? Can't you sit down and talk to them?"

A smile appeared on her face. "No, Liam and Collins are my sons. Scott and Bernard are from the same mother. And then Logan is the only son to his mother."

"Complicated, right?" She added, seeing the surprise on my face. So, the four men have different mothers? I thought she gave birth to all of them.

"I have no say, even if I want to. After all, I'm the third choice. So, just ignore whatever is going on in the family. We're already used to it," she said, grabbing the tea cup and leaving the kitchen, leaving me in a state of confusion.

I couldn't get my thoughts together after the revelation Logan's stepmother broke to me. We didn't have many dog patients at the clinic, which gave me time to collect my thoughts and put the pieces together. Is that why the atmosphere in the house is always tense? No happiness or excitement?

"Miss Olivia, I'm going out for lunch. Do you want me to get you anything?" Lisa's words brought me back to reality.

Just in time, my stomach decided to embarrass me and made a sound. "Let's go together," I suggested, grabbing my phone. Lisa and I made our way to the nearest restaurant. I noticed Lisa was uncomfortable; it was our first time eating lunch together. She always orders in for me or eats out before I go for my lunch.

"Make yourself comfortable, Lisa. I'm not going to bite you. Feel free to order what you want," I said.

A smile appeared on her lips. "Is that so? Then I'll place an order," she said, scanning through the menu and telling the waiter what she wanted. Meanwhile, my eyes were fixed on a certain point, lost in my thoughts as we waited for our food to arrive.

We hadn't really talked with Logan today. I wondered what he was up to at the moment. Is he in a meeting? Or having lunch too? I should just clear my head and forget about it. But just as the background noise seemed to fade away, there he was, Logan, walking into the restaurant in all his glory.

For a moment, my heart skipped a beat as I watched him make his way through the restaurant. I quickly averted my eyes, my heart racing. "Miss Olivia, isn't that Mr. Logan?" Lisa asked, her voice rising slightly.

"Keep your voice low," I whispered, my eyes going to where he sat. My breathing almost got stuck in my throat when I saw the person sitting with him – a woman. Jealousy immediately struck me. Who is she? I found myself assessing her body. She was undoubtedly beautiful, with her smooth, glowing face enough to tell. And Lisa , who wanted to make matters worse, spoke up. "Is she his girlfriend?"

"Who are you asking!" I snapped, catching both of us by surprise. "Just focus on what you are doing. I don't even know why the food is taking so long today. If they're not going to bring it, I'm leaving." I hissed. I didn't know why I was suddenly getting so angry.

Our food soon arrived, and Lisa dived in instantly while I was busy glancing at Logan's table. He went the extra mile to smile at the woman. Anyone who sees them would definitely say they're lovers or even a couple. "Who cares," I muffled out, attacking my pasta with my fork.

"Are you going to sit and watch the two get all lovey-dovey?"

"Didn't I tell you to focus on your food!" I snapped at her again. I didn't know where she got the nerve to talk to me like this. She was supposed to eat her food quietly.

I lost my appetite after just a few bites. An annoyed chuckle escaped me. "Now I can't even eat my pasta in peace. Who is she, by the way?"

"But you told me not to focus on my food," Larisa answered. I threw her a glare before turning my attention back to Logan and his beautiful woman. And that was when he turned around, and our eyes met. A surprised expression danced across his face. The woman followed his gaze, and it landed on me. She said something which I couldn't hear since I was seated far away from them.

Logan shook his head as if he was telling her he doesn't know me. "Wow. He's even showing he doesn't know me. That's nice. Let's get out of here," I muttered, dropping my fork, reaching for my phone, and standing up.

"Now? I'm not done eating yet. I'm yet to try the chicken wings," she explained, pointing at the plate in front of her.

"Then sit and eat to your heart's content. I'm out of here."

I didn't glance at them, knowing if I do, it will anger me more. It's better if I just leave. It won't be good for me to stay there. He made it clear that he doesn't know me in front of the beautiful woman. Why else would I stay and get more pissed?

"If he likes, he should propose to her for all I care," I exclaimed out loud to no one in particular while making my way back to the clinic. However, I heard my name being called, and it belonged to none other than Logan.

I quickened my pace before he could catch up to me. I'm sure he's right behind me. I pushed the door and got in. "Olivia, I've been calling you. Didn't you hear me?" he said, walking inside.

"I heard you. I don't have the strength to stand in the middle of the road talking to you. What do you want?" I'm sure he could tell I'm pissed off.

"Just wanted to say hi."

A chuckle escaped me. "To say hi? Why would you do that? We didn't greet each other this morning, why would we now? And besides, you have a beautiful company with you," I emphasized on the last part.

The corner of his lips curved up, and he took a step closer towards me, stuffing his hands inside his pockets. My heart began beating fast in my chest. "What are you doing?" I exclaimed, my voice rising.

"Why..." he trailed off, taking more steps. My back was already leaning against the counter, and there was barely three inches of space left between us. "Do I sense something here?" he questioned, his eyes glistening with amusement.

"What something?" I yelled out. It all happened so fast. Logan's hand slid around my waist, pulling me closer to his body. My hand landed on his chest. Can I tell you what I felt at that moment? It was as if my heart was going to rip out of my chest. He brought his face closer to mine, making me gulp down my saliva. "Jealousy," he whispered.