“Olivia, what’s the matter?”
She replied coldly, “Nothing.” Eugene hurriedly explained, “I’m sorry, Olivia. Something came up suddenly. It wasn’t my intention to go MIA. I feel more assured now after seeing you.” Despite saying that, he was not the least assured and even felt a sense of trepidation out of nowhere.
Olivia nodded. “I understand. You have your own business to attend to. Did you just arrive? Head home to rest.” She was behaving like how she usually would-considerate, understanding, gentle, and sensible. However, he knew something was off with her behavior.
Feeling slightly distraught, he grabbed her hand and gave her a gentle look. “Olivia, are you mad at me?” She subconsciously struggled. “No, I’m not. You should head home to rest and ease your jet lag.”
In the meantime, North was looking between both adults, feeling something strange happening between them. If he were to say they were arguing, the two were technically not there yet; his mother still cared about his father! Yet, if he were to say they were amicable, why was his father behaving like his world was about to collapse?
Jewel tugged on North. “Eugene, Olivia, you guys talk. North and I will head upstairs.” Olivia added, “I’m tired too. I’ll come with you.” After saying so, she looked at her him. “Eugene, you should head home. I’m tired and want to rest.”
He grabbed her and pleaded urgently, “No, I won’t. Not before you tell me what’s wrong.” Feeling inexplicably annoyed, she chased him out. “I said I’m fine. Can you stop wasting time?”
That made him frown. “If everything’s fine, why aren’t you answering my calls?” She gave a half-hearted answer. “My phone died.” He pestered on. “So, your phone has been dead for two days?”
She replied, “Yes. I don’t feel like charging it.” He asked, “Is it because you don’t want to take my calls?” “I don’t want to take anyone’s calls!” After screaming, Olivia immediately went upstairs.
Eugene followed behind and tugged her once he arrived on the second floor, dragging her into an empty room. Before closing the door, he informed Jewel, “Book this room for me and bring North to rest.”
Jewel agreed and went back downstairs to help them book that particular room. Once done, she brought North back to their room. He asked sternly, “What’s up with them?” She answered, “Don’t ask. They’ll work it out.”
North was still worried. “Did Daddy bully Mommy?” It was not appropriate to tell a child, nor could it be explained easily, so Jewel gave a brief answer. “No.”
Frowning, he argued, “If that’s not it, why is Mommy angry at Daddy and didn’t pick up his call? I noticed something wasn’t right yesterday. Please, Aunt Jewel, tell me.” After a sigh, she explained, “Your daddy lied to your mommy. That’s why she’s angry.”
“Why did he lie to Mommy?” Jewel helplessly shrugged. “You should ask your daddy about that.” On the other hand, Olivia shook away Eugene’s hand right after they entered the room. “What do you want?”
He was suppressing his anger. “I should be asking that. What’s the matter with you? Why can’t we talk things through? Do you have to ignore me?”
With a sneer, she retorted, “Talk things through? Have you thought about talking to me?” She poked at his chest, asking, “Do you think of me as a fool?”
