Eugene looked confused. He removed the gloves and took his phone. He was immediately on alert when he saw Azalea’s name. He guiltily cast Olivia a look, only to lock eyes with her.
“Who is it?” Olivia asked. He learned his lesson from his previous failure. Thus, he decided to be honest this time. “It’s Azalea.”
She felt her breath get stuck in her throat. It’s not a matter of tolerance. There’s more to it. She’s only calling him. I don’t want to make a fuss over such a small thing. However, she couldn’t help the shadow that darkened her face. “What does she want from you?”
Eugene quickly came up with an explanation. “I don’t know. I didn’t call her.” He was worried that Olivia would get jealous as another woman was reaching out to him. He planned to call Azalea in front of Olivia when he arrived at Nambahd. Why is she calling me now?
“Answer it. Ask her what she wants,” Olivia demanded. Eugene followed her every order as if he was at child caught red-handed. After the call was connected, he put Azalea on speaker. Afraid of Olivia imagining things, he flatly greeted the caller, “Hello?”
Azalea’s gentle voice reached him. “Is that you, Eugene? I’m Azalea.”
Eugene answered, “I know it’s you. Can I help you?” Azalea cut to the chase. “Sorry to disturb you, Eugene, but I’m at Summer City’s airport right now. I’m afraid to take a cab on my own, so can you come pick me up?”
A shocked expression crossed his face as he glanced at Olivia and croaked in surprise, “You’re here in Summer City?”
“Yes,” Azalea answered. “I’ve just arrived at the airport.” He took a deep breath. What is she doing in Summer City?
Even so, he couldn’t leave her alone. Thus, he quickly added, “Fine. Wait for me at the exit. I’ll pick you up, so don’t go anywhere.” “All right. Thank you, Eugene.”
“It’s no big deal,” he commented before hanging up. He turned to the beautiful Olivia with a blank face. She no longer wore the excitement she had earlier. She doesn’t look angry, but I’m sure she’s disappointed with my answer. He cautiously gauged her reaction as he asked, “Olivia, do you want to come along?”
Olivia sighed. She was angry and disappointed in him. She wanted to throw a tantrum, yell, and chase him out of the house. It’s been almost two months since we last saw each other. I just got back and we’re in the middle of a meal! I want to get him alone and have him all to myself!
The wall of fantasies she built and looked forward to realizing came crumbling with a call from Azalea. Hasn’t he been looking for an opportunity to pay her for her kindness? The opportunity comes. She’s here in Summer City, and she’s here solely for him. Do I have any valid reason to stop him from picking her up at the airport and helping her settle down? No. I don’t have any.
At that moment, helplessness enveloped Olivia. Jewel looked at Olivia in worry as nobody could relate to Olivia more than Jewel.
It wasn’t about being tolerant. The deeper she loved her man, the fewer women she allowed into his space. It was a selfish act but also a sign of her loving him..
Olivia inhaled and exhaled. A few moments later, she forced a ‘sure’ out of her mouth. It pained Eugene to see her like that. Even though he couldn’t completely relate, he knew his decision disappointed her. He pulled her into his embrace. “I’m sorry, Olivia. She forced a smile. “It’s fine. It spares us a trip since she’s here.”
At that, Eugene nodded. That’s indeed the only good side in this situation. He turned to the kids. “You guys can continue without us. We’re heading out to pick up a guest from the airport.”
North’s smile vanished at Eugene’s words. He pouted, not bothering to save Eugene’s face. “Mommy hasn’t finished her meal.”
Eugene could tell both the mother and the child weren’t pleased with the outcome, but he had to bring Olivia along, or else she would start imagining things.
“We’ll eat out.” Olivia added, “North, will you help me to take care of your brothers?” After that, she turned to Jewel. “Jewel, we shall be home late tonight. Please help me to see the kids off.”
Jewel nodded. “You can count on me.” The Rogers siblings looked around, noticing that Olivia and North weren’t in a good mood. after the call.
