Why Is He Back??

Facing The Past Together

Olivia entered her bedroom, the remnants of yesterday's birthday celebration still lingering in the air. She found Zivia sitting at the foot of the bed, her tiny fingers tapping away on her iPad.

"Good morning, my little artist," Olivia greeted Zivia with a warm smile, sitting down beside her.

"Morning, Mommy!" Zivia exclaimed, looking up from her tablet with a grin.

Olivia chuckled, reaching out to ruffle Zivia's hair. "What masterpiece are you creating today?"

Zivia's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I'm drawing a princess and her unicorn!"

Olivia's heart swelled with pride. "Sounds magical! Can I see?"

As they huddled over the iPad, Zivia proudly showed off her drawing, explaining each detail with animated gestures. Olivia listened attentively, her heart overflowing with love for her imaginative little girl.

Suddenly, Olivia's phone rang, breaking the peaceful moment. It was Carter, her partner and co-designer at EleganteAfford.

"Hey, Liv, I need to tell you something," Carter's voice sounded urgent through the phone. "Our new clients, including your ex-in-laws and Raghav, will be visiting the office today to review the final designs."

Olivia's stomach dropped at the mention of her ex-family. She glanced at Zivia, her mind racing with worry.

Carter sensed her unease. "Liv, it's going to be okay. We'll handle it together," he reassured her.

Olivia nodded, swallowing her anxiety. "Thanks, Carter. I'll be ready."

After the call, Olivia excused herself to the bathroom, needing a moment to collect her thoughts. She couldn't let her emotions get the best of her, not in front of Zivia.

"Mommy, are you okay?" Zivia's concerned voice floated through the door.

Olivia took a deep breath, composing herself. "Yes, sweetheart, Mommy's just taking a quick break. I'll be right out."

Once she felt more composed, Olivia rejoined Zivia in the bedroom. "How about we have a fun day out together, just you and me?"

Zivia's face lit up with excitement. "Yay! Can we go to the playground?"

Olivia smiled, grateful for the distraction. "Absolutely, let's go!"

As they spent the morning playing in the park, Olivia couldn't shake the nagging feeling of apprehension. Despite Carter's reassurance, the thought of facing her past still weighed heavily on her mind.

Later, as Olivia dropped Zivia off at her sister's house, she couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for burdening her daughter with her worries. But with a final kiss and a promise to return soon, Olivia made her way to the office.

Carter was already there, meticulously preparing for their guests. He looked up as Olivia entered, his eyes softening with concern.

"Hey, Liv, how are you holding up?" Carter asked, his voice filled with empathy.

Olivia forced a smile, grateful for Carter's unwavering support. "I'm okay, just a bit nervous."

Carter stepped closer, enveloping her in a reassuring embrace. "You've got this, Liv. We'll get through it together."

With Carter by her side, Olivia felt a renewed sense of confidence. As they awaited the arrival of their clients, she knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them as a team.

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Okayyyy that's it for chapter 18!!!
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