Why Is He Back??

He's Back

Olivia sat outside the surgery room, her fingers anxiously twisting the fabric of her dress. The sterile smell of the hospital made her stomach churn, but it was nothing compared to the turmoil raging inside her heart. She kept replaying the accident in her mind, wondering if Zack had suffered because of her. A part of her knew it wasn't her fault, but guilt was a heavy burden to bear.

As she sat there, lost in thought, she felt a pair of eyes boring into her. She looked up to see Adeline, Zack's sister, glaring at her with a look of pure venom. Adeline's arms were crossed tightly over her chest, and her posture screamed disdain.

Olivia met her gaze for a moment before dropping her eyes, the weight of Adeline's contempt pressing down on her. Why is she looking at me like that? What did I do wrong? Olivia wondered, but before she could think more on it, she heard the soft, comforting voice of Meredith, Zack's mother.

"Liv," Meredith said as she approached and sat down beside her, "Zack told me you both had a daughter... Why did you hide her from us?"

Olivia's heart dropped at the question. She'd known this moment would come, but she wasn't prepared for it. She looked at Meredith, her eyes filling with tears. "I... I'm so sorry, Meredith," Olivia began, her voice trembling. "I never wanted to hide Zivia from you. It was the last thing I wanted, but... I had to do it."

Meredith's expression softened, though her eyes were full of hurt. "Why, Liv? Why would you do that? We would have loved to know her, to be part of her life."

Olivia took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice. "After everything that happened... after Amanda... and with Zack becoming... who he is... I just couldn't take the risk. I thought the best way to protect her was to keep her away from all of it. From the danger that seemed to follow us."

Meredith listened quietly, her hand resting on Olivia's. "Liv, I understand you were scared, and I can't say I wouldn't have done something similar. But it hurts, knowing that you felt you had to keep her from us."

"I never wanted to hurt you, Meredith. I thought it was the only way... to keep her safe," Olivia whispered, tears rolling down her cheeks. "I was terrified. I didn't know what else to do."

Meredith nodded slowly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You were always a good mother, Liv. I could see it in the way you loved Amanda... and now, Zivia. I never doubted that for a second. But... you have to understand, we're her family too."

Olivia nodded, her heart heavy with regret. "I know... I'm so sorry, Meredith. I never wanted to keep you away from her. I just... I was trying to protect her."

Meredith pulled Olivia into a hug, holding her close. "It's okay, Liv. I understand. But from now on, please... let us be part of her life. Let us be there for her, and for you."

Olivia returned the hug, her body shaking with sobs. "I will, Meredith. I promise."

They sat in silence for a while, the tension between them slowly easing. Olivia wiped her tears away, trying to compose herself. Just then, her phone buzzed in her pocket, and she quickly pulled it out to see her mother's name on the screen.

"Hi, Mum," Olivia answered, her voice still shaky. "Is Zivia alright?"

"Yes, hon, she's fine," Eloise's soothing voice came through, immediately calming Olivia's nerves.

But before Eloise could continue, a small, excited voice broke through the line. "Mommy! Mommy, where are you?" Zivia's voice was full of energy and curiosity.

Olivia couldn't help but smile, despite the heavy weight on her heart. "I'm with your dada, Zivia," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

Meredith, who was sitting beside her, perked up at the mention of Zivia's name. Though she couldn't hear the conversation, she knew it was her granddaughter on the other end. "Liv, could I... could I see Zivia?" she asked hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Whenever you're ready, of course."