Her Heart

Chapter 33

Riley's POV

This house is so big it's taken me 10 minutes to find the kitchen. It's about 8 in the morning. I don't think anybody is awake.

I left Carter in our room so she can sleep more. As I walk into the kitchen I hear hushed voices.

I round the corner and see Olivia and the guy I now know as Jackson talking. Once they see me they stop.

"You're up early." Olivia says not a smile in sight.

"Yeah sorry I couldn't sleep."

Jackson eyes me up and down and without saying anything he leaves but pumps into my shoulder as he does.

Olivia sits on top of the counter, "Ignore him he holds a grudge."

I nod and take a seat on the chair at their coffee table. She's watching me without saying anything. It's making me feel incredibly uncomfortable.

"I'm sorry. For shooting your wife." I tell her not making eye contact.

"She's my girlfriend and you're lucky nothing bad happened to her or you wouldn't be here."

"You're having a baby with your girlfriend?" The question leaves my mouth before I can think about it.

She raises an eyebrow, "Is that a problem for you?"

I shake my head, "No no not a problem nope. I just thought you were married."

"We were. Life just had other plans. Doesn't mean we won't get married again."

I nod slowly, trying to process everything Olivia just said. The tension in the room is thick, and it's clear Olivia isn't one for small talk—or forgiveness, for that matter.

"Well nothing good ever came easy."

She keeps just looking at me. I hate how I can't read her. All her emotions are masked.

"I can't pretend I like you because I don't at the moment. You're very lucky that you're even breathing the same air as us."

I feel anger suddenly, "If you were in my position you would have done the same thing. I was protecting my daughter and when you physically hold your child in your arms you'll realize what it feels like."

Her expression remains the same so I continue.

"I know I don't deserve your forgiveness," I say my voice steady, "But I'm not here to ask for it. I'm here because I love Carter, and I'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe."

Olivia's eyes narrow, and for a moment, I think she's going to snap back at me. She sure is the type to shoot me right now and not think twice about it.

But instead, she hops off the counter, her movements slow and deliberate. She takes a step closer, her gaze piercing through me like she's searching for something—any sign of weakness, any crack in my resolve.

"I can see why Carter likes you. You're definitely confident."

Olivia's stare is unyielding, and for a second, I feel a flicker of doubt. But I push it aside. I can't let her see me waver.

"I'm not just confident," I say, my voice firm. "I'm committed. To Carter, to us, and to making this right. Whatever it takes."

Olivia's lips twitch, almost like she's trying to suppress a smirk. She steps even closer, and I can see the intensity in her eyes. "Committed, huh?" she echoes, her tone almost mocking. "Funny, that's exactly what I said to Sofia when we first started dating... but commitment isn't just about what you say. It's about what you do."

She pauses, her gaze drifting to the walkway Jackson just walked out of. "And actions have consequences, Riley. Remember that."

I swallow hard, the weight of her words sinking in. "I know that."