When Dreams Collide: Y/N and Elizabeth Olsen RE WRITING

Chapter 26: Navigating Old Wound

Chapter 26: Navigating Old Wounds

Y/N sat quietly at the dinner table, the chatter around her fading into the background as she processed the news. Mary-Kate and Ashley had just told her about Lizzie’s divorce, their voices gentle, carefully measured, as if trying to soften the impact. But it still hit like a punch to the gut.

The last time Y/N had heard anything significant about her ex-wife, Lizzie had been glowing with excitement, talking about her future with Robbie—planning to have kids, planning a life that didn’t include Y/N. That was supposed to be her happily ever after. And now, just a few months later, Y/N was learning that the life Lizzie had envisioned had crumbled.

She blinked, forcing herself to focus on the present. Dua was sitting beside her, their hands entwined under the table, the warmth of her touch grounding Y/N in the moment. She hadn’t even realized she’d been gripping her glass so tightly until Dua’s fingers squeezed hers gently, a silent reassurance that she wasn’t alone in this.

“You okay, babe?” Dua asked softly, her voice filled with quiet concern.

Y/N nodded, but it was half-hearted. “I’m just... processing, I guess.” She let out a slow breath, willing her emotions to settle. “Last I heard, Lizzie was planning to have kids with Robbie—happy, building a life. And now... she’s divorced. It’s just a lot to take in.”

Dua shifted her chair closer, her free hand now resting lightly on Y/N’s knee. She had always been a steady presence, unwavering in her support. From the beginning of their relationship, she had made sure Y/N knew that she didn’t have to bury her past, that she didn’t have to feel guilty for remembering. That was one of the things Y/N loved most about her—Dua never saw her past as a threat, only as a part of the journey that had led them here.

“I get it,” Dua murmured. “It’s okay to feel something about this. You shared a life with her, Y/N. That doesn’t just disappear overnight.” She paused, rubbing small, soothing circles on Y/N’s hand with her thumb. “But remember—you’ve moved forward. You’re not stuck in the past. You’re here, with me. And you don’t have to go through this alone.”

Y/N exhaled, her shoulders relaxing just slightly. She hated that she still felt anything—sadness, concern, maybe even guilt. But Dua’s words made it feel okay, like it was normal to feel conflicted.

“I think what hurts the most,” Y/N admitted, her voice quieter now, “is knowing that Lizzie was probably going through all of this while I’ve been... happy. Winning games, getting engaged. And I had no idea. It feels... weird, you know? Like I should have known, even though it’s not my place anymore.”

Dua studied her for a moment, then gave her hand another squeeze. “I can imagine,” she said gently. “But you can’t blame yourself for that, Y/N. Lizzie’s life and yours aren’t connected anymore. Just because you shared something once doesn’t mean you’re responsible for what happens to her now.” She tilted her head slightly, a small smile playing at her lips. “That doesn’t mean you can’t care, but it also doesn’t mean you should feel guilty for being happy.”

Y/N let those words settle, nodding slowly. Dua was right. Lizzie’s life was separate from hers now. The sadness lingered, but it wasn’t all-consuming. It didn’t overshadow the joy she had built with Dua, the love she had found again.

“I love you,” Y/N said, her voice thick with emotion. “You always know exactly what to say.”

Dua grinned, pressing a kiss to Y/N’s forehead. “That’s because I know you,” she teased. “And I’m always going to be here, no matter what.”

Just then, Mary-Kate and Ashley reappeared, their expressions a mix of concern and uncertainty.

“Y/N,” Mary-Kate started carefully, “we didn’t mean to upset you. We just... we didn’t want to tell you before the final. We thought it was best to wait.”

Ashley nodded. “And, honestly, we weren’t sure if it was even our place to say anything. It’s Lizzie’s life. We didn’t want to bring it up unless we had to.”

Y/N took a slow breath before offering them a small, appreciative smile. “I get it. You guys were looking out for me, and I really do appreciate that.” She glanced down at her lap for a moment, then back up at them. “It’s just a shock. That’s all.”

Mary-Kate sighed, reaching out to squeeze Y/N’s shoulder. “We know. And we really are sorry if it blindsided you.”

Ashley nodded, her expression warm. “We just didn’t want to drag you back into something that wasn’t yours to deal with anymore.”

Y/N looked at them, truly seeing the sincerity in their eyes, and felt something settle in her chest. They had done what they thought was best. And, in a way, they had been right—this wasn’t her burden to carry anymore.

“I do understand,” she said, her voice softer now. “And thank you. You guys are good friends, and I’m lucky to have you.”

Ashley smiled, clearly relieved. “You’re stuck with us now.”

As the twins stepped away to give her and Dua some space, Y/N leaned back in her chair, exhaling deeply. The news about Lizzie still lingered in her mind, but it didn’t feel as heavy as before. Not with Dua beside her, her touch a constant reminder that Y/N had moved on.

“I don’t know how you do it,” Y/N mused, glancing at Dua with admiration. “You make everything feel... manageable.”

Dua smiled, resting her head against Y/N’s shoulder. “That’s because we’re a team. And I’m always going to be here for you, no matter what.”

Y/N wrapped her arm around Dua, pulling her close. “I don’t deserve you.”

Dua chuckled softly, shaking her head. “You deserve everything, Y/N. And I’m going to spend the rest of my life making sure you know that.”

Y/N’s heart swelled. In that moment, she felt truly, undeniably lucky. The past had its scars, but they no longer defined her. She had a future now, a life filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities.

Lizzie’s chapter was closed. And though there was still a small ache, a lingering sadness, Y/N knew she had moved on.

And for the first time in a long time, she felt truly free.