Reversed Roles

Part 22

Olivia hadn't moved from the floor long after Elliot left. Her chest still heaved softly, heart galloping from the adrenaline and shame tangled in her veins. Baby Eli had started crying again, this time louder, more persistent—his small voice a desperate call to anchor her.

She wiped her face quickly and pushed herself up, hands trembling, and stumbled toward the nursery.

When she scooped him into her arms, he instantly calmed against her chest, his head nestling into the curve of her neck. She clutched him tighter than usual, needing to feel someone who didn't ask for anything more than love.

She sat down in the rocking chair and softly hummed to him.

She didn't even hear the front door unlock.

Didn't notice the light footsteps until Carlisle's voice carried softly into the hallway.

"Liv?"

She didn't answer. The chair rocked once more before she stilled it with her foot.

Carlisle appeared seconds later, still in navy blue scrubs, his hospital ID clipped to his coat, and a white paper cup in one hand. He paused when he saw her.

"You okay?" he asked, his eyes flickering over her.

She nodded. "Yeah."

He stepped further in. "I had a gap between surgeries. Figured I'd check on you."

His tone was casual. Like nothing had happened the night before. Like he hadn't gripped her wrists too tightly or raised his voice loud enough to shake the walls. Olivia felt her stomach twist at the blank normalcy on his face.

She didn't respond right away.

"Everything okay this morning?" he asked.

Still nothing.

Carlisle shifted awkwardly in the doorway, the hospital scent of antiseptic clinging to him. "I made you some tea. Left it on the counter."

Finally, she looked up, her eyes red-rimmed, her face pale. "You act like nothing happened."

His face flickered. Briefly. Then that polished, clinical calm slid back into place.

"I didn't want to upset you," he said quietly. "Didn't think this was the time for... that conversation."

"You hit me," she said. "Forced yourself on me."

His jaw clenched, just slightly. "I didn't mean to. Something just came over me. You bring out a part of me that I'm not proud of."

Her mouth opened, then closed again. She shook her head in disbelief.

"I was scared last night," she whispered. "I was truly scared. Of you."

Carlisle sighed, running a hand down his face. "I know. I know, okay? I shouldn't have grabbed you. I shouldn't have forced you down on your knees. I lost my temper. But what Elliot confessed and you confirmed unraveled me. And Laurel..."

The mention of her daughter made Olivia sit upright. "Don't."

"She was on the stairs," he said. "Frozen. She saw everything."

"I know," Olivia bit out. "You think I don't know?!"

"She wouldn't even look at me this morning," he muttered. "I think she's scared of me now."

That pierced deeper than she expected. She clutched Eli closer. "She used to feel safe here. My kids used to feel safe here."

Carlisle crossed his arms. "Everything's falling apart."

"Then maybe stop pretending it isn't," she snapped. "I thought getting back together would be what's best, but I was wrong..."

There was a pause. Neither moved. The baby stirred lightly in her arms.

"I didn't mean to scare you," he said finally, softer now. "Or Laurel. Or anyone. I just... I hate that you pulled away from me and seeked comfort in the arms of another man. I want to fix that. I'll change. i'll do better."

"This is not something you can fix, Carlisle."

He stepped forward. "But I want to be here. For you. For the kids. Don't shut me out."

She looked down at Eli. His tiny fingers had curled around the fabric of her hoodie. He was the only thing keeping her grounded.

"You brought that upon yourself, Carlisle." she whispered.

Carlisle nodded once. "We'll talk tonight. Properly."

"I don't know if I have anything left to say."

He looked at her for a long moment. And then turned to leave, pausing at the door. "Tell Laurel I love her. I love all of them."

When he was gone, Olivia let out a slow, shaky breath.

Baby Eli stirred again, and this time, when she rocked him gently, her hand trembled.

The house was quiet once more. But it wasn't peace. It was the suffocating kind of silence—the kind that wrapped around your throat and reminded you that even with four walls, a roof, and people who claimed to love you... you could still feel completely unsafe.