The General's Replacement Doctor Wife

Chapter Thirteen

Lily must have noticed the tension because she looked Olivia straight in the eye. In a soft, concerned voice, she inquired, "Is there a problem?"

Olivia opened her mouth to speak, to voice her objections, to tell them all that this was some kind of mistake, that she had no plans to get married yet. But when she glanced at her mother's face, she saw the warning in those cold eyes. The pressure on her arm tightened, and she felt her courage drain away.

"Nothing at all," was all she could manage to say.

Mrs. Hilton finally released her grip on Olivia's arm, leaving behind what would surely become bruises by morning. Olivia rubbed the spot absently, praying that no one would notice.

"I guess my daughter is just tired from a long day at work," Mrs. Hilton told everyone with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. "She's been putting in extra hours at the hospital. Such a workaholic daughter of mine."

Mr. Bradford glanced at his expensive watch to check the time. Then his eyes shifted to Olivia. He became concerned, noticing how pale she had become. "I think it’s better that we reschedule planning the details of the wedding. Perhaps when everyone is more rested. We are really sorry for the inconvenience of visiting at such a late hour."

Mr. Hilton waved his hand dismissively. "It's not an inconvenience at all, Grey. It won't hurt to spare a bit of Olivia's time. After all, this is her wedding we're discussing."

"I insist," Lily voiced her concern. "The poor girl is clearly exhausted. Look at how pale she looks. She's been working all day at the hospital, taking care of her patients while we've been sitting comfortably for hours."

Olivia felt a rush of gratitude toward Lily. Here was a woman she barely knew, yet she was showing more concern for her well-being than the people who had raised her since childhood.

"My wife is right," Mr. Bradford stood up from his seat. "We can continue this discussion another day. There's no rush. The wedding is still a month away."

Mrs. Hilton's lips thinned into a tight line. Her eyebrows scrunched into a frown before she finally relaxed. "Very well. Olivia, you may go to your room. We'll continue this discussion tomorrow."

Olivia didn't waste any time. She stood up quickly. "Thank you," she murmured. "I am quite tired. Good night, everyone."

She nodded politely to the Bradfords, avoiding Clayton's eyes completely. Then she walked out of the living room as steadily as she could, though her legs felt weak beneath her. She reached the hallway but could still hear the conversation continuing without her.

"She seems upset," came Lily's voice.

"She’s just tired," Mrs. Hilton replied dismissively. "Still, it's her duty to face her future husband’s family."

Duty. Olivia tried hard not to scoff. As if being forced into marriage was just another obligation she was expected to fulfill without complaint. Like the countless charity events she had to attend, the perfect grades she had to maintain, the medical career she had been pushed into because it brought prestige to the Hilton name.

Olivia climbed the stairs slowly. When she reached her bedroom, she closed the door quietly behind her and turned the lock. She slumped on the edge of the bed, allowing a sigh to escape her lips.

She was tired of all this. What if she just left? Packed a bag and slipped out in the night? She had some savings, enough to get by for a while. She could go somewhere far away, somewhere her parents couldn't find her. But even as the thought formed, she dismissed it. Running away wouldn't solve anything. Besides, she had responsibilities at the hospital, patients who depended on her. She couldn't just abandon them.