The Beginning Of All Sins

Chapter 17

Olivia remained silent, unwilling to disclose the reason she needed money.

Tyler, not known for prying, continued to stare at her. One of them had her head lowered, while the other stood stoically. The dimmed lighting in the area added a touch of romance to the atmosphere.

He said flatly, “Wait for me in the car park after work.”

Olivia made no reply.

Tyler shifted his gaze away from her and turned towards the private room, his shadow gradually receding from her,

Finally, Olivia moved.

Both of them finished their respective work at 6 P.M. Tyler left the establishment, descending to the basement car park. He noticed someone standing by the elevator.

A brief glance in her direction was all he gave before continuing on his way. With a coat in hand, he strode purposefully towards his nearby car.

Olivia had no choice but to trail behind him in silence.

Once he had unlocked the car and gotten inside, Olivia stood hesitating at the door, as if contemplating whether to enter or not. Meanwhile, he waited inside the car without looking at her.

This awkward standstill lasted for about half a minute before Olivia finally decided to get into the car.

The car remained quiet, as did the car park after Olivia had settled inside.

Tyler suddenly broke the silence with a direct question, “How much do you need?”

to broach the topic so quickly. Instinctively, she lifted her

him.

need?”

his words deliberate, “You’re Naomi’s sister, so you’re my sister too. Let me know if

the car and drove out of

She refrained from asking about their destination, and he remained silent. Together, they sat in a wordless contemplation.

to a stop, Tyler lit

car became unbearable for Olivia. She struggled to speak, her words emerging with difficulty, “My family has always taken care of me. I just want to

Chapter 17

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her desire for independence, to possess her own home, and to leave the place that had never truly been her

his head to watch the rising smoke between

instead of

said nothing, only speaking again after a long silence, “I

extinguished his

she met his gaze with her pale face.

looked deeply into her sparkling eyes. “Quit your job, and I’ll

quivered, and she cast her eyes downward, her eyelashes

still lowered, Tyler continued to gaze at her. After a while, he withdrew his hand from her face. Simultaneously, she lowered

hand away, but Tyler immediately took her hand into his. Her breath

hers. The car’s interior was dimly lit, casting shadows on half of their faces, adding an

her heart

a hushed tone, he suggested, “Let’s go to a hotel?”