The Beginning Of All Sins

Chapter 20

It began to pour when Olivia returned to school. She sat by the window, watching the rain outside and feeling as gloomy as the pouring rain itself.

She was discreet about not taking the clothes Tyler had bought her home. Instead, she left them in her school dormitory.

After washing the lingerie, she hung it on the balcony. The wet, white lingerie swayed in the wind.

As Tyler drove away from the hospital, he felt annoyed. He continued driving for a while before pulling over under a tree by the street.

The rain poured down, and the car windows were tightly shut. Inside the car, he sat and smoked. The smoke filled the car, and his expression remained blank amidst the silent swirls of smoke.

Thoughts of the previous night unexpectedly filled his mind as he smoked. He continued to smoke, one after another, in the pouring rain, until he crushed the last cigarette in the ashtray.

His life felt as trapped as the relentless downpour.

While sitting by the window, Olivia contemplated her situation. Eventually, she decided to send Tyler

a text message,

consisting of only two words: “Thank you.”

Her heart raced after she sent the message, and she remained silent, lips pursed.

The rain poured until midnight, gradually stopping the next morning. By that time, Tyler had replied

with four words: “Don’t worry about it.”

him again. “Tyler, can I buy you a meal? To thank you for what you’ve done for Jacob.” She was actually quite nervous after sending

“Let’s do it

it was at its peak, and she knew it would

replied, “Sure.”

Tyler arrived at her school precisely at 6 P.M. He was driving a

to eat?” She

smoke dissipate, then turned to her. He noticed she was wearing the dress

Tyler looked away first. He responded

Chapter 20

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buy

to return the money he had given her, but she hadn’t

restaurants, and cheaper ones might

her self–imposed trouble. “I’ll pick the place since you’re treating me.”

spend a lot judging by his tone, but she

the rain.

exclusive establishment. Olivia was taken aback by the place

first. She hesitated as she slowly exited the car, realizing that

expensive place.

“What, you’re

if I brought enough

you wanted to thank me for Jacob? Where’s your sincerity?” Tyler remarked, leaving Olivia perplexed and a

the establishment. She followed behind, feeling that he seemed colder today, though she wasn’t sure if it was