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.”

texted 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 that text.

later in the afternoon: “Let’s do

was at

replied,

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

eat?” She wrinkled

window to let the smoke dissipate, then turned to her. He noticed she was wearing the dress he had bought for her,

met briefly, but Tyler looked away first. He responded to her question, “Are

Chapter 20

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to buy

seriousness. She also wanted to return the money he had given

going?” Olivia was unsure. She couldn’t afford expensive restaurants, and cheaper ones might not suit Tyler’s status.

self–imposed

she would have to spend a lot judging by his tone, but she didn’t really care

the rain.

an exclusive establishment. Olivia was taken aback by the place he

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

expensive place.

glanced at her and said coldly, “What, you’re unwilling to spend so much?”

I brought enough cash with me,” she

your sincerity?” Tyler remarked,

behind, feeling that he seemed colder today,