Chapter 22 : The Skilled Restorer and Severed Ties - 2 My brows knitted instantly , a surge of anger and hurt rising within me . " No. " His tone softened with a hint of pleading . " Let's not quarrel anymore , okay ? I've missed you these days . I was wrong that day , I shouldn't have said those things to upset you . " But my voice remained icy, resolute . " It doesn't matter anymore . We've already broken up ." " Broken up ? " His voice chilled further . " I didn't agree to that . " I retorted sharply , my patience snapping completely . " A breakup isn't a marriage , I don't need your consent . " Without hesitation , I hung up and blacklisted that number as well , severing the last thread between us . My heart pounded in my chest , but I felt lighter somehow , as if I'd finally cut away a weight that had been dragging me down . With that tie brutally cut , I turned my mind to my career . Though opening my own law practice was an option , I knew my current reputation was insufficient to build a brand from scratch . It would be wiser to join a prestigious firm first , hone my skills , and accumulate industry connections . When I shared this plan with Connor the next morning , he fully supported me . " Our Livvy is so outstanding ," he said , his ice - blue eyes warm with pride . " You'll excel in Riverdale's legal circles . Why not try Moonlaw Legal Services ? It's the best one in Riverdale . " I nodded , grateful for his confidence in me . " I will send my resume . " ( Ethan's POV ) I stared numbly at the phone's busy tone , an emptiness gnawing inside me . How could Olivia be so ruthless - cutting ties so decisively , leaving no room for regret ? The manor felt hollow without her presence . Every corner held memories of her - the kitchen where she'd prepare her healing broth , the living room where she'd curl up with a book , the garden where she'd tend to her herbs . I dragged myself to the bed , burying my face in the sheets where her scent still lingered faintly . I inhaled deeply , desperate to hold onto any trace of her . " Livvy , I miss you . I miss you so much , " I whispered into the fabric , my voice breaking . Just then , Cassandra Evans pushed open the door and called softly , " Ethan , dinner's ready . " I looked up at her , seeing but not really seeing . In that moment , all I could think about was 1/3 Chapter 22 The Skilled Resto how much I needed to feel something - anything - to fill the void Olivia had left . Without warning , I dragged Cassandra down beneath me , passion igniting like wildfire . Her surprised gasp quickly turned to eager moans as she responded to my touch . Yet at the height of our entanglement , as pleasure clouded my mind , it was Olivia's face I saw , Olivia's voice I heard , Olivia's touch I craved . " Livvy … my Livvy … I miss you … " I gasped hoarsely , lost in the fantasy . Cassandra froze completely beneath me , her body going rigid . When I opened my eyes , her face had turned ashen , hurt and fury battling in her expression . ( Olivia's POV ) The next day , Lily arranged a celebratory night out in a bar for my return to Riverdale . Sitting on the plush sofa , Lily , Rebecca Frost , and I chatted over colorful drinks , the ambient music providing a pleasant backdrop . Lily took a sip of her cocktail before fuming , " That Vanessa Reed girl from yesterday really pissed me off with her attitude . " Rebecca nodded in agreement , twirling the straw in her glass . " Yeah , that foster sister looks like a tough nut to crack ." . Lily scoffed disdainfully , her eyes flashing with contempt . " Foster sister ? She's just a household servant's daughter , adopted by the Rivers family . An orphan living under someone else's protection , yet she dares to see herself as a Rivers heir ? " I was taken aback by this revelation . I only knew the Rivers family had an adopted daughter , unaware that Vanessa Reed was a servant's child . " Why would the Rivers family adopt their servant's daughter ? " I asked curiously , setting my glass down . Rebecca leaned forward , her voice dropping slightly as if sharing a secret . " My brother said that years ago , Mrs. Rivers was attacked by robbers . Their servant took the knife for her and died . Before dying , she made Mrs. Rivers promise one thing . " At this , Rebecca paused , casting a meaningful glance at me . The sudden silence hung heavy between us . I blinked in confusion . " Why did you stop ? " ( Rebecca's POV ) 213 < Chapter 22 The Skilled Resto 25 Puntos I studied Olivia's face , wondering how she would react to what I was about to reveal . My friendship with her stretched back to childhood , and I'd always been protective of her gentle nature . " Do you know what that dying servant asked Mrs. Rivers to promise her ? " I asked , my voice deliberately measured . Olivia's amber eyes widened with curiosity , waiting for me to continue . The bar's dim lighting cast shadows across her face , highlighting the delicate features that had captured Connor Rivers ' heart years ago . I took a deep breath , preparing to share the information that might explain Vanessa's hostility toward my friend . " Do you know what that dying servant asked Mrs. Rivers to promise her ? " Comentarios