Chapter 7 387 % 1 Neil had dismissed it at the time . Olivia's gifts had always seemed so simple - hand - knit scarves , photo albums , those little woven bracelets . He'd never really expected anything more . But a wedding dress and a ring ? This was a total surprise . Neil didn't have time to think further . A sharp pain shot through his stomach , the old problem flaring up again . Years of heavy drinking had taken their toll . Even a little too much alcohol now could trigger this agony . Olivia decided to become a certified nutritionist to prepare healthier meals for him . Whenever he came home from a night out , he was greeted by the comforting aroma of a meal she had prepared . She would then serve him some nutritious broth . During the two years they lived together , his stomach troubles had mostly stayed away . Now , the dull ache in his stomach made Neil's face pale . He clutched the kitchen counter , his knuckles turning white . He needed his stomach medicine , but he couldn't remember where she kept it . Leaning against the wall , he tripped thud . on a step and fell to the floor with a Memories of him and Olivia together came flooding back - how she'd cared about him and loved him . " Neil , why did you drink again ? You know your stomach can't handle it , " she'd say , her voice a mix of worry and frustration . " Neil , wake up . I made you some food . You need to eat something . " " Neil , what do you feel like eating this weekend ? I can make it for you , " she'd ask , already planning their meals . " Neil- " At that moment , for reasons he couldn't quite grasp , Neil found himself longing to hear Olivia's voice . He reached for his phone , planning to send her a message . But the grey exclamation mark on the screen seemed to stab at his eyes and heart . Even the haze of alcohol began to clear a little . Then he started calling Olivia , over and over , as if he couldn't bring himself to give up . But no matter how many times he tried , the response was always the same - he couldn't reach her . In a fit of frustration , he grabbed his phone and slammed it against the wall . " Fine , Olivia ! Since you insist , just get the hell out of my life . I don't need you anyway . " At Kline Manor , the day's chaos finally caught up with Olivia . She fell asleep quickly , but her sleep was restless . Her dreams were a jumbled mix of memories - Neil saving her years ago , their on - and - off relationship , and the harsh words he'd thrown at her today . She woke with a start to find her pillow soaked with tears . Her body felt heavy and drained , and her stomach growled , reminding her that she hadn't eaten a proper meal all day . She'd been so busy preparing for the proposal , completely forgetting to take care of herself . But from now on , she decided , she wouldn't let anyone else's needs overshadow her own . With that thought , she got out of bed and padded downstairs to the kitchen . She made herself a plate of spaghetti with some seafood - simple but comforting . As she stirred the pot , she realized how little she'd indulged in her favorite food these past years , all to suit Neil's tastes . It seemed so paintless now . ' Why did I ever let him dictate my life ? I deserve better than this , ' she muttered to herself , looking at the plate , ready to enjoy a meal that was just for her . But there came a familiar voice . " Olivia ? "