Olivia could already spot Nicholas leaning against the car, obviously waiting for her. She smiled and walked a bit faster.
“Hey Nik,”
“There’s water in the car right?”
Nicholas nodded, his eyes keen on Olivia as he was surprised at the unnatural contours of her face.
“Are you okay, ma’am?” Nicholas asked, his gaze fixed on her.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” Olivia nodded, taking a deep breath.
“Water?” She reminded, shooting Nicholas a glance.
Nicholas nodded, and opened the car, motioning Olivia to enter. He went back to the driver’s side and got into the car, brought out a can of water and handed it to Olivia.
It wasn’t long before they arrived at the hospital, Olivia followed behind Nicholas as they headed for the elevator, leading to Old Gilbert’s ward.
“Dad?” Olivia smiled sweetly, making her way towards the old man.
Morgan’s brows thickened, as he watched her brush past him. He was here, obviously waiting for her and now she arrived, she didn’t even care to glance at him and went to greet his father.
Is he an air?!
“My dear?” Gilbert smiled, pulling her into a hug.
“You finally remembered to come visit me, should I be happy?” He teased, pulling her a bit to have a good look at her face.
Olivia smiled, suddenly feeling awkward at the close proximity. Old Gilbert frowned, “You look stressed, is Morgan bullying you?”
“No dad. I’m just fine.”
“If you say so. I sorely apologize on behalf of my unfilial son, Xavier. I heard about what he did to you, I’m sorry dear.”
Olivia quickly stole a glance at Morgan, but he scoffed and looked away. She pulled away and went to grab a seat behind Morgan, still treating him like an air.
Morgan tugged his tie and leaned in, close enough to Olivia’s ear, “What do you think you’re doing, huh? Acting almighty, because we’re in my father’s presence?”
Olivia narrowed her eyes at him, as if she was staring at some kind of joker or gigolo, she sighed and looked away.
Heartless thing, just you wait!
Morgan was about to grab her chin, when old Gilbert’s voice interrupted him. “Can’t you get your hands off her? With this behavior of yours, I’m expecting a grandchild soon, right?”
Olivia swallowed, and quickly brought her head down, her eyes fixed on her fingers, avoiding to meet anyone’s gaze.
“I’ve been trying my best. You should ask her that question?” Morgan said, pointing at Olivia.
Shameless and Shameless!! How could someone be so shameless and blunt like Morgan, especially in front of his father, now how is she going to look at him?!
Olivia hissed and raised her face a bit, shooting Morgan a glare.
“What? What are you looking at me like, or am I not trying? I am, cos you end up crying and begging.”
Morgan!
Olivia caught her lower lips, between her teeth, shutting her eyes tight to avoid and she slowly turned to old Gilbert.
“I’m sorry Dad, Morgan is just…”
“It’s fine dear. I have two unfilial sons and the other is just perverted.” Gilbert stated, giving Olivia a gentle smile.
Olivia nodded, and returned the smile.
“I don’t know your favorite food, but I prepared you something.” Olivia sat up to bring out the food she came with.
“Now, I wish I gave birth to a girl like you, rather than these two unfilial kids.” Old Gilbert smiled, his heart filled with warmth with the very gesture Olivia showed him.
There was chicken Adobo, Lechon, balut, rice soup and tamarind broth. The aroma was quite appetizing and mouth watering, one that Old Gilbert liked.
“Who thought how to make all these?”
“I learnt them from my mom, Chicken Adobo used to be her favorite.”
Gilbert paused, taking a long glance at Olivia before he smiled and continued eating.
“Your mom, how’s she doing?”
Morgan was getting annoyed, as he was left out in their conversation, treating him as if he wasn’t there or wasn’t even existing. Especially his father who was invested in the food before him and Olivia? Wicked thing, that wouldn’t even bulge to look his way.
“She is doing just fine. Woke up from a coma a few months back.”
“Really? And this son of mine didn’t even let me know, at least, we’d get to know each other.”
“Well uhhm, the doctor said she can’t work with her legs again. So she just lays there and is sometimes wheeled around by the nurses.”
“That’s sad. You don’t mind if I come to visit her, to know the mother of such a good girl like you.” He smiled.
Morgan nearly rolled his eyes, he knew his father and what he said just right now, was not actually the truth. He was obviously seeking for a chance to the woman and to confirm his doubts and thoughts.
Olivia smiled, she scrolled through her phone and clicked on a picture, one which she took with her mom.
“This is my mom, aren’t we such twins?” Olivia laughed, showing the picture to Old Gilbert.
Morgan fixed his gaze on him, scanning his reaction, but what he didn’t expect was that his father was going to look sullen.
What exactly is going on?”
Old Gilbert, paused at the sight of the picture, the spoon in his hands dropping to the floor, causing a startling sound. Olivia flinched and turned and turned to look at old Gilbert’s face.
“Dad?”
“Sorry for startling you, but is this woman really your mom?” He asked, his breath rapid as he asked Olivia, as If trying to be more convinced that he wasn’t seeing things.
Olivia nodded, suddenly confused as if she had done something wrong. The tension in the room was thick, as Morgan’s gaze was hooded with confusion and suspicion.
Old Gilbert shook his head, worry, guilt, regret was etched on his face, his next words were followed by a series of coughs. Olivia quickly uncapped a bottled can and helped him to gulp it down.
“Dad, are you okay?” Olivia asked, her voice laced with panic and worry.
A sudden rush of adrenaline washed over her followed by a heavy headache, she felt light headed, her environment spinning.
Morgan seemed to notice her face, he instinctively got up and rushed towards her. Before Olivia could say a word, her sight became blank, as he lost consciousness and fell into Morgan’s arms, as he was fast to grab her.
“Olivia?”
“Call the doctor!”