Chapter 8

Olivia

The chairs they prepared for the guests were slowly filling up. Perhaps only a few more are waiting, and the party will soon begin. I chose to stay inside for now because I am avoiding my father.

I am not ready to face him yet. It feels like I am about to crumble every time we make an eye contact. He's like a kryptonite sucking all my strength.

"Olivia," someone behind me called my name. I immediately turned around and saw Matthew, looking all sweaty and out of breath.

"Why did you arrive late, and where did you come from? Why you look like a mess? Are you playing chase with a dog?" I raised an eyebrow as I looked at him.

He sighed and took a deep breath before speaking and answering me.

"I still had something to take care of before I could come here. I thought I wouldn't make it because of the heavy traffic outside the village."

"You never change! You always like to catch up at the last minute. We're already graduates, so you don't need to do that anymore."

"Leave it to me. I