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Chapter 10: The Bet We Made

Author: Nancy's Best
last update Last Updated: 2024-12-05 14:50:02

Olivia’s POV

The garden was quiet, save for the faint rustle of the wind teasing the leaves. It should’ve been a peaceful place, a sanctuary from the chaos of the last few days, but tonight it felt heavy, like the weight of the world had settled here with me.

I sat on the cold stone bench, head buried between my knees, arms wrapped tightly around myself. The crisp night air bit at my skin, but I barely noticed. My thoughts were louder than the wind, circling endlessly as I tried to make sense of the mess I was in.

What would my mother say if she was here?

She would’ve known what to do. She always did. But now, all I had were memories of her voice, faint whispers of advice that felt so far out of reach.

The sound of footsteps crunching against the gravel path pulled me from my thoughts. I didn’t bother looking up, too tired to care who it was.

“Figured I’d find you here.”

That voice.

I lifted my head slowly, my swollen eyes meeting the familiar grin of Ben. He stood a few steps away,
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