Chapter 11
Olivia's jaw dropped.
She had imagined a plethora of situations, but none of them included the thought that Isabelle could be Clayton's sister.
Recovering her composure, she closed her wide-open mouth and then looked at Isabelle. “It never occurred to me that you two are siblings. I’m so sorry I misunderstood.”
“It’s alright. I'm actually flattered I look younger than my brother,” Isabelle smiled, a kind, understanding smile. “I think Clayton's the one to blame for forgetting to mention he has a sister.”
Their conversation was interrupted upon reaching the restaurant. Olivia felt her stomach grumble at the aroma of freshly cooked food. She had eaten little that morning and was so hungry she could eat a horse.
They found an empty table facing the window. Once they settled into their seats, a waiter approached to take their order. He left with the lists afterward.
Olivia felt at ease in Isabelle's company and didn't hesitate to start a conversation while waiting for their food to arrive. “I admire how close you are with Clayton. I’m an only child, so I don't understand how it feels to have a sibling.”
“It’s both a blessing and a curse,” Isabelle told her.
“When we were children, Clayton and I didn't get along. A day wouldn’t go by without us bickering or clawing at each other's faces. Without Dylan, our older brother, we would have been fighting like cats and dogs. We used to give Mom a massive headache because of that.”
Isabelle paused to make sure Olivia was still listening.
Seeing that she was, in fact, enjoying it, she continued, “But as we grew older, we became mature enough to control our tempers.
We realized that we have each other's backs, no matter what. We may not always see eye to eye or agree on everything, but at the end of the day, nothing could change the fact that we are family.”
Olivia could only nod as she felt a rush of envy within her.
She wondered how it would feel to have someone like that in her life, someone who would always have her back, no matter the circumstances.
“I…” She swallowed the lump in her throat.
“I really can't relate since I never had any brother or sister.”
“You have me now,” Isabelle remarked, taking her by surprise.
“Once you marry my brother, I’m going to be your sister-in-law.
I’ll treat you with kindness and respect, just like a true sister.
We’ll share secrets, I’ll help you pick out dresses, and I’ll even be there to hold your hand when Clayton drives you crazy. ”
Olivia’s heart melted. It was by far the sweetest thing she had heard from someone she had just met. She swallowed the lump in her throat. “I would really like that,” she managed to whisper.
Their food finally arrived, and Olivia dug in eagerly, savoring every bite.
The company was great, the food was delicious, and she couldn't have asked for a better afternoon.
She had found a friend, a confidante, and perhaps even the sister she had always wished for.
By the time they finished, she felt a bit sad that they had to go their separate ways.
An hour spent in each other's company felt too short.
Isabelle insisted on paying for their orders but Olivia refused. “No way! I invited you out, so I’ll pay for the food.”
Seeing that they were at an impasse, Olivia suggested they split the bill. Isabelle finally yielded.
After they settled up, they headed outside.
Isabelle handed Olivia the bouquet of roses she'd been holding.
Surprised, Olivia handed it back but Isabelle refused to take it. “They are yours. My brother was too shy to personally give them,” she said.
Olivia hugged the flowers to her chest. They were fragrant and soft. She liked them even though she wasn't sure if they were really meant for her. She lifted her gaze back to Isabelle, “Maybe we could grab lunch again sometime?”
“I’d really love that,” Isabelle grinned.
When they returned to the hospital, Olivia headed inside the building. On the other hand, Isabelle went to where she parked her car. Once inside, she waved at Olivia one last time before her car sped away, finally disappearing from view.
—
The rest of the afternoon went smoothly for Olivia.
She focused on her patients, making sure they are comfortable and resting properly.
After she finished checking on her last patient, she returned to Dr. Wilson's office where she assisted with filling up medical forms. They review patient test results, deciding on the best treatment for each of them.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the clock on the wall announced that her long, twelve-hour shift was over. Olivia couldn't believe how fast the hours had flown by. She felt tired but fulfilled.
It was time to go home.
She walked to the staff bathroom to freshen up, she looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair was pulled back in a loose bun, and her eyes looked a little weary.
"You look worse than your patients," she joked softly to her reflection.
With a small sigh, Olivia straightened her hair and pinched her cheeks to infuse color in them. By the time she emerged from the bathroom she looked so much better.
She returned to Dr. Wilson’s office to say goodbye.
“I’m heading out now, Doc. I hope the rest of your shift goes smoothly.”
“Thanks! You too. Get some rest,” he said, waving at her before returning his undivided attention back to his laptop screen.
Olivia headed to the parking lot, walking briskly and already looking forward to a relaxing sleep.
Stars twinkle in the night sky. She loved evenings like this. Quiet. Calm. Peaceful.
When she reached her car, she stopped short. There was someone leaning against her black Phoenix.
At first, she frowned, worried it might be someone dangerous. Taking a deep breath, she took a few cautious steps forward until she caught a glimpse of the man's face.
Surprise lit up her eyes upon seeing Clayton. She had no idea how long he had been waiting for her, but the sight of him made her heart race.
He must have sensed her presence because he straightened up and started walking toward her.
Olivia's heart raced even faster.
With a swift motion, he pulled her into his arms. She felt the warmth and strength of his body against hers, and for a moment, everything else faded away. She inhaled his familiar scent—a mix of his cologne and a hint of alcohol on his breath.
She gently pushed him away. "Clayton?”
"Just let me hold you for a little while longer, please," he replied in a soft tone.
She was about to ask why he was here when he spoke first, as if he had read her thoughts. "I came to drive you home.”
She shook her head slowly. "That's not necessary. I can drive myself."
"It is necessary. I want to make sure that no other man is around you. I'm the only man who has the right to take you home, Olivia." he said possessively.