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“And then that night at the party…,” she swallows. “It was the perfect opportunity. At first, I planned to use the video to break you two up. But then I found out I was pregnant.” Her lips press together briefly. “And honestly? For a moment, I considered getting rid of it.”

Something in my chest tightens, but I keep my face blank.

“But I didn’t,” she continues. “Because I realized pregnancy was the perfect way to have you. To keep you.”

I let out a slow breath. “So, it was never really about the kids, was it?”

She flinches but doesn’t deny it. “I thought it would make you stay. And it did.”

I exhale sharply, raking a hand through my hair. “Jesus, Olivia.”

“I know,” she says again, voice barely above a whisper. “And I’m sorry. But when the babies were born, everything changed. I couldn’t handle it. The crying, the sleepless nights, the way it felt like my life wasn’t mine anymore. Five months in, and I was drowning. And so…, I left.

I stare at her, my grip tightening around my cup. I don’t know what I expected her to say, but hearing it - hearing the raw, unfiltered truth - hits differently.

There’s a long silence before Olivia speaks again. “I didn’t come here expecting forgiveness, Blake. And I’m not asking for it. I just needed to tell you the truth.” She sighs, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “And to see the kids one last time before I leave.”

I frown. “Leave?”

She nods. “I’m starting my life elsewhere, so will have no need to come to Autumn Cove again.”

I exhale, running a hand through my hair. “So, that’s it?”

She nods. “That’s it.”

“You’re leaving them again.”

Her lips press together. “I was never really there to begin with, was I?”

I don’t answer that.

She leans forward slightly, her voice softer now. “Take care of them, Blake. They’re lucky to have you.”

“It’s the other way around and I always have and will.”

She offers a soft smile and reaches for her bag, standing up. “Good luck, Blake. With everything. Goodbye, Blake. And say, hello again to Whitney for me, and that I’m sorry.”

I watch as she walks away, back straight, steps unhurried. For a few minutes, I just sit there, staring at the empty space she leaves behind, letting everything sink in. Then, with a slow exhale, I get up and leave.

****

As soon as I step inside, the air is warm, filled with the faint scent of vanilla from one of Whitney’s candles. I find her in the living room, curled up on the couch with a book. She looks up as I walk in, immediately picking up on my mood.

She closes the book, setting it aside. “How did it go?”

I sigh, rubbing the back of my neck before sinking down beside her. “She came to say goodbye. For good this time.”

Whitney watches me for a beat, then reaches for my hand. “And how do you feel about that?”

I exhale, staring down at our joined fingers. “Honestly? I don’t know.” I lift my gaze to hers and tell her everything.

Whitney lets out a low whistle, shaking her head. “Wow. That’s…, a lot to take in.” She pauses, then smirks. “But I kind of get why she went through all that trouble. You were quite the catch back then.”

I raise a brow. “Oh really? And now?”

She hums, pretending to consider. “Hm…, not so much. I think you’ve lost your touch.”

I scoff, reaching for her and pulling her flush against me. “Yet, you’re obsessed with me.”