The Beginning Of All Sins

Tyler paid no attention to Naomi. Instead, he turned to Olivia and said, “Go back to your ward, Olivia.”

Realizing her position as an outsider in this situation, Olivia stiffly nodded and turned to leave, leaving the room in silence once more.

Tyler then turned his attention to Mrs. Jones and Darren. “I’d like to speak to her privately.” Understanding that they shouldn’t interfere, both of them nodded and left the room.

Once they were alone, Tyler looked at Naomi. Tears had been streaming down her face while he maintained a stern expression. “Since this is what you want, I’ll do it properly.”

Back in her ward, Olivia lay on her bed feeling like her heart had sunk into a bottomless abyss. She couldn’t help but feel trapped, as if there was no way out of this situation.

In less than half an hour, Tyler’s secretary, Linda, arrived. She approached Olivia’s bed and spoke gently, “Ms. Olivia, Mr. Tyler asked me to pack your things. Is there anything specific you need from your school or home?”

The rapidity of the situation caught Olivia off guard, leaving her momentarily speechless.

Linda asked again, “Ms. Olivia?”

Coming back to her senses, Olivia replied in a daze, “Anything is fine.”

Linda nodded and got to work, packing Olivia’s belongings in the ward.

Olivia watched, still processing the speed of these events. She couldn’t believe how quickly things had escalated–she wasn’t ready. With a hint of hesitation, she asked, “Do we need to pack right now?”

Linda, standing by the couch, replied, “Aren’t you returning to school tomorrow? While we’re packing the rest of your belongings, Mr. Tyler hopes that you’ll stay at his place tonight to familiarize yourself there.”

Olivia’s mind raced. She wasn’t prepared for this sudden change. She felt like she was caught in the middle of something she didn’t fully understand. Fear, panic, and unease overwhelmed her as she considered the unfamiliar territory that awaited her.

Linda waited for Olivia’s response.

After a moment of internal struggle, Olivia managed to say, “Okay.” She then closed her eyes, battling.

the turmoil within.

Linda completed the packing roughly half an hour later and returned to Olivia. “We can leave now, Ms. Olivia.”

Olivia was startled. She asked before leaving, “Are we going with Tyler?” Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

“He may need to stay with Ms. Naomi at the hospital for now.”

Slightly relieved by this information, Olivia refrained from asking further questions. She felt better about the situation knowing that Tyler wouldn’t be present at the house.

That night, Olivia was brought to Tyler’s home, the Sandalwood Palace, where she had been once before. Standing in the living room, she looked around, sensing an ominous darkness that seemed ready to engulf her.

The house appeared enormous and labyrinthine, and she feared getting lost in its unfamiliar halls.

Linda, sensing Olivia’s hesitation, offered, “I’ll take you to your room upstairs.”

Olivia accepted the guidance with a simple “Sure.”

Linda led Olivia upstairs, briefly familiarizing her with the house. As it was late, they didn’t engage in

much conversation.

After spending half an hour with Olivia, Linda left her alone in her room. Olivia felt a sense of trepidation about being in such a massive house all by herself.

In a hurry, she entered one of the rooms, not caring about its purpose. The room was dimly lit, and as she moved to turn on the lights, she heard a car pull into the driveway followed by footsteps in the living room.

“You’re home, Mr. Tyler.”