Chapter 1729

It was quiet in the apartment. Olivia looked at Edward, his head bowed, and sighed softly. She moved closer, stooping to gather the scattered items: a blanket, a shattered glass, and other debris.

She couldn't understand his recent crankiness. His injuries, his inability to stand—the combined wound of physical harm and betrayal—must have been devastating. She understood, she tolerated his temper. But today…

Quietly, she picked up the shards of glass, discarding them in the trash. Edward watched, silent, offering no help, no protest. Then, he frowned, impatiently flinging a trinket across the floor. "Stop picking them up!"

A sharp pain shot through her hand where the trinket struck, pressing against the broken glass. Blood welled from a small but deep cut. Wincing, she lifted her hand, staring at him.

Edward, startled, hadn't meant to hurt her, but his brow furrowed. "I told you not to pick them up!"

"I'll get a bandage," Olivia said, standing, her hand clutched to her side. She turned on the faucet, washing the wound, an inexplicable emotion washing over her as the blood flowed away. A burning pain replaced it.

Warm tears welled as she dried her hands and found a bandage. The small cut stopped bleeding after she applied the adhesive tape, but the pain lingered, spreading like sap through a leaf, consuming her.

Returning, she picked up a large shard and threw it in the trash. Edward's impatience flared. "Didn't I tell you not—"

"Shut the fuck up if you don't want to help!" Olivia's anger erupted.

Edward was stunned. Her recent gentleness, her submissiveness, had evidently unprepared him for this outburst. He opened his mouth, but no words came.

Olivia gathered the remaining shards, then fetched a broom and dustpan. She opened the refrigerator and took out a beer.

Under Edward's gaze, she popped the top and drank half the can. She rarely drank, only keeping beer for Edward or for cooking. The half-can, downed in a single gulp, brought a sudden intoxication, yet her mind remained remarkably clear. The earlier conversation replayed in her head.

She burped, a surge of courage rising, a readiness to pour out her heart.

Edward remained still, silent, his frown unchanged, the yelled-at recipient simply watching her quietly.