Chapter 502

Olivia sat by the window, gazing downstairs. The confusion in her eyes mirrored the turmoil in her heart. Seeing that Edward was out, she went downstairs to buy necessities before returning. Otherwise, he wouldn't have allowed it.

Edward had been by her side these past few days, helping with her mother's funeral arrangements, grocery shopping, even accompanying her to meals. He spoke little, but she was growing accustomed to his ever-present shadow.

Although she appreciated his kindness, Olivia felt powerless. Devastated by her mother's death—tears still flowed uncontrollably at the thought—she knew life had to go on. The fire was deemed accidental. While government pensions and subsidies were forthcoming, no amount of money could replace her mother.

Olivia even loathed herself. Had she chosen a different place to live, would this have happened? But there was no room for regret. Lily urged her to focus on the future, not the past. Olivia tried, but healing would take time. With a long sigh, she decided to cancel her break; her depression had kept her away for too long. She also knew Lily was incredibly busy, from Jenny, but Lily never missed Olivia's calls, always reminding her to rest and take care of herself.

"I should go back and help her," she thought.

Just then, the doorbell rang. Olivia turned. "Did Edward forget his key?"

She rose and approached the door as the ringing grew more insistent. "Why is he in such a hurry? Is it an emergency?"

Quickening her pace, she opened the door.

"Who are you?" she asked, bewildered by the woman standing there. She didn't recognize her.

"Don't you know who I am?" Brittany demanded, convinced Olivia was feigning ignorance. Though not a household name, Brittany was a famous actress. She must be pretending! she thought.

After a disdainful glance, Brittany swept past Olivia, striding into the house as if it were her own.

"I'm sorry, but I don't know you. Please leave," Olivia said firmly. The woman's intrusion was rude, regardless of her identity. Gesturing towards the door, Olivia tried to usher her out.

Brittany spun around, sneering. "Are you trying to throw me out? Is this your house? Do you think you own this place?"

Seeing Olivia, Brittany's resentment flared. How could such an ordinary woman steal Alexander's heart? How dare she live in his house? How dare she try to kick me out?!

Olivia was stunned. She seems to know I'm only here temporarily. But why is she so hostile? Who is this woman?