The Beginning Of All Sins

Olivia froze. Tyler kept walking, but he stopped when he felt her grip on his arm. Turning back, he

looked at her with concern.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, then followed her gaze to where Claude sat.

Olivia was stunned to see Claude there, and it seemed he was looking back at her too. She couldn’t believe he had come.

Claude’s expression was calm, almost indifferent. Meanwhile, Olivia’s face remained expressionless, unsure of how to react under Claude’s intense gaze.

Tyler watched their expressions for a while before looking at Olivia and saying, “The Pearces are on our guest list as well. Should we do a toast with them?” He sounded casual, as if it were just another suggestion.

Olivia couldn’t describe what she was feeling. Facing Claude was difficult because it brought her relationship with Tyler into focus, a reality she struggled to confront in his presence.

Claude, however, seemed to notice her distress despite her efforts to appear composed.

Though she had dressed up for the occasion, Olivia felt everything was now in disarray.

Noticing Olivia’s silence, Tyler pressed, “What’s wrong?”

Meanwhile, the person who was holding the wine was staring at Olivia too.

Realizing she couldn’t let herself panic, Olivia mustered some strength and replied, “Nothing, I’m just tired. I’d like to take a rest. Can we do the toast later, Tyler?”

But Tyler wasn’t oblivious to her evasive behavior. He glanced between Olivia and Claude, sensing the

tension. NôvelDrama.Org © content.

“We’re greeting the guests now. Let’s finish the toast first,” he insisted firmly, denying her request

outright.

Feeling defeated, Olivia fell silent.

Tyler’s eyes turned cold as he said, “Let’s go,” leading her to another table.

‘She’d had enough today,‘ he thought, hoping Olivia would realize where she stood, and perhaps

Claude too.

As if nothing had happened, Tyler greeted the guests cheerily.

Olivia, on the other hand, trailed along, her mind elsewhere. Claude had been staring at her, like a knife slicing her continuously.

Finally, they reached Claude’s table. Olivia kept her eyes down, avoiding his eyes. Claude briefly glanced away before rising to Tyler’s toast.

Tyler toasted to Claude first. “Thanks for coming.”

Claude raised his glass. “It’s my honor. It’s your big day after all. How can I not come?”

Tyler smiled, taking a light sip of his wine. “Then I won’t say more since we know each other well. Enjoy.” He then drank half a glass of the wine that he had been holding but had barely touched.

Claude drained his glass in response, then turned his gaze to Olivia. A faint smile played on his lips as he addressed Tyler, “Congratulations. I hope the two of you have many happy days ahead and build a wonderful family together.”

Tyler accepted the well–wishes with a smile. “Thanks,” he said, turning to Olivia. “Let’s go.”