Flora observed Olivia's reaction and offered a reassuring squeeze to her hand. “Dylan's going to make a wonderful father, you know. And besides, he's a handsome fellow-tall, no Less—and sweet on you, right?"

Upon hearing Flora's words, Olivia's face brightened with a smile, and a soft glow of happiness appeared in her eyes.

With Raphael's presence, her thoughts naturally drifted to the fact that he was the father of her child. Still, she was grateful for her newfound emotional steadiness. Her feelings for Dylan were genuine.

He was not a stand-in for anyone else.

She truly enjoyed Dylan's company.

Olivia and Flora continued their conversation until dusk approached, which was when Dylan was supposed to pick her up.

Work had snagged him, so he was running late.

Deciding to make the best of the extra time, Olivia set out for a stroll.

The trees down the road were a sight to behold in this season.

Flora expressed her concern, wishing to accompany her, but Olivia reassured her with a light smile, “It's early days yet. I'm as limber as ever."

With a laugh, Flora conceded, “Indeed, you seem to have more energy than I do."

Her mood turned somber as she remembered, “Your mother had to endure much when she carried Edwin. It was a time that weighed heavy on your father's heart."

She reached out, her touch gentle on Olivia's belly. "Be kind to yourself."

"I will," Olivia promised. "You don't need to worry about me."

Saying goodbye to Flora, Olivia continued her walk alone. The peak bloom of the trees was behind them, yet they still stood Lush and vibrant. Passing a cafe, she treated herself to a freshly squeezed juice, enjoying the simple pleasure of a moment to herself.

As Olivia savored her juice, she was moments away from contacting Dylan.

Then, out of the blue, she noticed a figure nearby- it was Raphael.

His face held a shadow of gloom, yet there was a semblance of peace that hadn't been there earlier. He seemed to have been waiting, possibly for her.

Olivia pondered this silently.

Considering their shared past, she didn't give his presence much weight.

She watched him approach, her feet rooted in place.

People streamed by, each absorbed in their own worlds. As Raphael drew near, the air between them was filled with the unspoken changes time had wrought.

“Remember when we were still in college? We'd grab ice creams at this spot." Raphael finally broke the silence, a tinge of sorrow in his voice.

With a shrug, Olivia responded, "I'm sorry, I don't."