Raphael knew it was because of Dylan, and he also knew Dylan was absent because of Gina.

After a moment, he asked hoarsely, “How are things between you and Dylan?"

The sound of running water partially masked their conversation.

Olivia hadn't imagined she'd be chatting with Raphael like an old friend, but she sensed his goodwill. Maybe it was better for them to meet this way.

She answered softly, “Oh, about the same as usual."

Raphael sensed that Olivia wasn't being truthful. Her relationship with Dylan was strained, but she refused to discuss it with him.

Perhaps she didn't think it was appropriate.

After all, despite that he and Olivia had shared so much history over the past few years, Raphael was now engaged with another woman.

With that in mind, Raphael chose not to pry further.

He did have regrets about the past but understood it wouldn't be right to interfere in Olivia's life anymore. He could only watch Leyla from afar and do whatever he could for his daughter when needed, trying to find redemption.

Olivia, too, remained silent.

After a pause, she turned off the tap and said to Raphael, “Congratulations! I heard about your engagement."

Raphael didn't respond but simply watched her closely.

As Olivia passed by him, he had the urge to reach for her hand, not caring about the consequences. When Raphael glanced up, though, he noticed his fiancee at the end of the corridor, her eyes fixed on him with a gentle gaze.

He clasped his hands together in frustration.

Olivia had been his muse, the most beautiful thing in his life. But his fiancee also complemented him well in reality.

She was kind and valued him, even if she'd never fully expressed her feelings for him in words. She just showed him how much she loved him.

When Olivia walked past his fiancee, she paused for a moment.

The woman nodded to Olivia, and she returned the gesture politely.

They both understood each other's roles. That was just how adults navigated these situations; there was no need to make things ugly.

Olivia thought to herself that this might be the best ending for her and Raphael.

Then she considered Dylan.

He'd promised he'd be away for just five days, but over a month had passed without a word from him.

Olivia hadn't planned what she would do when Dylan returned from his trip.