Dylan's voice deepened, resonating with conviction. "Olivia, you know exactly what I mean. You're just afraid to face it."

He paused there, and then tenderly kissed her on the tip of her nose.

The night enveloped them, the car's interior offering a dim, comforting warmth. Eventually, Dylan drove in and parked the car at her driveway. As Olivia stepped out, he draped his coat over her shoulders, fastening it securely. "Don't catch a cold," he cautioned gently.

Overwhelmed by his kindness, Olivia found herself speechless.

“Our relationship hasn't changed at all, Dylan!" she asserted.

He simply smiled and responded softly, “I know." With that, he stepped out, circling the car to open her door.

As she exited the vehicle, their eyes locked-a silent, profound exchange in the darkness.

Olivia entered the villa and ascended the stairs, the sound of the car engine fading into the night.

She stepped out onto the balcony, still enveloped in Dylan's warm, woolen coat. She watched as the tail lights of his black sports car dimmed in the misty night, disappearing through the gate.

Abruptly, the car halted.

Dylan emerged, holding the door open, his gaze fixed towards where Olivia stood. Though their faces were obscured by the distance and darkness, they felt each other's presence intensely.

A bitter-sweet ache filled Olivia, the emotions as murky and elusive as the night fog.

Their connection was palpable, yet their paths seemed destined to diverge, leaving her hesitant to gamble on a future fraught with uncertainty.

Olivia pulled out her phone and called Dylan.

From a distance, she saw that Dylan reached into his car, retrieved his phone, and spoke into the phone in a hoarse, soothing voice. "Go back inside; it's cold."

“You forgot your coat," Olivia replied softly.

Dylan chuckled softly in agreement. “Okay! I'm heading back now. Good night."

Olivia watched as he drove away.

That night, she dreamt of their days together in the apartment.

Waking early, she checked her phone-it was not yet four in the morning.

Dylan had sent her a WhatsApp message, a photo of the hand-made hammock he had crafted for Leyla, now hanging on their apartment's balcony.

Olivia gazed at the picture, her heart softening.

Yet, she chose not to respond or discuss reuniting with him. Their interactions remained tepid, neither warm nor distant.

Their outings were rare, and they seldom appeared in public together.