Dylan Lounged on the sofa. "I can manage things from here."

He pressed her, "Do you want to go back?"

"I'll spend some more time with my family here. Leyla will stay with Raphael for a few days after Elissa is released from the hospital."

Dylan grew uneasy. "And what about you?"

Olivia replied, "What about me? He's got a wife and kids of his own. You don't seriously think I'd stay at his place too, do you?"

He cleared his throat. "That's not what I meant!"

Since they were on the subject, she felt the need to set things straight. "Dylan, we're not back together and Eason's the only Link we have. I can talk to whoever I want. It's not right for you to stick around in Evans Gardon..."

With a meaningful gaze, he couldn't resist asking, "Olivia, have you ever considered my feelings after all this time? Do you not want us to patch things up?"

Olivia laid it out honestly. "I've thought about it. But I don't see it working out!"

She was pretty level-headed about her and Dylan. She had so many more practical problems to consider apart from her own feelings.

The spark just didn't seem to still be there anymore, so she had shelved the idea. It wasn't worth forcing herself to be with Dylan for Eason's sake, and she refused to make such a sacrifice.

Dylan got her drift.

He stopped pushing her.

He claimed he'd stick around, but he returned to Duefron the next morning. He came back again a few days later.

As he parked his car outside, Mark was watering the flowers in his greenhouse.

Mark caught the sound of the car and muttered, “He really treats this place Like his own! Coming and going as he pleases."

Edwin had returned with his wife and kids to ring in the New Year with the family.

At that, he chuckled.

Mark inquired, “Aren't you worried? Your sister's over thirty now and still single."

Edwin grinned. "No, she's not the only one who's single in the world. Besides, she's got her kids sorted and can fend for herself. Isn't that the ultimate happiness for a single girl?"

Mark scoffed. "What nonsense! She needs a husband. Dylan's not her man but he's living with her. People will talk."

Edwin linked arms with Mark. "Dad, you're so old-fashioned!"

Mark playfully splashed water from the can at Edwin.

Edwin pleaded for mercy before heading out to meet Dylan.