Chapter 435: Leaving
Seb frowned as he looked at the bag on the table and then at her," Why are you giving this to me? You could have kept it. You can take care of it."
Olivia looked away from his gaze, knowing that now might be the toughest part for her,"I know.But... I’m leaving, Seb. I’m leaving the country."
Seb felt as if he’d been punched in the gut, disbelief washing over him like a tidal wave. "Leaving?" he echoed, his voice hoarse with disbelief. "What do you mean leaving? Are you going on a vacation?"
Olivia shook her head, her hands trembling slightly as she clasped them together in her lap. "I need a fresh start, Seb. I’ve put all my things in storage, and I’m going to travel. Explore the world, you know? And... and then find a place to settle down. There is nothing here to keep me. With mom gone..."
Seb’s heart clenched at her words, the realization sinking in that he might not see her for a long time, if ever again. In the past, when his longing for her had been unbearable, he had at least been able to drive down to the cafe. He’d often hear news of her from his brothers. But if she went away and settled somewhere else, creating a family for herself... the feeling of loss seemed to be crushing him...He needed to make her stay.
Even as the thought came to his mind, he shook himself out of the notion. No! It was for the better if she went away. It might give him a chance to have a new beginning as well. All these years, he had been in a limbo...
"What about the cafe?" he asked carefully, glad that his voice came out normal.
Olivia smiled sadly, a wistful expression crossing her features. "I sold it," she admitted quietly.
"How could you do that? You’ve worked so hard all these years and it was doing so well. To sell it to someone else who might not take care of it..."