Breakup Caused By a Car Accident

Chapter 9

I didn't know how Kayne found out where I was, but there he was, waiting outside my lab when I finished my work. He was leaning against his car, and when he saw me, he quickly walked over.

"Olivia," he said, his voice softer than usual.

My arm was almost healed, and I'd just had the plaster removed a couple of days ago. He took my hand, his concern obvious.

"Is your arm okay now? Have you been to a follow-up appointment? What did the doctor say?"

I didn't answer. I pulled my hand back and asked, "What do you want?"

"Olivia, we haven't seen each other in so long. Can I take you out for dinner? Your birthday's coming up, and I want to spend every birthday with you from now on."

I stood there, silent. Kayne kept going, "The video, that was an accident..."

Before he could finish, the passenger door of the car suddenly opened. Freya stepped out, walking quickly toward us. She grabbed my hand before I could react.

"Olivia," she said, her voice trembling, "I know you and Kayne had a conflict, so I asked him to bring me here to apologize."

Her eyes were red, and when she glanced at Kayne, there was a look of hurt. When she turned to me, I saw a glimmer of pride in her eyes.

"Olivia, please don't be mad. It's my fault. I shouldn't have let you misunderstand me and Kayne. I'll never go to his shows again. I just wanted to support him. I never meant to upset you..." Her voice cracked as tears welled up in her eyes. "Olivia, can you forgive me?"

She reached for my hand, shaking it gently. My arm still wasn't fully healed, and the movement caused pain. I couldn't help but pull my arm away. To my surprise, she stumbled back. There was a step behind her, and she lost her balance, falling forward and hitting her head on the front of the car.

Freya cried out in pain. Kayne acted quickly, catching her in his arms as she whimpered softly.

"Olivia," she whispered, "I know you don't like me, but you don't have to treat me like this. I won't show up at his shows anymore. Please, forgive me."

Kayne, still holding Freya, turned to me, anger flashing in his eyes.

"Olivia, you've gone too far! Do you know how dangerous that was? Why did you push Freya? There are cars passing by! She could've been hit!"

He shook his head in disbelief. "Olivia, you really disappoint me."

Without waiting for a response, he got in the car and drove off with Freya. Once again, he chose her, just like he had during the car accident. I couldn't bring myself to care anymore. We were breaking up anyway.

I stood there, watching the car disappear from sight. My mind shifted back to the work I had to do. I was supposed to familiarize myself with the new experiment process. As I turned to head back inside, I saw Thomas Quain standing nearby. He was the project lead, and I hadn't seen him since he'd been on a business trip. I wasn't sure how long he'd been standing there, but he must've seen how awkward things had gotten between me, Kayne, and Freya.

I walked over to him and said, "Thomas."

He nodded coolly, his demeanor like an old professor offering advice.

"Don't let personal matters interfere with your work," he said. "If you can't focus, you can always ask for leave."

I'd long been used to Kayne's behavior, so it wouldn't affect my work. I nodded back and said, "I understand. Don't worry about me."

Thomas gave a brief nod before walking away.