He Cries When I Stop Being Jealous

Chapter 3

Lucas tried to explain, his voice full of frustration. "Olivia, Jessica's having a tough time. She's raising a kid on her own, and she doesn't know many people here. I'm all she's got."

Yeah, other women only had him.

But did he ever stop to think that I only had him too?

I responded, barely looking up from my work, "Mm, I get it. It's not easy for her."

He didn't like that. "Olivia, what's with the attitude?"

"I said I get it. What's the problem?" I repeated, my tone flat.

"Do you have to talk to me like this?" His irritation was clear.

"How would you like me to talk?" I shot back, matching his mood with a calm indifference.

Silence.

Before he hung up, I heard him mutter, "Whatever."

He found me annoying when I asked if he was really going to see Jessica.

He found me annoying when I asked when he'd be home, all while he was at Jessica's place, sneaking around.

Now I didn't ask. I understood him, and still, I was annoying.

I tossed my phone aside, trying to push the thoughts away, and focused on my work.

When my shift ended, I made a point of taking my time before heading home.

Lucas had already left for work.

Just as I'd finally fallen asleep after a long shower, my phone rang.

It was Lucas.

"Olivia... my stomach... it hurts," he groaned, clearly in pain.

I mumbled something, too tired to fully register it, and fell back asleep.

In my dream, I thought I heard Lucas calling my name, over and over.

But I was too exhausted to care.

Eventually, the door creaked open, and I was fully awake.

Lucas sat at the edge of the bed, looking at me like I'd just betrayed him. "Olivia... when did you stop caring? You used to rush over with medicine when I had stomach pain. You'd even make me porridge."

I remembered that version of me. The one who would go out of her way, no matter what.

Once, Lucas had stomach pains, and I took time off just to bring him medicine at his office. I got caught in the rain, drenched and disheveled. His coworkers laughed.

He didn't lift a finger to help. In fact, he told me not to come to his office again.

He was embarrassed by me.

I rubbed my eyes and yawned. "You feeling better now? We might be out of medicine. You should go get some."

Lucas stared at me, speechless for a moment.

Then he grabbed my arm. "Olivia, how long are you going to hold this over me with Jessica? I've told you, there's nothing going on!"

I looked at him, my gaze cool and steady. "Okay."

He jumped to his feet and slammed the door as he stormed out.