Chapter 70: A new begining and Constant fear

Linda had been quietly observing the dangers that loomed over Olivia and Eva. The uneasy silence around Ethan, the manipulations of Martha and Mathew, and the betrayal that came like a dagger to Olivia's heart—Linda knew they couldn't stay. The threats were too real, too close. It was no longer safe for her daughter and granddaughter.

One evening, while Olivia slept fitfully, her nightmares growing darker by the day, Linda made a decision. She picked up the phone and called an old friend, someone she trusted with her life—an ally who lived in another country, far from the reach of the chaos they were trying to escape.

"We need a safe place, away from all this," Linda had said, her voice steady yet urgent. "For Olivia and Eva."

Her friend agreed immediately. Arrangements were made within days, and soon, Linda informed Alex and Emma about the plan. They didn't need much convincing. Alex, always the protector, had been equally worried about Olivia's safety. Emma, who had stood by her friend through thick and thin, was quick to support the idea.

"For Olivia and Eva, it's the best choice," Alex had said, determination clear in his voice. "Let's rebuild Eva Enterprise there, too. It's safer to start fresh."

They made their plans quietly, ensuring there would be no trace of where they were headed. The day finally came, and with heavy hearts but hopeful minds, they left the country. Olivia was plagued by nightmares of Ethan following them, hurting little Eva, but she knew she couldn't turn back. She had to protect her daughter, no matter what.

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It had been three years since they left. Three long years without Ethan. Olivia often caught herself wondering what he was doing—if he had regretted the choices he made, if he thought of Eva, or if Jenna had replaced their entire world in his heart. But those thoughts were fleeting, drowned out by the responsibility of motherhood and the constant fear that one day, Ethan would find them.

Eva, now a chubby preschooler, was the light of Olivia's life. Her bright eyes and mischievous smile gave Olivia a reason to keep going, even when the nightmares refused to stop. Eva had grown so much, with curly brown hair that fell over her face and dimples that made her look like a tiny angel. She was intelligent beyond her years, always asking questions and absorbing the world around her like a sponge.

Linda had been a constant pillar of support. She took care of both Olivia and Eva, watching over them like a guardian angel. There were days when Olivia felt she couldn't do it alone, but with Linda by her side, she found the strength to carry on.

Alex and Emma had gotten married and now had a son, Max, who was two years old. The two children, Eva and Max, were inseparable, acting like siblings. They played together, laughed together, and in Eva's case, she loved teaching Max new things. Whether it was tricks with toys or teaching him how to count, Eva was always the bossy older sister, and Max followed her lead with admiration.

In the mornings, the house was filled with the sound of their laughter. Eva would tug Max by the hand, showing him something new, her little voice animated and excited. "Come on, Max, I'll show you how to do it!" she'd say, while Max obediently followed, his eyes wide with wonder.

Watching them together brought some joy back into Olivia's heart. She had lost so much, but seeing Eva and Max grow up side by side made it easier to cope with the pain. Alex and Emma had become their family in every way, and the four of them—Linda, Olivia, Emma, and Alex—had created a new life together.

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But despite the peaceful surroundings and the distance from their old life, Olivia's nightmares persisted. They came in waves, sometimes so vivid that she woke up drenched in sweat, her heart racing. In her dreams, Ethan was always there, his once loving eyes turned cold, following them, taking Eva away from her. And every time, Olivia would wake up gasping, clutching Eva's small body close to hers.

It was hard to shake the fear that Ethan might someday find them. She had no idea what had become of him, but a part of her still felt connected to him, despite everything. She often wondered if he ever thought of the little girl he had rejected, the child who had his smile, his eyes. Did he even care?

One night, after one of her nightmares, Olivia sat on the edge of her bed, looking at the moonlit room where Eva slept peacefully. Linda came in quietly and sat beside her.

"You can't keep living in fear, Olivia," Linda said softly, brushing a hand over her daughter's back. "Ethan isn't here. He can't hurt you or Eva anymore."

"I know," Olivia whispered, though her voice wavered. "But it doesn't feel that way. I keep seeing him in my dreams, following us, taking Eva away from me."

Linda sighed, wrapping an arm around Olivia's shoulders. "You've built a life here. Look at Eva. She's growing up happy, surrounded by people who love her. You're doing everything right, Olivia. And as long as I'm here, I won't let anything happen to either of you."

Olivia leaned into her mother's embrace, finding comfort in the familiar warmth. She knew Linda was right, but the fear lingered, like a shadow she couldn't shake. Still, for now, they were safe. Eva was safe. And that's all that mattered.

As she lay back down beside her daughter, watching her sleep peacefully, Olivia knew that tomorrow would be another day of rebuilding, another step towards healing. And with Linda, Alex, Emma, and little Max by her side, maybe—just maybe—she could start to believe that they had truly left the danger behind.

For Eva's sake, she had to.