Chapter 5

"It's you. You've returned at last."

The pungent odor of liquor mingled with the cool evening breeze as Nathan enveloped me in a tight hug. His embrace was strong, his words barely above a whisper, almost begging.

I stood still, not daring to return the embrace. This moment of affection felt like it wasn't mine to have—as if I'd taken it wrongfully.

"Nathan, you're intoxicated. I don't believe—"

My words were cut short as his mouth met mine, effectively silencing me.

Surprise widened my eyes as his warm, persistent kiss sent tremors through my body—sensations I knew I shouldn't experience. I slightly parted my lips, and he took advantage, his kiss becoming more urgent and forceful, as if he wanted to devour me entirely.

He only let go when I was out of breath.

"Please stay. I've missed you terribly."

His lips traced a path from my brow to the tip of my nose, then to my cheeks and throat. His caress was gentle and painfully tender—an intimacy I had never known before.

I craved it, craved him.

I found myself pondering: How would she react in this situation? What would the impersonator Olivia do?

So, I emulated her. With a playful push, I distanced him, feigning annoyance. "If you drink this much again, I'll ignore you completely!"

My imitation was flawless.

Nathan's face brightened, his smile growing, his voice filled with newfound enthusiasm. "Olivi, it really is you. You've finally come back!"

After helping him to bed, I returned to the living area and sat by myself, gazing at the cake he had prepared—not for me, but for her.

On the cake, written in uneven, childlike letters, were the words: "Olivi, happy birthday." Nathan had clearly written it himself.

The candles had already burned out, leaving only faint traces of wax.

The room was dim, the night oppressive. I remained there, motionless, as time passed.

When Nathan awoke the next morning and saw me sitting there, pale and exhausted, he looked alarmed. For once, genuine worry colored his voice. "Have you been up all night?"

I nodded without speaking.

He sat beside me, his expression uncertain, as if searching for the right words. When he finally spoke, his tone was unusually gentle.

"Did I... mistake you for her last night?"

I interrupted him, raising my eyes to meet his. Each word I uttered felt like a dagger piercing my heart. "Nathan, do all of you just want her to come back?"

Silence engulfed us, heavy and stifling. Neither of us spoke, and the stillness only amplified the intensity of our emotions.

After what seemed like forever, I broke the quiet. "I understand now."

As a child, I had always surrendered what I loved to my sister.

When I met Nathan, I learned to conform to his emotional needs, always prioritizing him.

Now, I've given myself up to the fake Olivia.

There's no place for me in this world. Let me be the sacrifice. With my absence, there will be no regrets, no disappointments.

On the journey to the hospital, my mind was strangely serene.

"This procedure is extremely uncommon. Are you certain you want to proceed?" The doctor's voice carried a note of incredulity as he examined me.

He paused before continuing, his tone softening with concern. "Perhaps you should return home and reconsider. Discuss it with your family..."

"Just schedule the appointment," I cut in, my voice resolute. "The earlier, the better."

He opened his mouth as if to object again.

"Doctor," I said softly, "I have no family."

That silenced him. He stared at me for a long moment before lowering his head to sign the consent form.

I hadn't lied. I truly had no family.

The household registration document even confirmed it.

My parents had split up years ago. My mother had taken my sister and left, while my father remarried and started a new family. I hadn't communicated with any of them in years.

For the longest time, I clung to Nathan—not just as my lover, but as my only family.

But now, he didn't want me, and I no longer wanted him.

As I exited the hospital, I took out my phone and dialed the number I had saved a week prior.

"Professor Anderson? This is Olivia."

My voice remained steady as I spoke.

"I've made my decision. I'll participate in the secret research."