Chapter 19: Departure and Denial
(Olivia's POV)
The dining room felt suffocating. Every bite of food tasted like ash in my mouth as I sat across from my father and Natalie. Grace kept trying to catch my eye, her innocent face hopeful, but I deliberately avoided her gaze.
No one spoke. The only sounds were the clinking of silverware against plates and the occasional sigh from my father.
I couldn't bear it anymore. Pushing my plate away, I stood abruptly.
"I'm done," I announced, not bothering to mask the coldness in my voice.
My father looked up, his expression a mixture of disappointment and resignation. "You've barely touched your food."
"I'm not hungry," I replied curtly.
Without waiting for his response, I turned and walked away. I could feel their eyes on my back as I c
