Chapter 131: Immediate Aftermath

The seconds that followed Olivia's decision felt as though the entire world had been holding its breath. The park around them, both Mark and her, settled into a green-and-gold blur, set by the sinking sun, casting long shadows that stretched forward toward an unwritten future. For a heartbeat, all was still. And then, as with a burst levee, emotion poured into Olivia. Relief, excitement, and a keen slice of guilt blended into a flow in her stomach, the swirl threatening to break the icy poise she now held. Mark's face was alive, illuminated with a radiance between exulting that bordered on screeching as he gathered Olivia into his arms and held her to him in a crushing embrace. "Liv," he whispered hoarsely, "I'll promise you won't regret this. We'll build an amazing life together, I swear it." Olivia hugged back, burrowing herself in his neck. His scent that she had known ever since grounded her. Reminded her of stability and love that had drawn her to him, but even then, as confide