Chapter 81: Nathan's Declaration

The scent of oil paints and turpentine lingered prominently in the air as Olivia stood before her canvas, her brush poised in mid-stroke. Already, the afternoon sun streamed through the large studio windows, warming up her latest work in action. She was so engrossed in her painting that she nearly did not raise her head at the soft knock against the door. She called absently, "Come in"—just assuming it was Mark dropping by with lunch, as he often did. The footfalls behind her were heavier than Mark's, more timorous. Olivia moved around, her breath catching in her throat when she looked up into the doorway at Nathan, his eyes hard and full of something that set her pulse racing. "Nathan," she breathed out, lowering the brush. "What are you doing here?" A step closer, eyes still locked on hers, she said, "I actually needed to see you, Liv. To talk to you. There are things I need to say that I can't wait any longer." It was anticipatory dread fluttering in her stomach. She set her pa