Chapter 86: Nathan's Last Stand

The late-afternoon sun stretched the shadows across Olivia's studio, illuminating her canvases with a warm, golden light. She stood before her latest work, her brush poised mid-stroke, when a soft knock at the door broke her concentration. Her heart quickened as she recognized the familiar pattern: three gentle taps, then a pause, followed by two more. Nathan. Olivia took a deep breath, bracing herself before she answered, "Come in." The door was red and open, and Nathan stepped inside. This time, instead of being confident, there was something vulnerable about him that caught Olivia off guard. He seemed tired, and his hair was a little tousled, probably from running his hands through it a few too many times. "Liv," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion. "I know I'm probably the last person in the world you want to see right now, but... I needed to talk to you. One last time." Olivia put her brush down, turning around to look him full in the face. "Nathan, I—" "Please," he