Chapter 1716

Olivia had been struggling with her thoughts ever since Joan called her last night. As she sat with Layla, she expected her friend to disapprove of the idea of leaving the country. Layla's reaction, however, was unexpected. "Leaving him behind again… isn't that cruel?" Olivia asked, her voice filled with uncertainty. "He doesn't really need you now, but you still need to live your life." Layla's words hit Olivia hard. It was a jolt to hear it put so bluntly, yet she knew it made sense. From the moment she had left him, her son had learned to live without her. Yet she still had her own journey to continue. Her grip tightened around her coffee cup. Layla noticed and, with understanding, gently placed her hand over Olivia's. "Take care of yourself first. There's a long journey ahead, and there will be time to reconnect with him later." Olivia chuckled softly, then spoke in a hoarse voice, "I just hope he won't hate me for this." "He won't. Trust me on that." Layla's words were a s