Chapter 16 Add Me as a Friend

"Just tell Ashley whatever you need. The company will do its best to fulfill your requests," John patted her shoulder and smiled, "Go ahead." Olivia sighed with relief and hastily left the conference room. A few steps later, she felt a sudden stabbing pain in her chest, accompanied by a sense of distress. She glanced back, wondering why she was experiencing such sudden emotional turbulence. ... Olivia had joined the cast of "Game of Thrones." Filming was scheduled to last for three months. John visited her twice on set. Olivia, the new artist he had signed, was very dedicated. Before this, David had transferred him some money with the note: "Car repair fee." It was probably Olivia who had instructed David to do so. Soon, it would be the anniversary of Sophia's death in a few days. John had already arranged his work schedule. He decided to take Sophia to a different place every year until the day he died and could join her. John had led an upright life, but he felt guilty and sinful towards Sophia alone. He knew he could never repay her in this lifetime. Since Sophia had passed away, he had no chance to treat her well or atone for his sins. Even if he knelt, it would only be before her ashes. John had been having recurring dreams lately, always dreaming of past events with Sophia, and sometimes dreams where he and Sophia were the protagonists, but the stories never happened. The dreams were too beautiful, and waking up was like a form of torture for him every time. Sometimes John thought it would be better not to wake up at all. Time passed little by little, and sometimes he couldn't distinguish between dreams and reality. In his dreams, he and Sophia had a child. Sometimes when he woke up, he instinctively continued the setup from his dreams. But when he saw the empty room and Aunt Mary's surprised look, John felt ridiculous. Sophia was dead, a reality he was more aware of than anyone else. Yet, he didn't want to accept it. ... With the wrap-up of "Game of Thrones," a trending topic exploded on social media. Olivia, the rising star of the Jones Family Entertainment, was rumored to be dating the talented actor Nicholas. Some media outlets captured photos of the two on a park date, walking their dogs together. Ten minutes later, Nicholas officially announced their relationship on Twitter, followed by Olivia. Fans who had initially thought it was just media speculation were left in disbelief. Instantly, there was an onslaught of criticism online. The Jones Family Entertainment's PR team was in a hurry, and Olivia was summoned to the CEO's office. John sat behind his desk. After Olivia entered, she cautiously observed John's expression. Although there was no clause in the contract prohibiting artists from dating, it was an unspoken rule in every company. Dating was okay, but making it public was not advisable. Especially since Olivia hadn't informed her company in advance. "Mr. John, did you want to see me?" Olivia took a deep breath and walked up to his desk. She lowered her head, avoiding his gaze, and focusing on his hands. "Do you realize how this situation could affect your career?" Nicholas was very popular, an idol to millions of fangirls. Olivia nodded, "I know." John remained silent. Olivia said, "But Mr. John, I really like Nicholas." "I don't care about the criticism outside. I've always believed that one survives in this industry based on talent." She would act well and prove herself. John chuckled. He hadn't said anything yet, and here she was, spouting off a bunch of things. He rubbed his temples and extended his hand to her, "I look forward to your rebirth." Olivia smiled. She had thought that after causing such a fuss, John would bury her career, but he didn't. At first, she thought John might exploit her relationship with Nicholas for his gain. But John didn't do that either. Olivia was once again convinced that signing with Jones Family Entertainment was the best decision she had ever made. Olivia deactivated her Twitter and focused on acting. Then everyone realized that Olivia, who wasn't very famous and had been exposed in a relationship with Nicholas shortly after debuting, actually had very good acting skills. Olivia participated in a reality show. Fans who had initially thought Olivia was just trying to leech off Nicholas discovered that she had a great personality. And then those who thought Olivia was poor and had manipulated Nicholas found out that she was actually a rich second-generation. Her family was none other than the famous Taylor family of New York. Olivia's dramas became hits one after another, and she rose from an eighteen-liner to an A-lister in less than six months. Her popularity was second to none among the nation. Olivia had made a comeback, and those who had previously sung the doom of her relationship with Nicholas were now offering their blessings. Even the Twitter account asking if Olivia and Nicholas had broken up today was renamed to asking if Olivia and Nicholas were getting married today. Nicholas didn't disappoint everyone's expectations. A year and a half later, Twitter released their marriage certificate. Twitter was temporarily paralyzed. And David, who had been expecting his sister to fail in the entertainment industry within two years, was also disappointed. Because of Olivia, Taylor Family's stock soared. ... Olivia often had a dream where the man named John kept saying sorry to her. Over the course of two years, she had the dream many times, but Olivia never saw his face. However, later, the frequency of her having this dream gradually decreased. She dreamed more about Nicholas. When she opened her eyes, she saw Nicholas, and she was very happy. Later, she never dreamed of the man named John again. For a while, Olivia felt empty inside, but Nicholas treated her so well. His love filled the void in her heart. Two months later, Olivia found out she was pregnant and took a break from work. Nicholas had previously accepted a role that was nearing its end, but he then turned down new dramas offered by his agent. Olivia was pregnant, and he wanted to be with her. He really liked this girl a lot. She was a ray of light in his mundane life. She was pure and beautiful, and just thinking about her made him very happy. Every time he held her in his arms, Nicholas felt a strong sense of satisfaction. Nicholas didn't even dare to imagine what he would do if he lost Olivia in the future. All he could do was to treat her as well as possible within his limited lifetime. Olivia had a wish to visit the Alps with her loved one. She was five months pregnant, and her belly had already grown big. Originally, Nicholas disagreed with her.But seeing her anticipation, he agreed to take her there. The plane flew for two hours, and Olivia slept for two hours. When Olivia and Nicholas got off the plane, Olivia thought she saw a familiar face, but she got distracted when Nicholas took her hand in an instant. When she looked up again, the person was gone. Olivia laughed at herself, thinking she must have been seeing things. Otherwise, how could she see her boss John here? Olivia realized that John's name also named "John," how coincidental. ... Nicholas and Olivia stayed at a nearby inn owned by a man named Ryan. He told them a legend about Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. Olivia listened with a yearning expression on her face, while Nicholas hugged his wife in his arms. He didn't look forward to the next life; he was content with treating Olivia well in this lifetime. Olivia nestled in Nicholas's arms and looked up at him, asking, "Nicholas, if we have a next life, do you still want to be with me?" "No," Nicholas pinched her nose, "I want it for all eternity." Olivia punched his chest. Eww, how cheesy. Footsteps echoed from the stairs on the second floor. Ryan turned around and waved, "Hey, John, come join us by the fire." John? Olivia suddenly turned around and locked eyes with someone. John— John was taken aback, not expecting Olivia to be there too. The man beside her also turned around, it was Nicholas. Nicholas and Olivia were the most famous couple at Jones Family Entertainment. Olivia thought, so she hadn't been seeing things when she got off the plane; John was really here. Nicholas greeted John and made room for him next to Olivia. John sat beside Olivia. Ryan continued to tell the story he told every year to the newcomers, while some listened and some zoned out. John lowered his head, his ears filled with the crackling sound of burning wood. Olivia's belly was big, and she couldn't sit for long. Soon her waist started to ache, and Nicholas helped Olivia up to return to their room. "Mr. John, we're heading up," Nicholas said. John nodded, and after they left, he spaced out for a while. ... Olivia lay in bed, and Nicholas took off her shoes. He sat beside her and massaged her feet. With her pregnancy advancing, her legs and feet were particularly prone to swelling. Nicholas felt an immense ache in his heart for Olivia, vowing never to have a second child, no matter what. Olivia traced her hand over her belly, filled with anticipation for the new life growing within her. Would it be a boy or a girl? ... "John, I want to have two children in the future, one boy and one girl," she said. "John, will you love me forever?" "John, I love you. I love you so much." "John, let's break up." "Get out of here!" "John... I'm in pain. It's too late, can you take me to the hospital?" "Where does it hurt?" "My belly." "Miss Sophia, your acting is getting more realistic by the day. How long did you rehearse for this scene?" Sophia's eyes gradually filled with despair. "From the day you betrayed me, John vowed never to forgive you in this lifetime, unless you're dead," he said harshly. In the darkness, John suddenly opened his eyes, tears streaming down his face. He hugged himself, burying his head in his arms. The wind outside howled in sorrow, unnoticed and unheard, as a heartbroken man remained within the house. ... Early in the morning, the group left the hotel in瑞安 together. John would stay for another two days, but Nicholas and Olivia had to return first. "Goodbye, Mr. John," Olivia waved at John with a smile, standing beside Nicholas who had his arm around her waist. John waved back, his thin lips curling into a faint smile: "Goodbye." Nicholas nodded at John and left with Olivia.