As Olivia stirred from sleep, she was greeted by the unwelcome sensations of chills and a fever creeping over her. There was a bitterness in her heart as she struggled to lift herself into a sitting position in her weakened state. She refused to accept her fate in this dismal place, this hell hole.
Fueled by thoughts of revenge, Olivia summoned the strength to rise from her mattress, despite the oozing wounds on her chest. With determination driving her, she used the bucket of murky water at the bed's end to cleanse the festering scar. She refused to succumb, refused to let McKenzie and Alejandro evade justice for the suffering they inflicted upon her. No, she wouldn't surrender, she had to fight.
The jarring click of the door unlocking made her stomach churn. It was a familiar signal that she was merely a tool for men seeking sexual pleasure. As she stood to her feet, a sudden surge of nausea threatened to overwhelm her, but Olivia refused to let these men who exploit her witness her vulnerability.
But when Richard stepped into the room, Olivia's heart leapt with relief. Her knees buckled but she was able to keep herself up. Overwhelmed by the flood of emotions, silent tears streamed down her face. Then she noticed it, the crutches and his leg in a cast.
"Richard, what happened to your leg?" she asked, her voice croaked with worry.
"I got injured at work earlier," he explained, as he made his way further into the room, closing the door behind him. "I'll explain everything later. But for now, I need you to change into this." He handed her the bag, his gaze unwavering. "And there's something else I need to tell you."
Olivia nodded slowly, her heart racing with anticipation and fear as she took the bag from him. With trembling hands, she turned away from Richard, not wanting him to see the infected scar, removed the clothing and discarded the filthy garments she had been wearing, replacing them with the clean ones he brought. Then she turned to face Richard.
"Matteo wants to see you," Richard finally revealed with a sigh.
Confusion and fear flickered across Olivia's face. "Why? I thought you were here to take me home?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
"This was the only way I could get you out. He wants to see you," Richard said, his touch gentle as he cupped the side of her face, his eyes searching hers."But before we go, is there anything you need to tell me about you and Matteo?"
Olivia pondered whether to share her history with Matteo to Richard. That chapter of her life felt distant now, and she was determined not to dwell on it. Her primary concern lay in understanding why Matteo suddenly wanted to see her after all these years.
Before she could respond, a man, dressed in black, sporting a wireless earpiece entered the room and interrupted their conversation, "Boss, we need to leave."
Richard nodded, and the man departed, leaving them alone once more. He turned to Olivia, his expression serious. "Whatever you do, don't let Matteo know about us. He might try to hurt you to get to me."
She'd agree to anything as long as Richard got her out of there. She clutched his arm. "Can we please leave?"
"Let's go."
Focused on maintaining her balance, Olivia walked slowly next to Richard as he hopped beside her. She allowed him to guide her, her senses dulled by the dizziness threatening to overtake her. It wasn't until they stepped outside and she breathed in the fresh air that she realized she was finally free.
Richard opened the door to the waiting black car, and she hopped in hoping he would join her in the back seat. However, he closed the door behind her and made his way to the passenger seat.
The cool blast of air conditioning sent a shiver down Olivia's spine, a stark contrast to the stifling heat of the room she had been trapped in for so long. Her mind drifted in and out of focus, the world around her a blur of fleeting impressions through the tinted glass.
"Olivia, are you okay?" Richard's voice cut through the haze of her thoughts, reaching into her subconscious.
Their eyes met in the rearview mirror. She forced a smile and nodded, but words eluded her. She leaned her head back and shut her eyes.
She must have drifted off to sleep because the next thing she felt was someone gently shaking her awake.
"Olivia, we're here." Richard's voice sounded different, hard…cold. The care and concern he had shown earlier had disappeared.
Too exhausted to question Richard's sudden change in demeanor, Olivia simply wanted to proceed inside, address Matteo's summons, and then tend to her urgent medical needs.
As she gingerly stepped out of the car, she anticipated Richard's supportive presence, but he hobbled ahead without so much as a backward glance leaving the driver to trail behind her.
With each sluggish step, she made her way towards Matteo's office, her body aching for relief, rest and a warm bath.
By the time she reached Matteo's office, Richard was there chatting with Matteo. The conversation between the men halted abruptly as she stepped in. Olivia was breathless, and her head was throbbing with exhaustion. Without a word, Richard exited the office leaving her alone with Matteo.
Olivia took a deep breath, attempting to steady herself and focus on Matteo, but her head felt as though it was on the brink of explosion.
"Olivia, are you ok?" Matteo asked, touching her elbow slightly.
"I'm fine," she said softly, her voice strained. "Why did you want to see me?"
A concerned look crossed Matteo's face as he observed Olivia's condition. "You're not fine. I didn't know you were in one of my brothels. Had I known I would've gotten you out." he stated softly, "Come, let's have a seat."
He guided her gently to the sofa and handed her a glass of water.
Olivia accepted the water with gratitude, her determination to get through this meeting overriding her physical discomfort.
"Thank you," she murmured, sipping the water slowly.
Matteo's tenderness towards her was noticeable as he watched her closely.
"Olivia, I asked to see you because..." He paused, choosing his words carefully, "...there are matters we need to discuss. But, I can see we'll have to discuss things another day."
Olivia noticed Matteo's gaze lingering on her chest. Slowly, she glanced down to see what he was looking at. The pus from her wounds had soaked through her clothing.
Without a word, Matteo began to unbutton her blouse. His actions met with Olivia's silent compliance due to her weakened state. She closed her eyes, her head spinning.
A sharp gasp escaped Matteo's lips as he exposed the extent of Olivia's injury.
"Did this happen in the brothel?" His voice dripped with venom.
Olivia shook her head weakly. "Ale...Alejandro..." Her voice faltered as she slipped into unconsciousness.