Chapter 427

Olivia instinctively tried to pull away, but Atticus had no intention of letting go. Instead, he tightened his grip, sensing her intent.

She looked up, pain and disbelief in her eyes. "Atticus, what are you doing? Let go of me!"

Isabella was nearby, and the last thing Olivia wanted was for her to see them like this. It would be utterly humiliating.

Besides, Atticus didn't even like her. Why was he toying with her?

"No, I won't," Atticus said firmly. He pulled her closer, wrapping his other arm around her to keep her in place.

"Olivia, I'm sorry," he said, his deep voice resonating above her. "I was too arrogant and hurt you. I almost lost you."

Despite the people passing by, Olivia was stunned by his words. Atticus was apologizing to her? How could that be possible? He was the eldest son of the Wilson family, always so composed and flawless. He had rejected her countless times, and she was ready to give up. Yet here he was, softening at the worst possible moment.

Sensing Olivia's discomfort, Atticus knew she understood his words. This wasn't the place for a conversation, so he led her to a quieter side street. Once there, he spoke earnestly.

"I know you might not believe me right now, but I promise every word I'm about to say is sincere."

"Just now, I asked Isabella if it's love when I can't stop thinking about someone and can't stand seeing her with other men."

Olivia's heart skipped a beat. She looked up in disbelief as Atticus continued, "Isabella told me that by asking that question, I already knew the answer."

Hearing that Atticus had confided in Isabella, Olivia felt a wave of relief. She had been avoiding Isabella, fearing she would think Olivia had been after Atticus all along. But now, after years of unrequited feelings, she finally had a response. She couldn't contain her excitement.

"Atticus, are you serious?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Atticus nodded earnestly and pulled her into his arms, sighing deeply. "Olivia, I never lie. You should know that. Or do you think I'm not trustworthy anymore?"

Olivia huffed, thinking of all the times she'd been hurt. "What do you think? If you had waited any longer to tell me this, I would have walked away and never looked back."

She had almost moved on, even considering an arranged marriage her family had proposed. But now, she had the man she loved. She couldn't let Atticus know about that.

Hearing Olivia's anger, Atticus panicked and held her tighter, afraid she might disappear if he let go. "Olivia, it's all my fault. I made you suffer. I've never been in a relationship and didn't know how to respond to you. Can you teach me?"

"You," Olivia said, both angry and embarrassed. Was he really that clueless, or was he just pretending? How could he, being over ten years older than her, be so shameless?

Seeing Olivia's flushed face, Atticus decided not to tease her anymore. He held her shoulders and spoke seriously. "Olivia, I have something important to tell you."

The deep emotion in his eyes made Olivia's heart race. She bit her lip, not daring to look at him. "What is it?"

Could it be what she was imagining? If it was, the happiness would be overwhelming.

Atticus gazed deeply at Olivia, finally understanding what Isabella meant by making a choice. He was almost forty, having spent years carrying the weight of the Wilson family and his own career. He never imagined someone would love him so unconditionally for so long.

He should have realized it sooner. His single life was because his heart had already been claimed by Olivia. He had fallen for her the moment she bravely and passionately pursued him. No one else could ever move him the way she did.

"Olivia, I-"

"Wait!" Olivia interrupted, her face flushed as she covered his mouth, shaking her head. "Don't say it. I don't want to hear it right now."

It wasn't that she didn't want to hear it; she was afraid she couldn't control her emotions. Hearing what he had already said was enough for her. If he continued, she might die of embarrassment.

"I can't wait any longer!" Atticus took a deep breath and grabbed her hand. "Olivia, I love you!"

Olivia froze, her eyes wide with disbelief. Was she dreaming? Did she hear him right? Atticus had just confessed his love to her?

The man she had waited for all these years had finally said the words she longed to hear. Overwhelmed with emotion, Olivia felt tears welling up. "Atticus, can you say it again?"

Atticus gently wiped her tears and looked deeply into her eyes. "Olivia, I love you. For you, I'm willing to be brave."

"All these years, you've stayed by my side. It was my stubbornness and misconceptions that caused you so much pain and made me overlook your feelings. Now I understand, and I don't want to lose you. Olivia, forgive me this once. I've realized I love you, and I can't let you go."

"You belong with me, Olivia. I only want you."

After all these years, Olivia finally heard the words she had been waiting for. Despite their age difference, she understood his struggles. She loved him too much to let go, even if he saw her feelings as mere curiosity or impulse. She would prove her love with time.

"Atticus, have you really thought this through? Do you understand what it means to be with me? Are you ready for this?"