In the end, I accepted Luke's offer. I decided to stay at his place until I have recovered and I'm able to not just take care of myself but also the twins.

Luke stayed true to his words and made sure we didn't cross each other's paths since we last talked in the hospital.

I must admit... I do miss him terribly, but I also know that it's for the best. I can no longer pretend that it doesn't matter what he thinks of me. That it doesn't matter that he doesn't believe me, or that his friends think I'm not good enough for him.

It's been three days since I've been out of the hospital, and I still have difficulty getting around, but I am doing much better.

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts.

"Come in."

"Ethan is here to see you," Gail said.

I froze.

"I can tell him to come back some other time if you're not up for it?" Gail offered.

I shook my head. "No. That's okay. Do you mind watching the twins for me?"

"My pleasure," she said with a smile.

I smiled at her. "Thanks," I said and headed out of the room to talk to Ethan.

My heart was pounding. I was nervous.

I came out of the hallway and found him standing there.

"Hey. You need help?" He asked when he saw me walking with a cane.

I shook my head. "No thanks. I'm alright."

He nodded.

He looked nervous as well, which made me feel a little better.

We sat on the couch in the main room.

"What did you want to talk about?" I asked breaking the awkward silence between us.

"Have you noticed Luke lately?" He asked.

I frowned and shook my head. "No. I haven't seen him, Ethan."

"I know it's not my place, and I don't really know what's going on between you two, because Luke won't say anything..." He trailed off.

He looked at me for a second and then he sighed. "Can I be frank with you?" He asked.

I nodded.

"Liv, you know that I loved you like a sister. When you hurt my brother, you didn't just hurt him. You hurt the whole family," he said and I tried so hard not to lash out. I bit my lip and stayed quiet.

"I was angry at you because my brother was devastated with what happened. I came looking for you because I wanted to understand why you did it and when I found you pregnant I was furious because I knew that there was a possibility that it wasn't my brother's," he explained. "When he found you and the twins, that was the first time I saw my brother happy again. He was alive again. But I was scared. I was scared that he's going to get hurt again. But Luke loves you and he was happy again, so I tried so hard to be accepting," he said and I couldn't help the snort that came out of me.

He chuckled. "I said tried, not that I succeeded," he pointed out. "Anyways, Luke isn't happy and I know that it's because of you..."

"Ethan..."

"Please let me finish. I know that you broke things off with him," he said and I didn't deny it. "I also know that the dinner we all shared was part of that reason, and what happened afterwards took a toll on all of us. Most specially, Luke. I know you think I hate you, but I don't. I also didn't want you to get hurt, and you have no idea how happy I am that you're okay," he said. "I never hated you, Liv. I hope you know that. I just hate that Luke had to get hurt."

"Ethan what are you really trying to say?"

"You still love my brother. I can see it in your eyes, so don't bother denying it. That's why I don't understand why you did it... But like Luke said, it's in the past. So I guess what I'm really trying to say is that, if you two really want to be together, then I'm okay with it. I'll support you two and be happy for the both of you. I just want my brother happy and you make him happy... You and the twins."

I let out a sardonic laugh. "Ethan this is not just about you and your friends' disapproval. You think that, that's what it's all about?" I asked on a laugh. "How I wish it was just that."

"Then what is it about?"

"Does it matter?"

"Of course it does!" He responded.

"Maybe you should ask Nick," I said.

"Nick?" He asked in confusion.

"Yeah. Ask him."

"I don't understand," he said with a confused look.

"Neither do I. I'm done trying to defend myself."

"What do you mean? What are you talking about?"

"Nothing. Forget it," I said dejectedly.

"Liv..."

"If you don't mind, Ethan, I'm really tired," I said and got on my feet and left as fast as I could.

I was breathing heavily when I got inside my room.

I don't know what drove me to say all those things to Ethan. I'm sure he has a lot of questions running through his head right now, and he may even tell Lucas about our conversations and what I said, but I honestly don't care anymore.

I'm done trying to explain and defend myself... Let them figure it out by themselves.

***

A week later, Luke and I ran into each other in the kitchen.

He looked up from his papers just when I came in.

He looked just as shock as I am.

"Sorry. I didn't know you'd be awake this early. I'll..."

"It's fine Luke. You don't have to go," I said.

He looked surprised then nodded. "How are you feeling?" He asked.

"Much better, thanks. Listen, I was wondering if you'd mind if I use your computer in your office? I just wanted to look for any job openings, as well as an apartment for the twins and I to move into," I said.

He opened his mouth to say something, then closed it. His lips thinned and he folded the papers back and placed it on the table. He sipped his coffee, then placed back on the table, as he stood up.

I could tell that he was upset, maybe a little angry and frustrated, but he kept his mouth shut.

"Go ahead. You can use it, you didn't have to ask me," he said then turned to leave.

I closed my eyes tightly and took a deep breath.

Well fine then! What right does he have to be upset?

After having some breakfast and putting the twins to bed for their nap, I decided to head onto Luke's study and search for any job openings as well as an affordable apartment. I still have the money I got from the coffee shop and the diner when I quit, so that should be enough for a deposit.

I was about to take the baby monitor with me, but then I realized that Luke had one in his office.

I walked over to his desk and sat on his chair, and turned on his computer and signed in as a guest.

On his desk, there was a picture of the twins, and beside it was a picture of all four of us.

I smiled.

I searched for a pen and paper while the computer loaded.

I opened the first drawer and was shocked to see a picture of me inside the drawer.

It was one of me sleeping. Based on looking at the picture, it was a recent photo of me.

I ran my fingers though the picture as tears pricked my eyes.

I wiped the tears that escaped my eyes and placed the picture back inside the drawer.

Damn it, Olivia! I scolded myself. It doesn't mean anything, I told myself.

I continued to search for a pen and paper, ignoring the pain squeezing my heart.

Luke may think that I am pushing him away and doing all of this because of my stubbornness and my desire to punish him, but the truth is, it is the pain inside of me that drives me.

I'm not leaving to hurt him back. I'm leaving because it hurts too much to stay.

I shut the computer down ignoring the task at hand and got on my feet to leave, when something caught my eyes.

I frowned.

The papers look familiar.

I frowned and curiosity got the better of me.

I grabbed the papers and scanned through them.

My knees buckled.

I gasped in shock.

The papers slipped through my fingers as I realized what was written on it.

Oh god...