From a Wrong Turn to Mr. Right novel Chapter 17

Olivia Bennett froze, a strange emotion rippling through her chest.

It was as if a calm lake had suddenly been brushed by a gentle breeze, sending tiny waves outward, making her heart flutter in ways she couldn’t quite explain.

She’d imagined a thousand responses—just not the one she’d gotten.

“You’re you first, and then a mother… You can do anything you love…”

A spark lit in Olivia’s eyes. She smiled, soft but bright. “Yes. I’ll take good care of it.”

“So, do whatever you want, as long as it’s what you want.” Ethan Carter’s deep blue eyes locked on hers, unwavering and sure.

Just because you want it, that’s reason enough. Nothing else should ever hold you back.

Olivia blinked, a little moved by his words.

She curved her lips, half teasing, half sincere. “Mr. Carter, you’re a good man.”

Ethan couldn’t help but laugh.

Well, that took long enough. They’d already signed the marriage certificate, and only now did she decide he was a good guy.

His gaze grew unexpectedly intense, and Olivia’s cheeks warmed under the focus. She blinked, then added honestly, “Thank you, Mr. Carter.”

She turned away, trying to play it cool, but inside, she was overflowing with gratitude.

Thank you for supporting me, for understanding and respecting me. Thank you for saying the words that swept away all my doubts.

At least from this, she knew they saw things the same way. Maybe, just maybe, the future wouldn’t be so hard.

The bedroom settled into a peaceful hush.

A little later, a soft, sleepy voice floated through the quiet, landing gently on Ethan’s ears like a feather in the night.

“Mr. Carter?”

He raised an eyebrow, answering with a lazy, amused, “Yeah?”

“Goodnight.”

The words brushed his heart like a feather. For a moment Ethan was stunned, then a small smile curved his lips. “Goodnight.”

Maybe it was knowing her studio could stay open, maybe it was his reassurance—whatever it was, Olivia felt lighter. Her eyelids grew heavier, and soon she drifted off, her breathing deep and even.

When she’d fallen asleep, they’d been miles apart. Now she was practically glued to his side.

Would he think she was sending mixed signals?

Olivia died a little inside, and tried to quietly, stealthily, wriggle away.

She edged back, just a little.

Good, he was still asleep.

A bit more.

Still asleep.

She was almost ready to celebrate her escape when, just as she was about to free her hand, Ethan’s eyes snapped open.

They locked eyes.

Olivia’s smile froze. Awkward didn’t even begin to cover it. She cleared her throat and blurted, “Um, I’m used to hugging a pillow when I sleep at home.”