Chapter 486
Olive was pregnant with twins. Derrick looked at her and said, “Olive, no matter how well I hide, you always find me. You performed admirably today. People from all walks of life were in the audience, all there to see you on stage.” Olive didn't deny that these men always knew more than she did. She was in the light; they were all in the shadows, each with their own plans to use and manipulate her. She disliked this, preferring to take the initiative, which she had regained after today's successful performance.
“Derrick, do you know how to find my mother? Do you know the way home?” Derrick shook his head. “I don’t.” Disappointment flickered in Olive’s bright eyes. “You’re my mother’s close disciple. Didn’t she tell you?” He replied, “Master said only you knew the way home. Olive, in this world, only you can find your way home.”
Olive frowned, gazing out the night window for a long moment. She was certain the way home lay within that restricted area, requiring her to master the technique of centering the glass flower and the moon. She gently closed her eyes, the paths she’d memorized that day swirling in her mind. She felt confused, yet sensed a breakthrough was imminent, though it hadn't arrived yet. Suddenly, nausea overwhelmed her, and she rushed to the bathroom, bending over the toilet and vomiting. Having eaten nothing, she only expelled acidic water. The unpleasantness felt all-consuming.
She sat on the soft woolen carpet, then slowly placed her small hand on her still-flat stomach. Despite her discomfort, her beautiful eyebrows and eyes held a mother's tenderness. Derrick approached, asking, “Olive, you didn’t kill the baby, did you? You just staged a performance for Elvis, making him believe you’d had an abortion and no longer wanted the child.” She hadn't harmed the baby; it was safe in her womb. Before rolling down the stairs, she’d taken pregnancy medication and moved the needle, leaving the baby unharmed. The hospital was filled with her people, and the doctor relayed her message to Elvis—that the baby was gone. The whole thing was an elaborate deception.
“Olive, you love Elvis deeply, don't you?” Derrick asked. Olive gently stroked her belly; the dim light warmed her. “As he said, if he knew I was pregnant, he would also try to protect me. I didn't want him to make the agonizing choice to end this child's life. This is our first child, and I want to bring it into the world safely and healthily. If it's a boy, I hope he'll be like him. If I stay by his side, Crystal and Logan will exploit this weakness. It's an unbreakable knot, so I must sever it. They will continue their attacks, and I don't know what to do. I don't have much time; I can't be with him anymore. I hope he forgets me, moves on, never looks back, and finds happiness.”
Derrick understood without her needing to elaborate. He stepped forward, knelt, and touched her head. “But your body will be affected by One Snap; you might not be able to deliver safely.” Olive looked up, her pupils shining brilliantly. “Then I will do my best. Based on my condition, I shouldn’t even be conceiving, yet the baby is thriving. I feel it—healthy and strong.” Derrick sadly stroked her long hair. “Okay, I’ll protect you. Anything you want, I’ll support. Derrick, thank you.”
Olive remained in the palace, but it had been a long time since she’d taken Crystal's blood, and her rosy complexion had paled accordingly. Derrick ordered his men to remove all the mirrors so she wouldn’t see herself. Women value beauty, and no one wants to see themselves age prematurely. Olive felt this was unnecessary; she already knew her skin had become loose and wrinkled over time. The only positive was the baby’s well-being. Derrick arranged an ultrasound for Olive.
She awoke early the next morning, excited for her first ultrasound, eager to see her baby. A knock came at the door. “Clack!” A maid entered, saying, “Miss Hart, you’re awake. Here’s your stewed bird’s nest, while it’s still hot…” A crash echoed as the bowl fell onto the carpet. The maid stared at Olive in horror. Olive rarely saw guests and knew she was intimidating. Derrick’s carefully chosen maids were always stable and reliable; this was the first time Olive had met this one.
Derrick arrived upon hearing the noise. He glanced at Olive, then turned away, ordering, “Go out!” The maid, frightened, quickly cleaned the mess and left. Derrick approached the bed. Olive covered her face with her hand, knowing the wrinkles were visible. “Derrick, I’m older now. It must be frightening.” Derrick tied up her long hair—much of it had fallen out, but she refused to cut it. “Olive, may I cut your hair today?” Olive shook her head. “No. I don't want to.” “Why?” She smiled sweetly. “He likes me best with long hair.” Derrick understood; she kept it because Elvis preferred it. “Okay, let’s go to ultrasound room B.”
In ultrasound room B (the text initially stated H, this is corrected for consistency), Olive lay down. The doctor performed the ultrasound, then exclaimed, “Miss Hart, you have twins!”