From a Wrong Turn to Mr. Right novel Chapter 163

Olivia Bennett’s confidence was slipping by the minute, but her pride wouldn’t let her admit it. She huffed, chin up, “No, that’s just your wild guess.”

Ethan Carter raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “So what’s the truth, then?”

Olivia shoved him away, trying to keep her cool. “There is no truth.”

Ethan just grinned silently, falling into step beside her.

Her cheeks burned, and she marched forward, determined to keep some dignity. She hadn’t even made it thirty feet before her foot slipped on a patch of wet grass. Her balance wobbled dangerously.

Ethan had been watching her the whole time. The moment she slipped, his heart skipped a beat. He reached out just in time, steadying her before scooping her up into his arms.

The sudden lift made Olivia squeak in surprise. Instinctively, her arms looped around his neck, hanging on for dear life.

Resting safely in his arms, Olivia stared up at him, shocked. When she finally found her voice, she mumbled, “I can walk, you know.”

“Don’t move,” Ethan said, the decision already made, carrying her toward the house as if she weighed nothing.

If he was happy to carry her, fine. Olivia puffed out her cheeks in silent protest but didn’t argue.

“I wasn’t even scolding you. Why are you in such a hurry?” Ethan teased, chuckling.

Olivia’s cheeks flushed even redder. She turned away. “Because I felt like it.”

Ethan’s eyes sparkled with laughter. “Don’t work yourself up over nothing.”

Olivia shot him a look, then gave a dramatic little huff.

“Are you really mad?” Ethan asked, glancing down at her.

She avoided his gaze, refusing to answer.

Ethan just sighed quietly and tightened his hold, pulling her a little closer.

Before Olivia could process what was happening, he leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to her lips.

“Don’t be mad,” he murmured.

Olivia froze, entirely stunned.

She stared at Ethan, wide-eyed. “You…”

Ethan just shrugged, completely unbothered. “You looked just like that a second ago.”

In other words, he was mimicking her.

Olivia smoothed her clothes, trying to regain her composure. “I’m fine, Susan, really.”

Susan took one look at her and seemed to figure things out. Relief and amusement mingled in her smile. “As long as you’re alright, sweetie. Dinner’s ready and still hot—should I bring it out now?”

Olivia shook her head quickly. “He’ll eat. I’m heading upstairs.”

With that, she darted up the stairs, footsteps echoing.

Ethan watched her go, a soft, almost dreamy smile tugging at his lips, his eyes shining in the warm lamplight.

Susan glanced between them, grinning. “She’s adorable, you know.”

Ethan’s smile widened. “She’s still young.”

He liked seeing her lively and playful—so different from the troubled, quiet girl he’d first met.

Susan nodded, her expression warm and motherly. “Well, Mr. Carter, come and eat before it gets cold.”

Ethan followed her into the dining room.

Upstairs, Olivia went straight to her bedroom, flopping onto the bed. She grabbed her phone and finally replied to the text Nannie Bruce had sent her ten minutes ago.