You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 661

September 29.

Riverdale’s mornings and evenings had started to turn cool, a quiet reminder that summer’s heat was finally giving way to fall. Patricia loved this time of year. After the golden osmanthus trees burst into bloom, her favorite ritual was to step into the garden at dawn and fill her lungs with crisp, fragrant air.

Most days, Oliver would come back from his morning run to find Patricia standing in the yard, surrounded by a few curious kittens circling her feet. The whole scene felt peaceful and almost picture-perfect.

Marian absolutely adored Patricia. It didn’t matter what time of year it was or which flowers were in season—if Patricia mentioned liking something at the market, Marian would make sure it showed up in the living room the very next day. Ever since the osmanthus started blooming, the gentle scent of those flowers lingered in the house throughout September.

Sometimes Mr. Padilla couldn’t help feeling a little left out. Of course, he was glad his wife was so loved, but with everyone else doting on her all the time, he started wondering if there was anything left for him to do.

Patricia, for her part, seemed almost untouched by luxury. Maybe it was because she’d grown up surrounded by comfort, but she didn’t care about expensive jewelry or piles of cash. She liked simple things—things he wasn’t very good at providing. Marian could whip up osmanthus honey and flower cakes for her, but he had no clue how to do any of that. Buying them from a shop just felt awkward and impersonal.

A gentle breeze caught the hem of Patricia’s long linen dress that morning. She wore a soft, earth-toned maxi dress with a matching shawl, looking completely at ease and at home.

Patricia heard footsteps behind her and glanced over her shoulder. Oliver was heading toward her, still sweaty from his run. The morning mist clung to his shoulders, softening his usual sharp edge. He looked different—gentler, more relaxed. His gray athletic wear fit just right, showing off his easy strength. Drops of sweat traced down his jawline and splashed onto the stones at his feet.

He caught her looking and gave her a slow, crooked smile.

Before Oliver could say anything, Patricia quickly looked away, flustered.

Sometimes she wondered how a man like Oliver had ever ended up with her. He had everything—family, status, money, looks. He could have had anyone he wanted, and sometimes in the middle of the night, Patricia was half convinced that she must be dreaming, that this life wasn’t really hers.

“What are you looking at?” he teased softly, stepping closer.

“Nothing. Done with your run?”

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