Olivia's pov:
Nikita sounded quite weird when she insisted that I should not accept the tablets from Sam. But it was not necessary! Even if Jack did not get any medicine for me himself, I would have still not accepted them from Sam. I did not care how unwell I was but accepting help from a guy like Sam felt very wrong to me and I could not force myself to do otherwise.
With a fainted voice, I tried my best and told Sam that I did not need his help. Refusing his help caused a sad look to form all over his face but I could not help it. He hurt me a lot at the beach back in Australia! He left me hanging! He did not bother to even answer one single question of mine.
With that, I, with my own two feet, walked away from the three of them. Of course, after taking the water bottle from Jack's hand. I was very suffocated being amongst people when I would get sick, so I preferred to stay alone in some corner of the lobby.
I grabbed the water bottle and placed a tablet in my mouth and gulped a whole lot of water to get the medicine into my system. I really hoped that this would make me feel a bit better. I wanted the photographs to come out amazing and not dull!
At that moment, the door opened and there everyone was thrilled to see that the photographer had already arrived! He was wearing a simple cream coloured crewneck with some black jeans. I became so nervous when I saw him pass by me. My health condition was still the same as before!
The medicine did not get enough time to work its effect on me and the shoot was almost going to take place.
"Everyone stands in line and let's complete the shoot as soon as possible! I have to be at other places too!" the photographer explained.
That was the moment I realized that there was no point on stressing on the matter since there was no time at all and the medicine would not get enough time to work its magic.
I had to do this and get over with it. There was no point anymore in trying to buy some time.
As everyone started to line up next to the area with a white splash back wall, the photographer grabbed his camera and stood in front of them.
One by one everyone started to pose and take their pictures! I stood behind the photographer and saw how amazing the pictures looked! I was hoping that mine would also look the same, but I did not know anymore.
"Next!" he yelled, and I realized that I was up next! I was so nervous beyond anything when I walked up the stage.
As I stood still trying to control my cough and sneeze in front of the camera, I saw Jack in front in a corner, smiling at me. I did not know why but his smile made me smile as well. I actually felt relaxed.
"Smile!" the photographer yelled, and he took my picture. I walked down the stage and approached the photographer to see how my picture looked. I knew it was going to look awful.
Once the photographer handed the picture to me, I was shocked to see that I did not look bad at all! I squinted to take a good look at it to ensure I was not hallucinating! And yes, I was not!
"You look good here!" Jack said from behind.
I started to blush a bit at his complement and thanked him for it.
"Thank you, guys,! I'll take your leave now!" the photographer said before leaving.
I too was so exhausted and since I was sick, I went straight into my room without wasting a single second. I had no energy to deal with anyone!
As soon as I got into my room, I changed my clothes and went right into bed, waiting for the medicine to take its effect.
I woke up early as I had slept at a very unusual time in the evening yesterday. I looked over the pitch-black sky of LA. This time I was very excited that when I touched my forehead, I felt my temperature was normal. My nose was no longer too stuffy, and my throat was miles better. I had been healed! That was a total relief!
As I was excited to wake up and start the day, I realized that it was 4am.
I face palmed myself and wondered what I would do to pass the time. I couldn't go back to sleep as I had already freshened up.
I prepared myself a cup of black coffee at the little beverage station in my room and sat down on a chair.
I scrolled to my phone, only to come across the same photo of the bloody ring. I vividly remembered the inspector's words, "LA Jewellers"
I knew I had to get to the bottom of this mystery, so I pulled up my laptop and placed it on my lap and began to research the name.
I learnt that it was a jewellery store just near my hotel. I got very anxious. I wanted to go right away and inquire about this ring.
But again, luck was not on my side as the store opened at eight am. I had four hours to spend before I was able to venture out to that store.
I found it quite strange that from being a happy little girl on YouTube, I came to become an investigator. Life really messes you up at the strangest times.
As I was trying to kill time, Jack's name struck my mind, and I was able to recollect his strange behavior at the airport.
What was he doing in that tight space? And it definitely looked like he was interacting with someone. But who?
The fact that he tried to hide that, makes me wonder if he had anything to do with Sam and Jessica's behavior....
I placed my hands on my head and tried to ease the tension by massaging it.
Why couldn't people be straightforward? I was super tired of this sick game of secrets.
It seemed as though everywhere I would go, lies, deceit and manipulation followed.
I just wanted to live a normal peaceful life! Was that too much to ask for?
The universe was really selfish.
A few hours later, my eyes awoke to a morning sky and I was finally able to see the buildings and roads.
I realized that I fell asleep on my arm on the chair.
I got up and stretched myself before laying my eyes on the clock that showed it was 8:30 am.
Seconds later, I grabbed my bag and stormed out of the room to reach the jewellery store.
With the help of a few pedestrians, I was able to find my way to the store.
It was a huge white building that had the name "LA Jewellers" written in shiny gold and the place looked like a place where rick people would shop.
I was nervous that I would stick out like a sore thumb, but I could not let that interfere with my investigation.
I walked into the store and almost immediately, bright lights flashed my eyes that made it seemed like I was going to be blind.
I was greeted by an employee who gave me a huge smile. I did the same and quickly pulled out the photo of the ring that I had taken from their website as the bloody photo of the ring would be traumatizing to show them.
He told me that he would have to call his superior here, so I waited at the waiting lounge.
A huge enthusiastic man dressed in a crisp suit came out and we shook hands.
I asked him about the particular ring, and I was shocked at his response.