Page 96 of My Spanish Love Affair

“Oh, Livvy. I can’t imagine how hard that must be for you,” my mum says finally. "I didn’t realise it was weighing on you like this."

“Yeah,” I say, leaning back into the couch, my fingers brushing the edge of the cushion. “It’s been overwhelming. And it’s not just the press - it’s the way people look at me now. Like I’m athingthey can talk about, not... not a person.”

“I get it. It’s got to be a lot of pressure,” she agrees. “But I know you, Liv. You’re stronger than that. You’ve always been able to handle whatever life throws at you.”

I smile at the sound of her voice, even though it doesn’t fully reach my heart.

“Thanks, Mum. I wish I felt as strong as you think I am.”

“Well, you are. I believe in you,” she says firmly. "And don’t let the media define you. You're more than just the headline they want to create. You know that, right?"

I nod, though I know she can’t see me. "I know, I know. But it’s hard to remember that when it feels like the whole world is watching, waiting to see me fall flat on my face. And I’m just… itsounds awful, but I’m not sure I want to keep living under this microscope."

There’s a pause before she speaks again, quieter this time.

“Are you sure that this is what you really want, Liv?” she asks. “This… relationship with Santi, I mean, I know he’s handsome, and that you like him a lot, but if it’s causing you so much stress, maybe it’s time to step back.”

I let the words sink in, a mixture of anxiety and clarity washing over me.

“I don’t know,” I admit. “I love being with him. I love how he makes me feel... like I matter. But everything that comes with it - the attention, the pressure, the spotlight - it’s hard to handle sometimes. And now there’s talk about us putting stories out in the media, and about changing the narrative that people have about me - full on manipulation tactics, really - and I just… yeah. I don’t know. This isn’t my world and it’s all just a bit much, I suppose.”

“Then take a step back,” she advises. “Take some time for yourself, away from all the noise. See if it’s still what you want once you actually have some space to breathe. I’m not criticising him, I hope you know that; but you just can’t give your best to anyone, if you don’t take care of yourself first. Not even Santi.”

“I guess you're right,” I murmur, nodding slowly. “Maybe I’ve been so focused onusthat I forgot aboutmefor a while.”

“Exactly,” she says, her voice soft but firm. “You need to make sure you’re happy in your own skin, without anyone else’s opinions getting in the way. And if Santi truly cares about you, he’ll understand that. You deserve to be your own person, not just an extension of his life.”

I pause, letting her words settle in. “I suppose that was the whole idea with the change of narrative, but I… yeah, I do know exactly what you mean. Thanks, Mum. I’ll think about it. I promise.”

“I know you will. Just don’t let anyone - especially not the press - tell you who you are. You’re Olivia Bennett, and that’s enough.”

It feels poignant, and I swallow a thick lump in my throat before I speak again.

"I… needed to hear that."

“I’m always here for you, Liv. You know that.”

“I know. Love you, Mum.”

“Love you too, sweetheart. Talk soon. And don’t avoid me again, okay?!”

I laugh softly as I end the call, but once the phone has been cut off, I sit there in the quiet, the weight of everything slowly sinking in.

My mum’s words echo in my mind. She’s absolutely right: I’ve been so consumed with everything happening around me - Santi, the press, the way people see me and behave towards me - that I’ve forgotten what it feels like to just beOlivia.

I need to find my footing again. I need to reclaim who I am, outside of everything else.

It’s later that evening when my phone buzzes, showing a message from Javier.

Olivia, we’re ready to move forward with your first interview. Are you available to discuss the details?

Taking a deep breath, I reply immediately.

Yes. Let’s do it.

The knot in my stomach tightens, but this time, it feels different.

This time, I’m doing it on my terms.

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