As the morning sun began to reveal it's face Olivia opened her eyes. She had spent the night contemplating her decision and the impact it might have on her relationship with Nathaniel. The heaviness of their conversation still hung in the air, and she couldn't shake off the mix of emotions that had settled over her.However, as Olivia pushed aside the covers and prepared to start her day, she noticed a sight that filled her with concern. Nathaniel was on the floor and was still in the clothes from the previous evening, she noticed his appearance and the empty whiskey glasses on the table next to him painting a clear picture of what had happened the previous night. Olivia had pity on him. she rushed to his side. She knelt down beside him and gently placed a hand on his shoulder, trying to wake him from his slumber. "Nathaniel, wake up," she whispered softly.Nathaniel groaned, his head aching from the effects of the alcohol. He slowly opened his eyes as he also tried to protect them
As Nathaniel climbed the stairs, the thoughts of how to approach the impending conversation with Olivia filled his mind He had resolved to bridge the gap between them and find a way to make their contract marriage work for both of them. However, the specifics of how to initiate that discussion remained a difficult task to him. "How am I supposed to start?" He asked himself as he rested his body on the way with his hands in his pocket. "Olivia, I know this isn't what you bargained for. I didn't signed for that either, I didn't even see this coming but everything had to turn this way. Can you just agree to this, please? I'll pay any amount you wish for an..d".He stopped again, removing his hand from his pocket, "but that would just be a selfish plan. There would be no point in including money to the deal, I don't think it's enough to convince her besides, that would sound too selfish of me."Just as he reached the top of the staircase, his phone buzzed in his pocket, interrupting his i
Nathaniel sat down with the thoughts that he had carried the weight of his secret for far too long, and the burden had grown increasingly heavy. As he sat alone in the elegant dining room, he thought about another person he could trust within the four walls of of his home; the cook, Maria Harris flashed his mind. He had always found comfort in her warm and comforting presence, and now, he needed someone to confide in.Maria had been busy in the kitchen when Nathaniel approached her, and she greeted him with a warm smile as she wiped her hands on her apron. "Mr. Nathaniel, what brings you to the kitchen today? Are you looking for a snack or perhaps something special for dinner?"Nathaniel returned her smile but with a hint of weariness in his eyes. "Maria, I'd like to talk to you, if you have some minutes to spare."Maria immediately sensed the seriousness in his tone and appearance. She nodded and gestured toward the adjacent sitting area. "Of course, Mr. Nathaniel. Please, have a se
With all said, Nathaniel settled into his room after his conversation with Olivia. He knew that addressing the issue of their contract marriage couldn't be postponed indefinitely, but he also realized the importance of giving Olivia the time and space she needed to come to terms with it. As he closed the door behind him, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation mixed with a touch of anxiety about the upcoming meeting. "Should I be expecting a yes or a no from her?" He asked himself as he lowered his shoulders. "Maybe, I don't know". He proceeded to making himself comfortable at his desk, his laptop sat illuminated, and his email notifications continued to blink. It wasn't long before a message from his secretary caught his attention. The subject line read, "Important Meeting Tomorrow." With a sigh, Nathaniel clicked on the email to read the details. His secretary, Emily, had scheduled an early morning meeting that was marked as "urgent." The message outlined the agenda and p
Olivia arrived at Nathaniel's company's headquarters after a few preparation. her steps hesitant as she made her way to his office unsure of what was waiting for her. She had so many questions in her mind about why he had asked her to meet him here and why he hadn't called her directly coupled with the fact that her presence was tagged as urgent. As she entered his office, she couldn't contain her curiosity any longer.Nathaniel looked up from his desk when she entered, and his expression softened as he saw her, he heaved a sigh of relief. "Olivia, thank you for coming."Olivia, however, couldn't hide her confusion and concern. "Nathaniel, why did you have the cook inform me about this meeting instead of calling me directly?, What was the meaning of what you did? It's not like we can't communicate. But you j..ust"Nathaniel leaned back in his chair, his gaze meeting hers as he tried to explain himself. "I understand your concern, Olivia. But there are reasons for my actions. I thought
Nathaniel walked into the dining room with a heavy heart, his mind still occupied with the conversation he had just had with the agency and the weight of the decision he was contemplating. He had hoped to find some rest or distraction at home, but instead, he was greeted by Olivia's sudden departure from the dining table. "But she isn't done with her meals. Why does she want to leave?" He asked silently.He watched as Olivia hastily pushed her plate aside and stood up, her chair scraping against the floor, the sound echoing in the room with an uncomfortable tension. Her eyes, once warm and inviting, were now guarded, her features betraying a mix of emotions. perhaps even a touch of anger.The silence between them hung in the air like a heavy cloud, suffocating any attempt at casual conversation. Nathaniel wanted to explain, to share the weight of his decision with her, but the words caught in his throat. How could he possibly convey the complexity of the situation?Olivia's swift exit
Nathaniel entered the modern office of the agency that had arranged his contract marriage with Olivia. The receptionist smiled and greeted him warmly, recognizing him from his previous visits. She directed him to a comfortable waiting area adorned with tasteful decorations while she informed the agency's representative of his arrival.After a few minutes, a tall, impeccably dressed woman with a professional look approached him. Her nameplate read "Ms. Kate.""Mr. Blackwood," she greeted with a friendly smile, extending her hand. Nathaniel shook it firmly and took a seat across from her."Ms. Kate, thank you for seeing me today," Nathaniel began, his tone respectful but earnest. "I have some matters regarding my current contract marriage that I'd like to discuss."Ms. Kate nodded and leaned forward, her pen placed above a notepad. "Of course, Mr. Blackwood. Please feel free to share your concerns, and we will do our best to assist you."Nathaniel cleared his throat, his expression seri
Olivia entered Nathaniel's room, her eyes fixed onto his as she raised the difficult topic at hand. "Nathaniel," she began, her voice steady, "I read through the contract again, and I understand that we can terminate it with mutual consent. But I need to know why you want to terminate it now."Nathaniel met her gaze, his expression guarded. "Olivia," he replied, his tone measured, "the initial purpose of this contract was to help both of us achieve our goals. I've fulfilled my part by supporting your artistic career and settling your family's debts. But lately, I feel like you're not fully committed to helping me with my business dealings."Olivia frowned, her brows furrowing in confusion. "What do you mean? I've been maintaining appearances as your with you just as the contract stipulates. But I can't jeopardize my principles or ethical values for any business deal."Nathaniel leaned back in his chair, his gaze unwavering. "I understand your principles, Olivia, and I respect them. Bu
The atmosphere in the room grew heavy, tension clouded the air as Nathaniel's father, the family lawyer, and other attendees gathered for the signing of the inheritance deal. They were awaiting the presence of Nathaniel's wife. Nathaniel himself was there, his heart pounding with anxiety and a sense of impending doom. He had been honest with James and had tried to find solutions, but now the moment had arrived when he would have to reveal the truth to his family. Nathaniel's father, an imposing figure, looked at his watch impatiently. "Where is she?" he again, irritation evident in his voice. "We cannot wait any longer." Nathaniel lowered his head, his hands and feet trembling. He knew that there was no way out of this situation. With a deep breath, he stood up and faced his family and the lawyer. "Father," he began, his voice strained, "there's something I need to tell you all." His father's eyes focused on him, a mixture of curiosity and impatience. "You can go ahead, Nathaniel. W
As the morning sun shined through the curtains of Olivia's room, she sat at her dressing table, contemplating on the decisions she had made in the past few days. The room was filled with a quiet stillness, a contrast to the turmoil that had unfolded in her life.With a deep sigh, Olivia picked up her phone as she debated on whether to follow through with the plan she had set in motion. She had been resolute in her determination to shut herself off from any external influences or complications, and that included Nathaniel's family, who might be seeking contact for reasons she could only guess.Taking a deep breath, she unlocked her phone and began the process of shutting down various modes of communication. Her decision was a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provided her with a sense of control over her own life and from external pressures. On the other hand, it carried an underlying sense of isolation, of self-imposed seperation from the world outside.Her first action was to switc
The atmosphere in Nathaniel's parents' home was tinged with an air of luxury and tradition. The grand entrance path was adorned with his taste of delicate paintings and luxurious furniture, an evidence of the family's long-standing legacy. As Nathaniel walked through the grand stairs, he couldn't help but feel a sense of regret. The people here, were the people he had grown with, where he had learned the values and expectations that came with his prestigious lineage.His mother, a beautiful woman in her early sixties, stood waiting for him. Dressed in an elegant gown of burgundy and pearls, her attire making her look sophisticated a true blends that was befitting for their family's stature. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she walked towards Nathaniel. She was eager to see Olivia, who had become a significant presence in their lives, despite the unconventional circumstances of their relationship."Nathaniel, dear," she greeted him warmly, a gentle smile gracing her face. "It's b
Nathaniel sat in his spacious office, staring at the busy city streets through the window. It had been a few days since he had last spoken with Olivia, and the weight of his inheritance had continued to bear down on him. He had known for quite some time that the deadline was fast approaching, and he couldn't ignore it any longer.His phone rang, distracting his thoughts. He glanced at the caller ID – it was James, his confidant, and friend. Nathaniel answered the call, but with a wearied voice "James, how's everything?"James, on the other end of the line, was typically jovial, but he picked up on the somber tone in Nathaniel's voice. "Nathaniel, my friend, what's eating at you? You sound as if you're carring the weight of the world on your shoulders."Nathaniel leaned back on his chair, closing his eyes for a moment. "James, it's about the inheritance deal."James knew what Nathaniel was referring to. The pending inheritance that required a wife's signature was a topic that had been
Nathaniel's life had taken an unexpected turn, and he was now on the table of making a final decision. With the deadline for signing the inheritance deal looming, he had to take action, and action meant making plans to travel alone.As he sat in his dimly lit home office, surrounded by shelves filled with business books and memories of of how he started his career, he couldn't escape the weight of his impending inheritance. The gravity of the situation lay heavily on his shoulders, and it was a responsibility he couldn't share with anyone, not even Olivia."Olivia," he sighed, thinking of the woman who had played a significant role in his life. Their contract marriage had served its purpose, but now it had reached its end. The days of companionship, of shared laughter and challenges, were over. The distance between them had grown, and he was unsure if it could ever be bridge it like it were before.Nathaniel knew that he couldn't lean on Olivia's support or understanding. Their relati
Since James had encounter with Olivia the time he visited her at the mansion, he has always been a steady presence in Olivia's life, offering support and encouragement when she needed it most. As the day of her art exhibition drew nearer, she felt grateful for his unwavering friendship and knew that she could count on him. They had shared many conversations about the event and her passion for it, making her anticipate his presence even more.With the exhibition only a day away, Olivia decided to call James to again to confirm whether he would be able to attend. She was eager to share this significant moment with a dear friend who had consistently shown interest in her artistic journey.As the phone rang on the other end, James answered with his usual warmth, "Hey Olivia, how's everything going?""James, I'm really looking forward to the exhibition tomorrow," Olivia began, her voice filled with excitement. "I called to confirm whether you'll be able to make it. Your presence would mea
The persistent ring of Olivia's phone startled her from the depths of her slumber. She searched for the phone with her hands on the nightstand. "Who could that be?" She murmured, opening her eyes to see the caller ID displaying the name "Mrs. Margaret." Made her heart skipped a beat; the prospect of talking to Nathaniel's mother was disturbing. What could his mother want to discuss with her now, after their contract had officially ended? Did Nathaniel tell her anything? Why was she suddenly remembered today?.Dropping her uncertainty, Olivia answered the call, her voice a mixture of surprise and fear. "Hello, Mrs. Margaret," she greeted, trying to sound as composed as possible."Good morning, Olivia, dear," Mrs. Margaret's voice was warm and inviting. "I hope I didn't disturb your sleep."Olivia sat up in bed, putting aside her initial anxiety. "Not at all, Mrs. Margaret. It's always a pleasure to hear from you. How can I be of help you today?"The conversation took an unexpected tur
The morning sun filtered through the curtains, gently making Nathaniel to wake up from his sleep. As he opened his eyes, he was met with the stark reality that their contract was no more. Olivia had departed without farewells or goodbyes, leaving him to face the solitude he had known before her arrival.For a moment, a wave of uncertainty washed over him. He recalled the moments they had shared, the laughter, the challenges, and the unexpected friendship that had blossomed during their year together. But he couldn't dwell on those thoughts for long.Nathaniel stretched and rose from his bed, his mind quickly shifting to the matters that awaited him. He knew he had used the contract to sign a lifetime deal and secured other advantages along the way. His life was set on a path that he had meticulously planned, and he was content with the results of it.However, the absence of Olivia in the grand mansion seemed to have created a kind of emptiness in the space that had been shared. He mov
The car moved through the city streets, and the rhythm of the road seemed to echo the wordings and sounds of their thoughts. Nathaniel's attention was fixed on the road ahead, but he could feel Olivia's emotions as well as if they were his own. The silence hung heavy in the air, coupled with unspoken words and the weight of the impending farewell.Olivia's tears began to fall, and she made no effort to hide them. The silvery trails that ran through her cheeks came down in drops as if counting the number of months they've spent together.Nathaniel's heart was pained to see her cry, and he wanted to reach out and hold her, but he remained focused on driving safely. Instead, he turned to her and offered her words of comfort. "Olivia, please don't cry. It's not a goodbye forever. You can visit whenever you want. You're always welcome in my life."His words held sincerity and warmth, and they did little to stop the flow of her tears. Olivia's voice wavered as she responded, "I know, Nathan