Chapter 3

Nathaniel could still sense the uneasiness that had been obvious in Olivia's appearance ever since they had entered into their contract marriage. He understood that this arrangement, although  beneficial, had its complexities and emotional challenges. As they strolled down a quiet, windy path, he decided it was the perfect time to do something special for her, something that would not only make  her feel his concerns but also show his genuine care and support.

Olivia had always been passionate about her artistic talents, and Nathaniel had always been taking note of the various sketches and paintings she had hidden away in her private space. He knew that this was where her heart truly lay, and he wanted to encourage her pursuit of this passion.

Stopping under a streetlight, Nathaniel turned to Olivia and said softly, "Liv, I've noticed how important your art is to you, and I want to do something for you." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, elegant box. With a warm smile, he handed it to her.

Olivia's eyes widened in surprise as she opened the box to reveal a set of high-quality art supplies: a set of professional-grade brushes, a variety of paints, and a leather-bound sketchbook. Her breath caught as she carefully touched the items, her heart overwhelmed with gratitude.

"Nathaniel, this is... it's incredible," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "How did you know?"

He laughed softly. "I've been paying attention, Liv. I want you to pursue your art with all your heart, just as I pursue my own endeavors. I believe in you, and I want to support you in any way I can."

Tears welled up in Olivia's eyes as she threw her arms around Nathaniel, hugging him tightly. "Thank you," she said, her voice shaking but steady. "This means more to me than you can imagine."

As they continued their walk down the  road, Olivia's uneasiness began to fade. She realized that despite the conditions that surrounded the nature of their marriage, Nathaniel was a man who truly cared for her happiness and well-being. And Nathaniel, in that moment, was filled with a sense of contentment knowing that he had brought a smile to Olivia's face.

As the days turned into weeks, Nathaniel and Olivia's relationship began to turn in unexpected ways. What had started as an ordinary contract marriage was now growing into something deeper, something neither of them had expected to turn this way.

Nathaniel found himself increasingly drawn to Olivia's passion for art. He had always been a man of business, but her creativity and dedication to her craft, attracted and opened up a new world to him. He would often sit quietly in the corner of their shared living space, watching her as she painted or sketched, her face brightened by the warm lights from the studio lights. He admired her talent and the way she poured her heart into every move of the brush.

One evening, Nathaniel surprised Olivia again, this time with an invitation. "Liv," he said with a playful look in his eye, "how about we take a break from our busy schedules and spend a weekend at the countryside cottage? It would be the perfect setting for you to find inspiration for your art, and It could be a change of environment for me too."

Olivia's eyes sparkled with excitement at the suggestion. "That sounds wonderful, Nathaniel. I'd love to."

And so, they set off on a weekend, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of their city lives. The cottage was  in a  valley, surrounded by beautiful flowers and calm waters. It seems to them as though the place was seized the hours because time seemed to slow down, allowing them to truly connect.

During their stay, Nathaniel surprised Olivia once more. He had secretly arranged for an art instructor to come to the cottage, offering Olivia private lessons. The instructor, a professional painter himself, shared techniques, tips, and encouragement that helped Olivia know more about her skills. Under his guidance, Olivia's art blossomed, and she created some of her most beautiful pieces.

As the weekend came to an end, they found themselves sitting by the fireplace, wrapped in thick blankets, sipping hot tea. The crackling of the fire provided a warm background for their conversation.

"Nathaniel," Olivia began, her eyes fixed in the dancing flames, "I never expected any of this when we entered into our contract marriage. But you've shown me a level of care and support that goes beyond any commitment we made on paper."

Nathaniel reached for Olivia's hand, intertwining their fingers. "Liv, I can't deny that our marriage began as a business arrangement, but it has begin to turn into something more meaningful for me as well. Your passion, your talent, and your kindness have touched my heart in ways I didn't think possible."

They sat in silence for a while, both lost in thought, the flames reflecting in their eyes. It was just like a moment of honesty, that deepened the bond between them.

Nathaniel leaned back, taking a sip of wine, and looking at Olivia . "You know, Liv, I can't help but think about how unexpected all of this has been. Our journey from our singleness to a contract marriage and then to where we are now."

Olivia nodded, her eyes reflecting the dancing flames. "It's been quite a rollercoaster, hasn't it? But I wouldn't change a thing. It's made us who we are today."

Nathaniel's expression turned thoughtful. "You know, I used to be so focused on work and wealth that I thought those were the only things that mattered. But then I met you, and you showed me that there's so much more to life."

Olivia smiled warmly. "And you showed me that there's more to love than I ever imagined. I used to be extra careful, always afraid to let anyone in. But you, Nathaniel, you broke down those walls."

They clinked their wine glasses together in a silent toast, celebrating the transformative power of their contract marriage.

Nathaniel's eyes blinked as he changed the topic. "Remember our first date? I took you to that little  restaurant downtown, and we both pretended it was just a casual outing."

Olivia smiled, recalling the nervous excitement of that evening. "Yes, and I spilled spaghetti sauce on my dress! I was shy and afraid."

Nathaniel laughed heartily. "I thought it was adorable. And it gave me an excuse to buy you that."

Their conversation continued effortlessly, touching on everything from their favorite books to their most embarrassing childhood memories. They shared stories of their families and the lessons they had learned from them.

As the evening grew older, Nathaniel's tone grew more serious. "Liv, I've never really talked about my family with anyone, but you've met them, and you know how complicated they can be."

Olivia nodded in understanding, knowing that his family had been a source of both support and tension in their relationship. "I know, Nathaniel. But I also know that you've always tried to do what's right by them, even when it's been difficult."

Nathaniel sighed, his gaze fixed on the fire. "It's been a struggle, Liv. My family's expectations, their wealth, fame and everything you can think of, it can be suffocating at times. But you've been my...., my source of escape in all of it."

Olivia reached out and placed her hand on his, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Nathaniel, you don't have to face it all alone anymore. We're a team, remember? We'll scale through whatever challenges come our way, together."

His eyes met hers, filled with gratitude. "I don't know what I did to deserve you, Liv."

She smiled, her heart full. "You didn't have to do anything. We found each other by chance, and that's all that matters."

They continued to talk long into the night, their conversation lingering through their dreams and aspirations, fears and their insecurities, and the chance that had brought them to this moment.

Soon, Nathaniel and Olivia decided to retire to their respective rooms in the countryside cottage, there was a gentle understanding between them. Their evening by the fireside had been filled with heartfelt conversation, and while they had grown closer, they also respected each other's need for personal space.

Olivia's room was adorned with artistic works, though not to her taste. she lit a few candles to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The soft glow of the flames reflecting a clear shadow on the walls, filling the room with a sense of calmness.

As she settled onto the plush armchair by the window, she couldn't help but reflect on the unexpected turn her life had taken since entering into the contract marriage with Nathaniel. She thought about how much she had learned from him for these few days, not only about the world of business but also about the capacity of the heart to change and grow.

Meanwhile, Nathaniel found himself in his own room, a room with dark wooden furnishings and a large, comfortable bed; just as he wants it. He had always been a man of order and structure, but Olivia had introduced an element of creativity into his life that he had never experienced before. He appreciated how she had encouraged him to see the world in a different light.

As he sat at his writing desk, he picked up a pen and began to jot down his thoughts in a journal. He found himself reflecting on Olivia, the woman who had become so much more than just a contractual partner. He realized that she had become his confidant  and his most trusted companion.

Back in Olivia's room, she took out her sketchbook and began to draw. The firelight created different patterns of shadows and light on her subject, an old oak tree outside her window. She had always found found comfort in her art, a way to express her innermost thoughts and emotions, and tonight was no different. With each stroke of her pencil, she poured her feelings onto the page.

Time seemed to slip away as Nathaniel and Olivia engrossed themselves in their separate activities, yet their connection remained. The walls that had once divided them couldn't be compared to the bond they had forged.

Eventually, tiredness crept in and began to weigh on them, and they both knew it was time to rest. They had bared their souls by the fireside, but the night was not yet over. As they slipped under the covers in their respective rooms, they carried with them the warmth of the evening, the depth of their connection, and the promise of a new day together.

In their separate rooms, as sleep slowly claimed them, they both whispered a silent gratitude for the unexpected journey that had brought them into each other's lives, knowing that their story was far from over. Tomorrow was a new day, and it held the promise of new adventures, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that continued to blossom in the most remarkable and unpredictable ways.

"If I was told that this would happen to me, I wouldn't believe it, but here am I, lost in different thoughts of her. If this is true I'd wish to go further and farther but if it isn't, then it is what it is. Nathaniel murmured as he closed his eyes. "Maybe, or maybe not. What will be will be".