The agreement

Olivia's POV

The following morning. I walked into Dawson’s Office with my heart in my throat. I was greeted by the familiar polished Interor, an expanse of dark word, soft leather Chairs, and an impressive view of the city Skyline. It was a room that screamed power and authority, much like the man who occupied it.

Dawson Sat behind his massive mahogany desk, his expression undreadable as he flipped through a stack of files. He looked up when I entered, his piercing blue eyes locking into mine. "Good morning. Ms Cadell,” he said, his voice calm and steady, betraying no emotion.

"Good morning, Mr. Pierce," I replied, trying to keep my voice as neutral as possible, though my nerves were frayed. The reality of What I was about to do Weighed heavily on me.

“please, have Seat," he gestured to the chair opposite his desk, As I sat down, he pushed a thick folder across the table towards me. "This is the Contract,” he simply stated. "It Outline the Terms and Condition of our agreement."

I took a deep breath and opened the folder, my eyes scanning the pages filled with legal jargon. The words seemed to blur together, but l forced myself to focus, knowing how crucial It was to understand every detail. Dawson waited patiently, his gaze unwavering, as I flipped through the documents.

After a few moments of silence, he began to Speak "The term are straightforward," he explained. "we will remain married for a minimum of one Year, during which time You will fulfill all the public and private duties expected of a wife. This Includes attending social events, family gatherings, and Public appearances as necessary."

I nodded, my mind racing to keep up with the Information. "And in return?! I asked, my voice Steadier than I felt.

"In return," he continued "I will provide financial compensation for your participation. This Includes covering all of Your daughter's medical expenses, as well as generous Monthly allowance for the duration of our agreement."

My heart fluttered at the mention of Lily. The thought of her being taking care of, of Finally being able to give her the best possible care was almost too much to bear. But there was more, I needed to know all the conditions.

“What about Personal boundaries and living arrangements,” I asked, trying to maintain professional tone.

Dawson's lips curled into a slight Smile, a rare expression for him. "our marriage will be in name only." There will be no expectation of physical Intimacy, unless, of Course both parties agree otherwise.

I swallowed, a mix of relief and something else I Coudri't quite Identify washing over me. "And what happens at the end of the year?”

“At the end of the Year," he said, leaning back his chair, “we will reassess the situation. If the merger is secured and ,nvestors satisfied, we file for an annulment. You usted be free to walk away, with all financial obligations met in Fulll."

I considered his words carefuly. It seemed simple enough a clear-cut deal with defined terms. But there was still a Part of me that hesitated, that questioned the sanity of What I was about to do.

"Why me?" I asked suddenly, the question slipping out before I could stop its "why not choose Someone else? Someone who is mkre… suitable for this kind of arrangement?"

Dawson's expression soften ever so slightly. "Because, Olivia, you are the one person I trust to Keep this arrangement strictly business. You have no ulterior motives, no hidden agenda. You understand the Importance of decretion and professionalism... that is why I choose you.

I couldn't argue with that. He was right. I had no ulterior motives, no hidden agenda. All I wanted was to Provide for my claughter. I glanced down at the contract again, weighing the options in my mind.

“I understand,” I said finally, Looking up to meet his eyes. "very well if you're ready, we can sign the Contract now and head to count for our marriage licence.”

He pulled a pen from his desk drawer and handed to me. I hesitated for only a moment before taking it, my hands trembling slightly as I signed my name on the dotted line on both documents. Dawson followed suit his Signature bold and confident beside mine.

"It is done" he said, leaning back in his chair. "Welcome to the family, future Mrs Pierce"

I nodded, feeling a strange mix of emotions, relief, anxiety and a touch of excitement, "What happens now?"

I asked. "Now," Dawson replied "let make the engagement look as real as possible. We'll need to start planning our public appearances, our story, and how we'll present ourselves to the world."

He stood up and walked around the desk, Stopping just in front of me. "Are you ready for this, Olivia?" He asked his voice low and serious.

I looked up at him, my heart pounding in my Chest. "Yes" I said, my voice barely more than a whisper "I'm ready."

“Good," he said, a faint smile playing at the Conners of his mouth. Then let's get started.

As I left his office, the weight of what I had Just agreed to began to sink in. I was now Olivia Pierce, wife of Dawson Pierce, billionaire CEO, it was a role I never imagined I would play, a life I never thought I would live. But for lily, I would do anything, even marry a stranger.

XXX

I sat at my kitchen table that evening, staring at the contract in front of me. I’d brought it home to read over it once more, to make sure I fully understood what I had signed up for. Dawson had been true to his word, every detail was laid out clearly, every term spelled out in black and white.

But even with everything in writing, I couldn’t shake the feeling of uncertainty. This was my life we were talking about, my future, and Lily’s. And now, it was tied to a man I barely knew, a man whose motives I still didn’t fully understand.

I sighed and leaned back in my chair, closing my eyes for a moment. I had made my decision. Now, I had to live with it.

My phone buzzed on the table, and I glanced at the screen to see a text from Dawson.Dawson: "Our first public appearance is thus Friday, Our client is hosting a charity gala this friday and we're expected to be there as a couple” he said,

I stared at the message for a moment, then typed a quick reply.

Me: “Understood.”

I put the phone down and looked at the contract again. This was it, the start of my new life as Olivia Pierce. I just hoped I was ready for whatever lay ahead.