The arrangement

DAWSON'S POV

I watched Olivia as I left her office, I could see the hesitation in her eyes, the proposal I made was not a simple one; It wasn't just business deal, not in the traditional sense. Marrying her wasn't about love or even companionship. It was about securing a future, for both of us, in our own ways.

As the door click shut, I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. What had I done? my board members will call me reckless, and maybe they where right. But this was the only option I had left. The merger was slipping away from me, and with it, everything I'd worked so hard to build. A few months ago, I wouldn't have considered this kind of deception, but the stake had never been higher.

Sitting back in my chair, I stared at the contracts On my desk the words blurring together. I'd always been a man Who knew what he wanted, who took What he needed without hesitation. But Olivia Cadell was different, she was my assistant, Yes, but she was also so much more. She was strong and resilient, traits I admired more than I could say. And then there was her daughter, Lily. I hadn't meant to pry into Olivia's Personal life, but her situation had become Clear to me over time. It wasn't just the hospital bills I had learned about it was the fear in her eyes everytime her phone rang, the exhuation she Carried like a weight around her shoulders, the detemination that never seemed to Waver despite everything. She was fighting a battle far beyond the walls of this office, a battle I knew all too well, the battle to protect someone you love.

I stood up and walked over to the Window, looking out at the rain-soaked city. I could understand why she hadn't answered right away,my offer was outrageous, a business proposal masquerading as a marriage. I knew I was asking a lot of her, but I Was also offering something she couldn't refuse. Security, Safety, and a way out of her troubles. And maybe, just Maybe, I could give her Something else too. A part of me wanted to believe I Could be the man who helped her, who saved her. but I had to remind myself that this was just business.

Wasn't it?

The Idea of being married, even in name only had stirred something inside me I hadn't expected,a flicker of something I thought I'd buried long time ago. I had watched people play the game of love and lose Including Me, time and time again. I knew better than to let emotions cloud my judgement. But when I thought about Olivia, Standing in front of me, those big brown eyes filled with worry and fear.... I find myself wanting to protect her. And that thought terrified me.

I retumed to my desk and sat down flipping through the file with the details of the merger. Mr chen the Asian investor, a conservative family man, had made it clear he wanted to see stability. He Wanted to see someone who embodied traditional family values, someone who was settled. I wasn't that man. Not Yet anyway. I had alway been the lone wolf after my breakup With Veronica, I was a billionaire with everything at his fingertips, needing a fake marriage to close a deal.

I Shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I needed to focus. This was about business, not Personal Feelings. Olivia wouldn't think it over, and I was Centain she will see the logic in my proposal. it was a win-Win Situation. She will get the money she desperately needed, and I would get the merger. simple.Clean. Efficient. But then, nothing about Olivia is was simple. The thought of seeing her everyday, Pretending to be a devoted husband felt like a lie, and yet, Strangely it didn't.

I found myself picking up my phone and darling a number. The other end rang twice before a familiar voice answered.

"Lucas, it's me" I said my voice steady.

"Dawson. What's going on? You sound..... different" Lucas, my Lawyer and bestfriend, knew me better than anyone. He could always sense when something was off.

“I need you draw up a marriage contract." I Said bluntly.

There was a pause on the other end "A marriage contract? for you? Who's the lucky Lady?"

"Olivia Cadell," I replied, Waiting for the Inevitable barrage of questions.

"Your assistant? Are you serious? Lucas tone was Incredillous. "What the hell is going on Dawson

"Its for the deal," I explained. "The Investor wants to see Stability, a wife, a family all that nonsense. Olivia fits the bill. It's a business arrangement, nothing more

Lucas was silent for a moment "And Olivia is okay with this?"

"She's Coasidering it!" I said "I gave her the Weekend to decide.”

“Dawson, You know how risky this is, right? You're playing with fire. This isn't just some merger we are talking about, it's a marriage. Even if it is fake, it could get complicated."

I Sighed, knowing he was right. "I know, Lucas, But I don't have a choice. We need this merger and I need, Olivia to agree. Just get the paperwork ready. We'll handle the rest when the time comes."

“Alright," he said, his tone Cautions, "But be careful, this could blow up in your face."

"I know," I replied, hanging up. I stared at the Phone for a moment, then put it down. I wasn't Worried about the fallout. I could handle that, What Worried me was something far more dangerous. What this arrangement might do to me.

Over the Weekend, I couldn't stop thinking about Olivia. I tried to distract myself with work, with meetings, and with anything else that could keep my mind occupied. But no matter what I did, my thoughts kept drifting back to her. What was she thinking? Would she acecpt? And if She did, what would it mean for both of us?

Sunday evening came, and I was sitting in my Study, a glass of scotch in my hand, staring at the fire place. The phone rang, breaking the Silence and I knew it was her. I picked up, my heart beating faster than it should have.

"Olivia," I said keeping my voice steady. "Have You made up your mind?"

"Yes" she replied, her voice soft but clear. I'll do it. l'll marry You.”

For a moment, I didn't know what to say. I Felt a strange mix of relief and something else. Something I couldn't quite put my finger on. "Good" I finally said. I would have the paperwork drawn up. We will discuss the details in my office tomorrow morning?

"Okay" she said, and I could hear the uncertaminy in her voice she was scared, and I didn't blame her. I was scared too, though I'd never admit it. Not to her, not to anyone.

"Goodnight Olivia" I said and then ended the Call. I Put the phone down and took a deep breath, staring into the Flames. This was happening. I was going to marry Olivia Cadell, a woman I barely knew, for the sake of a business deal.

But as I sat there, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was more than a business arrangement. There was something about Olivia, Something that drew me to her, something that made me want to protect har. And I knew deep down, that this marriage, fake or not, would Change everything.