CHAPTER 14Olivia was silent for a minute. “I thought we had talked about this. We agreed to look for another solution together for the time being," she said softly.Christian nodded, before replying, “I also agree with you, remember. But the board members of my company are also on my matter now. They are requesting that I get married.Olivia scrunched her face in confusion. “Your board members get to decide when you get married? I thought this was your personal life."“They were not supposed to, but they somehow do now. They said that my singleness would reflect on the company negatively and the shareholders would not be comfortable with me becoming the new chairman. They want me to get married for the media to see." Christian said while pacing around the room.Olivia saw his agitated expression and could not help but feel back for him. ‘He looks like he’s stuck’, she thought to herself.“So, you don’t have any other young women in mind? What about those young ladies from prestigious
CHAPTER 15On the television, reporters were swarming around Christian, their microphones extended toward him. “Mr. Mason, is it true you got engaged? Who is the lucky woman? Which family is she from? "How long have you been dating each other?" Multiple questions were being thrown at him, different voices ringing at once.Olivia stared at the television screen, her mouth agape and her hand on her waist, as she stood in the middle of the living room. Her heart was beating fast in her chest, hoping that Christian didn't spew any nonsense.Christian raised his hand, signaling them to keep quiet. He flashed them his rarely seen signature smile. “I will address all your questions shortly," he said coolly.“I was planning on calling for a press conference this week to announce it, but since it has come to this, I better confess”, he said, causing the crowd in front of him to burst out laughing.“I’ve been dating my girlfriend for a few months now, and I proposed last night. I’m not sure whe
CHAPTER 16The next morning, Olivia was sitting on her bed, thinking about the unusual conversation she had had with Christian the previous night.“Would you like to go on a date with me?" Christian asked, his eyes hopeful for a positive answer.Olivia’s brows furrowed. “A date?”, she asked, feigning confusion.“I was thinking that we should go on dates a number of times before we get the contract. That way, we can get to know each other better. And your identity will be revealed after marriage. The media will ask you funny questions about me, so…” Christian explained.“Okay. Let’s go on a little date. But I recommend that we go no more than three times before marriage. I mean, it is just for show.Christian nodded and smiled at her. “Yes, three times."The two of them came to a conclusion and agreed to go on a date the next day.Olivia sighed. The reality of what she had agreed to had just started sinking in. She was about to marry a man she had absolutely no romantic feelings for, a
CHAPTER 17She read the news article and saw the photos under them. There were some more articles about them and the news seemed to have gotten the attention of many. Every headline seemed louder than the last, and each photograph felt more invasive. She didn’t want to read the comments under the news.But curiosity got the best of her.Her heart sank as she read the comments. They were harsh, nitpicking every little thing about her appearance.“That dress is hideous. Christian could have done so much better.”“She looks like she bought that outfit from a clearance rack. Not the kind of woman you’d expect next to Christian Mason.”“She’s pretty, but not Christian Mason pretty, if you know what I mean.”Suddenly she remembered something from a date in the afternoon. Christian was acting strangely with her, tucking her hair and locking their hands. So this was the reason. She got off her bed to go confront him in his office.“Take all the articles down and be quick about it”, she overhe
CHAPTER 18The sound of murmurs echoed throughout the conference room as Christian made his announcement. “In the event of this, we would like to have a very private wedding ceremony with only our friends and family around. Thank you." A round of applause sounded through the conference room as Christian concluded. Cameras continued to flash, capturing every second of his calm yet commanding presence. Olivia was watching from the television in the living room and she felt herself go limp as Christian confidently confirmed their wedding.‘But what was this two-week time frame he threw?’ she thought to herself. He did not even discuss anything with her. However, she knew something unexpected was going to happen sooner or later. This was coming. They had signed the contract. But hearing the announcement on television made it feel so real, she started to feel a chill run down her spine.News articles have started pouring in. There it was, her face splashed across every major news outlet as
CHAPTER 19They spent the next couple of hours poring over wedding ideas, discussing color schemes, and debating whether or not to include a bridal party in the wedding. It was a welcome distraction from the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in Olivia’s mind.The evening approached soon and they came to the end of the planning. Ruth and Josh also left for their various homes. Olivia found herself in her thoughts once again. She wandered out onto the balcony, the cool evening air brushing against her skin as she gazed out at the city skyline. The weight of the upcoming wedding, the contract, the media attention—it all felt like too much. “You seem to have a lot on your mind this evening”, a deep voice sounded behind her. Olivia turned around and saw Christian leaning against the door frame. His expression was unreadable as he walked over to stand beside her.Olivia sighed, wrapping her hands around herself. “I’m just not sure if I’m ready for all this. The wedding, the attention of the m
CHAPTER 20The next morning, they packed up, ready to leave for the amusement park. “Snacks, sunscreen, bag packs and our sense of adventure. We're ready!" Olivia said beaming at Eunice.“You know, some of my classmates have been to amusement parks and they said it is fun there. I can’t wait, we're gonna have so much fun”, Eunice said, her excitement difficult to hide.Christian looked at the two girls in front of him and shook his head. “Alright, let’s get in the car. We don’t want to be late and stay in the queue there all day”.Olivia and Eunice rushed into the car as soon as they heard him. Olivia turned back and helped Eunice to her baby seat in the back.First up was the merry-go-round that Christian felt like he was too old to be on. “Why don’t you two continue while I take pictures of you? Just enjoy”, Christian said, taking out his phone.“Just take a ride with us. Please, Uncle Christian”, Eunice sounded, whining her way into Christian’s heart.Following Eunice’s whining, ca
CHAPTER 21Olivia stretched her hands as she pulled the blanket off her body. The soft sunlight filters through the curtains, casting a golden hue over the room. She heard several voices in the house and then a knock on the door. She went to open the door and Ruth and Eunice rushed inside.Today was her wedding day. She had forgotten all about it. Forgot the whirlwind of events that had led to this moment. But reality came crashing back as soon as she shifted in bed and caught sight of the ivory gown hanging in the corner—a delicate reminder of the life-changing day ahead.“Morning, bride-to-be,” Ruth chirped, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “You ready?”Olivia tried to muster a smile, but her stomach churned with nerves. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” she whispered, her voice betraying the inner turmoil she had worked so hard to hide. Then she took a look at Eunice who was on the side, playing with Ruth’s mobile phone. “Why is she not ready yet?”“She just finished having breakfast.
Chapter 90The mansion felt emptier than ever, even with everyone inside. Olivia sat in the dimly lit living room, staring at the untouched cup of tea Ruth had placed before her hours ago. Christian hadn’t spoken to her since they returned from the failed rescue attempt at the warehouse. Not a single word, not even a glance in her direction. His silence was louder than any accusation could have been.From across the room, Ruth watched Olivia carefully. Her brows knit with concern. Josh entered, his laptop tucked under his arm. “Any updates?” Ruth asked softly.Josh shook his head, his expression grim. “No leads." The trail went cold after the warehouse. "I've got a few people digging into Elise’s connections, but...” He hesitated, glancing toward Christian, who stood by the window, his back to everyone.Olivia couldn’t take it anymore. She pushed herself up from the couch and crossed the room to meet him. “Christian,” she began, her voice small but steady. “We need to talk.”He didn’t
Chapter 89Olivia and Ruth were pacing around in the in the stifling atmosphere. Olivia sat on the edge of the couch, her hands twisting the scarf that had now become a cruel reminder of Eunice’s abduction. Ruth hovered nearby, her calming presence a balm Olivia desperately clung to. Meanwhile, Christian and Josh were locked in a flurry of activity, coordinating with law enforcement and private investigators. Every phone call, every lead, seemed to come up short.Olivia’s chest felt like it was being crushed under the weight of helplessness. Eunice is out there somewhere. Alone. Frightened. The thought nearly undid her. She forced herself to focus on Christian’s promise. He would move mountains to bring Eunice home. He had to.“We’ve got a lead,” Josh announced, though his tone lacked the confidence she had hoped for. “The car was spotted in an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. A team is already on the way.”Olivia bolted to her feet. “I’m coming with you.”Christian’s
Chapter 88There was a long, tense pause before Christian responded, his voice cold and clipped. “I’m on my way. Stay there and don’t let anyone leave until I get there.” Olivia ended the call, her mind racing. Who had taken Eunice, and how had they known enough to impersonate Christian? As fear churned in her chest, she forced herself to stay calm, knowing she needed to keep her head clear.Olivia quickly dialled Josh’s number, her hands trembling. He picked up almost immediately. “Olivia? What’s wrong?” Josh’s normally laid-back tone was laced with alarm. “Eunice... she’s gone,” Olivia said, barely able to keep her voice steady. “The teacher said someone who looked like me picked her up. Christian’s on his way, but I need you and Ruth to check if she somehow made it home.”“What?!” Josh barked, his disbelief evident. In the background, Olivia heard Ruth asking what was happening. “We’re on it,” Josh said firmly. “Stay calm. We’ll call you back as soon as we check the house.” Olivia
Chapter 87The sun rose over the Mason mansion, bathing its grand façade in golden light. Christian stood in the kitchen, dressed in a sharp navy suit, scanning through his emails on his phone while sipping his morning coffee. The distant sound of Eunice’s giggles echoed upstairs, followed by Olivia’s cheerful voice coaxing her to finish her breakfast.The excitement of the day was palpable. It was Parents’ Sports Day at Eunice’s school, and the young girl could barely contain her enthusiasm.“Uncle Christian! Olivia!” Eunice’s voice rang out as she bounded into the kitchen. She wore a bright yellow T-shirt with the school logo and black athletic shorts, her hair tied back in a ponytail that swayed as she moved.Christian smiled, setting down his coffee. “Ready for your big day, champ?”“More than ready!” Eunice grinned, clutching a water bottle and a small towel. “Are you coming with us?”Christian crouched to her level and brushed a stray strand of hair from her face. “I’ll drive yo
Chapter 86It was September already. Two months since Carey’s arrest and the end of their misery. The air was cool and filled with the faint scent of fall, signalling the start of a new chapter. Sunlight poured through the grand windows of the Mason mansion, casting a golden glow across the marble floors as the household stirred awake.Eunice’s excitement was infectious. She bounced down the stairs dressed in a neatly pressed uniform, her hair tied into two perfect braids adorned with small blue ribbons that matched her school colours. Her backpack was almost as big as she was, but the confident grin on her face made it seem like nothing could weigh her down.“Olivia! Uncle Christian! Are you ready yet?” Eunice called out, her voice echoing through the halls.“Someone’s excited,” Christian said, emerging from the kitchen with a cup of coffee in hand, dressed impeccably in his tailored suit. He ruffled Eunice’s hair playfully, earning a giggle.Olivia appeared moments later, balancing
Chapter 85The Mason mansion is suddenly alive with an air of celebration and gratitude, a stark contrast to the tensions that filled its halls for months until the day before. The soft glow of chandeliers reflected off the polished floors as Christian stood in the centre of the living room, his expression relaxed for the first time in what felt like forever.Olivia entered the room carrying a tray of champagne glasses and juice boxes. Her simple dress highlighted her elegance. Eunice trailed behind her, holding a plate of cookies, her face beaming with excitement.“Is everyone here yet?” Olivia asked as she set the tray down on the table.“Almost,” Christian replied, his gaze softening as it landed on her. “Josh just called. He and Ruth are on their way.”“Good,” Olivia said with a smile, glancing down at Eunice. “Go wash your hands before they get here, sweetheart.”Eunice nodded and hurried off, her footsteps echoing faintly in the distance.Minutes later, the doorbell rang, and Ch
Chapter 84Olivia perked up on the bed. “What good news? Is it about the recent happenings?" she asked eagerly.“Yes and no”, Christian said vaguely.“What do you mean by yes and no? Just choose one. Yes or no," she said, glaring at him.Christian sighed. “Josh didn’t say everything. He says he doesn’t want to jinx it, but when he confirms, he will tell me about it in the morning. We just need to wait."Olivia nodded in response, while Christina got on the bed and turned off the lights.The next morning, the first rays of sunlight spilled through the curtains of the master bedroom. Christian stirred, his arm resting protectively over Olivia as he blinked himself awake.Olivia lay beside him, still fast asleep, her features peaceful despite the storm they had faced. He watched her for a moment, marvelling at her resilience, before carefully slipping out of bed. He couldn’t afford to waste time—not with the opportunity they now had to strike back.Downstairs, Christian poured himself a
Chapter 83Time quickly rolled by, and it was already evening. The sun had already set on the other side of the city. Inside the Mason mansion, Olivia had just finished making some spaghetti. She stood by the kitchen window, watching Eunice play with her dolls in the dining room. Her earlier resolve to tell Christian about the phone call lingered in her mind, but the worry had begun to twist in her chest like a persistent ache.The sound of the front door opening broke her thoughts. Christian’s familiar stride echoed through the hall. He appeared in the kitchen doorway moments later, his tie loosened and a tired yet relieved look on his face.“Hey,” he greeted, his voice softening as his gaze landed on her. “Hey,” Olivia replied, brushing a stray curl off her face.Christian’s eyes shifted toward the patio. “She looks happy,” he said, nodding toward Eunice, whose laughter floated through the air.Olivia smiled faintly. “She had a good day. Her scrapbook is coming along. Glitter everyw
Chapter 82The dawn of a new week painted the Massachusetts skyline in hues of gold and rose. Inside the Mason estate, a tranquil scene unfolded. Olivia, with a gentle hum, prepared Eunice’s breakfast. The little girl, her usual sparkle dimmed by the post-graduation blues, was greeted with a plate of whimsical star-shaped pancakes. The sweet aroma of maple syrup filled the air, a comforting reminder of simpler times.Eunice’s eyes lit up, her frown melting away. She took a bite of the fluffy pancake, a smile spreading across her face. Olivia watched her daughter with a fond smile, relieved to see the return of her cheerful spirit. As they sat together, the warmth of the morning sun and the joy of a shared meal filled the room. It was a simple start to a new week, but it was a start filled with love and hope. Of course, threats from Carey and other unknown sources lurk behind the shadows somewhere.Christian entered the kitchen, already dressed in a sharp charcoal suit. He stopped to p