Olivia expected the conversation with Margaret to end but rather, she continued to talk on and this made Olivia's initial apprehension to gradually transform into a sense of weariness. While she was happy about Margaret's interest in her life and art, she couldn't help but feel that tougher conversations were lingering in the air. The constant need to tread carefully in the conversation and to maintain an unsuspicious appearance took its toll on her.Olivia looked at the big clock on the wall, realizing that she had been engaged in conversation with Margaret for quite some time. She knew she needed an excuse to gracefully have freedom from the situation without offending Nathaniel's mother.With a polite smile, Olivia interupted, "Mum, it's been a pleasure getting to know you better and having this conversation, infact I'd really love us to continue since I'm enjoying every bit of the shared moment we're having, but I have some work to attend to in my art studio. I hope you understand
In the quietness of the night, Nathaniel found himself lost in thought. He sat on his bed, his mind racing with the challenge that had been laid before him by his father. The need to get his fortune without having an emotional entanglements with Olivia.Nathaniel was well aware of his father's intentions. Robert Blackwood had always been a calculated businessman, and his actions were rarely without a strategic motive. The revelation about Nathaniel's inheritance had been a calculated move, meant to test his son's resolve and ability to navigate the complexities of their family dynamics.As Nathaniel pondered on the situation, he concluded that he needed to approach this delicate matter with care and diplomacy. His father was not one to be toiled with, and Nathaniel couldn't afford to jeopardize his own financial independence or the fragile balance of his contract marriage with Olivia.Firstly, Nathaniel thought of engaging in a private conversation with his father, away from prying ey
The night was getting enveloped in darkness as Nathaniel lay on his bed, trying to find peace of mind so that he can embrace sleep. The weight of the recent conversation with his father and the complexities of his contract marriage with Olivia continued to linger in his thoughts, making him to become restless the more.Just as he was beginning to drift into slumber, the soft glow of his phone on the bedside table caught his attention. The incoming call displayed the name "James Morrison," a billionaire friend and confidant who had been both an advisor and a source of support for Nathaniel in various aspects of his life.With a resigned sigh, Nathaniel reached for his phone and answered the call. "James," he greeted, his voice carrying a note of weariness."Nathaniel, my friend," James's voice crackled through the phone, a mix of concern and curiosity. "I called to inquire about the conversation you had with your old man today. How did it go?"Nathaniel rubbed his forehead, the weight
The car passed the familiar route that led to mansion. Nathaniel was behind the wheel nodding his head to the rhythm of a music, and Olivia sat in the passenger seat. The air inside the car was filled with a sense of relief, a shared unspoken understanding of the significance of Margaret's departure.Nathaniel looked at Olivia, a soft smile playing on his lips. "It's nice to have some time to ourselves again, isn't it?"Olivia nodded, her eyes reflecting the relief she felt. "Absolutely. As much as I respect your mother, it can be quite challenging to have someone overseeing our every move. At least, I'll have some space to myself with no hundred questions and unexpected questions."Nathaniel laughed, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Tell me about it. She has a way of making even the simplest of tasks feel like a grand performance."They both shared a laugh, the tension that had been lingering in the air disappeared. It was moments like these that allowed them to connect on a more p
Nathaniel arrived home and headed straight to Olivia's room, to his dismay Olivia was there. He opened the door to her art studio but she wasn't there either. "Wao" he exclaimed as he shut the door. He decided to check garden, his footsteps almost silent on the cobblestone path. He spotted Olivia standing by a cluster of vibrant flowers, her eyes fixed on the blossoms as if lost in thought. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and the scent of the garden's blooms filled the air.With a mischievous look in his eye, Nathaniel couldn't resist the urge to startle her, and so he approached quietly. As he drew nearer, he cleared his throat in a playful attempt to grab her attention.Olivia jumped slightly, her hand landing on her chest as she let out a surprised gasp. Then, realizing it was Nathaniel. "You enjoy sneaking up on me, don't you?"Nathaniel smiled as he replied, "I can't resist the urge to startle someone as captivating as you."Olivia chuckled, her playful annoyance giving way t
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