Chapter 13

After the breakfast, Olivia was exhausted. The combination of the early morning gym session, the nature of maintaining pretence in front of Nathaniel's parents, and the ongoing complexities of their contract marriage had taken a toll on her. She decided to stay inher room for some much-needed rest.

Nathaniel, on the other hand, excused himself from the table, expressing his intention to have a private conversation with his parents. He watched Olivia as she made her way upstairs, a silent acknowledgment of the effort she had put into accommodating his family's visit.

Once Olivia had disappeared from view, Nathaniel rejoined his parents in the living room, where they had settled with cups of tea. Margaret, Nathaniel's mother, looked at her son with an affectionate smile. "Nathaniel, dear, we're so glad you welcomed us to stay. It's been wonderful getting to know Olivia. She's a remarkable woman."

Nathaniel nodded, a sense of pride in his voice as he replied, "I'm glad you think so, Moth