Throughout the day, Olivia's bitterness and frustration was beneath the surface, like a storm gathering strength. She couldn't shake the hurt and confusion she had felt that morning when Nathaniel had walked past her without a word. It was a departure from their usual warm interactions, and it left her feeling isolated and disconnected. She knew that they met by chance but that wasn't enough reason for him to just walk past her. "What does he take me for?" She asked aloud for the tenth time.As the evening approached and the mansion was bathed in the soft glow of twilight, Olivia's determination to address the situation grew stronger. She couldn't allow their unresolved tension to continue, threatening the love and connection they were trying to build together.With every passing moment, Olivia stirred herself for the conversation, she knew she needed to have a word with Nathaniel. She understood that it wouldn't be an easy one, but she couldn't bear the thought of their relationship
Days turned into weeks, and tension that still hung in the air between Olivia and Nathaniel following their emotional conversation began to reduce gradually. Nathaniel continued to occupy himself in his work, striving to meet up with life demands of every sphere's including fulfilling all that he had promised Olivia, while Olivia, in turn, focused on her art.Yet, beneath the surface of their daily lives, the complexities of their relationship still lingered. They had both taken steps to maintain distance, but the unspoken emotions that had been laid bare during their conversation still hung in the air, like a storm cloud.Olivia had thrown herself into her artwork, using her creativity as relief for the anger that boiled within her. Her paintings had taken on a new depth and intensity, reflecting the emotional journey she was navigating. She had created a series of pieces that captured the essence of longing, love, and the blurred lines between reality and desire.One evening, Olivia
The days turned into weeks, and Olivia and Nathaniel continued to maintain the balance between their strictly business interactions and other unofficial discussions. While Nathaniel kept immersing himself in his corporate responsibilities Olivia kept channeling her passion into her art.One morning, as Olivia stood in her art studio, meticulously adding the final touches to a new painting, the sound of the doorbell echoed through the mansion. It was an unexpected interruption, "who could that be?" She asked herself as she set her paintbrush aside.Making her way to the front door, Olivia was surprised to find a messenger standing there, holding a beautifully wrapped envelope sealed with a complex wax seal. She collected the envelope, her fingers tracing the seal as she examined it closely. With a sense of curiosity, Olivia broke the seal and removed the elegant invitation inside. As she unfolded it, her eyes widened in surprise. It was an invitation to a high-profile charity festiva
The distance between Olivia and Nathaniel seems to thicken. Olivia concentrated more in her art, especially now that she has new connections from the festival to secure opportunities for exhibitions and collaborations. The art world had taken notice of her talent, and she was determined to make the most of these opportunities, even if it looks as if the world is lonely.Meanwhile, Nathaniel's business ventures continued to demand his time and attention. His days were now filled with meetings, negotiations, and strategic planning. The demands of his corporate empire left little room for personal matters, and he had for these few days kept to the idea that his marriage to Olivia was primarily a contractual arrangement.One evening, as Olivia sat in her art studio, her phone rang. It was a strange number, but when she answered, she was greeted by a voice she recognized."Olivia, it's William Davis.""Williams?" She asked again. Surprised and excited, Olivia leaned forward in her chair. "
Two months had passed since Olivia's art exhibition, She checked the calendar in her phone and then she sighed. "It's a long time now" she told herself. However, she couldn't help but feel a sense of longing for her family, particularly her parents whom she hadn't seen since she moved in with Nathaniel.One evening, as they sat in the living room, Olivia gathered the courage to bring up a topic that had been on her mind for some time. She turned to Nathaniel, her voice gentle yet earnest. "Nathaniel, there's something I've been thinking about."Nathaniel looked up from the book he was reading, his expression attentive. "What is it, Olivia?""I miss my mum," Olivia confessed. "I haven't seen them in three months, and I feel like it's time for a visit."Nathaniel considered her words, his brow furrowing slightly. He had been aware of Olivia's distance from her family, but he hadn't realized how deeply she missed them. "I understand, Olivia. Your family is important to you, and you shoul
After their discussion, Olivia went downstairs to the dining room, where dinner was already in progress. The table was set to the taste of everyone. Nathaniel and his parents, Robert and Margaret, were seated at the table, and they greeted her with warm smiles as she took her seat close to Nathaniel.As the meal started, Olivia couldn't help but feel that unspoken questions lingered in the air. She was acutely aware that Nathaniel's mother, Margaret, had a curiosity about their marriage that she couldn't easily dismiss it.Margaret, with her refined manners and polite attitude, began the conversation. "Olivia, dear, we're very excited to have you join us for dinner. Nathaniel speaks highly of your accomplishments and your collaboration on various projects."Olivia nodded graciously, offering a polite smile. "Thank you, Mrs. Margaret. It's been a pleasure to work with Nathaniel, and I'm grateful for the opportunities he's provided."Margaret's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she conti
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
Olivia couldn't contain the whirlwind of emotions that had enveloped her. She paced back and forth, her footsteps echoing like the restless beat of her heart. The revelation from Nathaniel about his family's expectations had shaken her to her bone, and her anger and frustration had reached a boiling point.As she moved about the room, her voice echoed in the air, a torrent of thoughts and emotions pouring out like a stream."This is insane," she muttered, her words filled with disbelief. "How could Nathaniel's family expect us to just come up an emotional connection out of thin air? We agreed to a contract marriage, for heaven's sake!"Olivia's hands clenched into fists at her sides as she continued her pacing. Her anger was reflecting in every word she uttered."I won't be a prey in their game. I won't be forced into some pretense of love just to satisfy their archaic traditions. It's not fair to either of us!"With each step she took, Olivia's thoughts grew more tensed. Her feeling