Going Ahead

An uncomfortable silence filled the room, with Nathan sporting a wide smile and Olivia looking utterly shocked.

"He asked me to find a bride for him," Nathan said, his smile unwavering. "No better option than you, Miss Olivia." He paused, awaiting her response. "What's your answer?"

Olivia's confusion got the better of her. "Why me?" she asked, her voice laced with skepticism. She wasn't from a wealthy family, nor was she the most beautiful woman in the country. What made her the best choice for Christopher?

Nathan leaned forward, his expression serious. "It's a contract marriage, Miss Olivia. He needs a woman to claim his inheritance. You can help him secure it, and in return, he'll help fight your brother's case. It's a win-win situation." He gave her a moment to process the information before continuing. "As it's a contract marriage, you both have the right to set your own conditions. Anything you'd want in the marriage or even when you'd want to separate."

Olivia's mind reeled as she struggled to process the proposal. It was a smart move, and the upside was undeniable – they could divorce later, after achieving their goals. But would Christopher agree to marry her?

"Is he aware of this?" Olivia asked, referring to Christopher. Nathan smiled warmly before responding, "If there's one thing Christopher can agree on, it's that I'm never wrong when I make a decision. You're the best choice for-."

Olivia interrupted him before he could continue. "Do I have to give my answer right away?" she asked, stalling for time.

Nathan nodded. "You have twenty-four hours, Miss Olivia."

A day? Olivia bit her lip, weighing her options. This was a good opportunity, but she couldn't shake off her reservations about marrying Christopher, especially after learning about his true nature.

"Is there anything else I need to know about this marriage?" Olivia asked, seeking clarification.

Nathan replied, "There were other petty conditions listed in the will, but that would be for you and Christopher to discuss. Remember, you can propose your own conditions, and he'll have his own as well."

Olivia nodded, feeling overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events. She needed time to think and clear her head.

"Thank you for this opportunity," Olivia said, polite but noncommittal.

Nathan smiled and stood up, preparing to leave. "I hope your answer is positive. You have twenty-four hours."

Olivia walked him to the door and accompanied him to his car. As he was about to leave, he handed her a card. "My private card. Don't hesitate to call when you have your answer."

Olivia took the card and nodded, forcing a small smile. Nathan then handed her the umbrella she had left behind. "You forgot this."

With that, Nathan drove off, leaving Olivia to ponder her decision.

The night stretched out before Olivia like an endless canvas of uncertainty. The sudden proposal had left her reeling, her mind struggling to keep pace with the dramatic turn of events. From the morning's tense encounter at Christopher's office to the evening's shocking marriage proposal, Olivia's world had been turned upside down.

As she lay in bed, her thoughts swirled with the implications of Nathan's offer. What other options did she have? None, really. This was her chance to save her brother, to secure his freedom and clear his name.

With only a day to consider her response, Olivia knew that saying yes was the most pragmatic choice. What harm could come from it, really? Her brother would be exonerated, and she could separate from Christopher as soon as possible.

As the night wore on, Olivia's resolve began to solidify. She would say yes, not out of love or affection for Christopher, but out of necessity and a desire to protect her family. With a sense of determination, Olivia finally drifted off to sleep.

Morning arrived all too soon, and Olivia woke up feeling groggy and under-rested. As she sat up in bed, the events of the previous day came flooding back, and she felt like she'd been punched in the gut. This was her reality now: she was going to marry Christopher.

It all felt surreal, like a dream she couldn't wake up from. Everything had happened so fast, in just one day. Nathan's words still lingered in her mind: "You're the best choice." What did he mean by that? Was he being sincere, or just trying to convince her to go along with the plan?

Olivia couldn't help but think about Nathan's behavior. He'd always been kind and courteous since they met, but there was something about him that she couldn't quite read. She sighed, pushing aside her doubts and uncertainties. She had a long day ahead of her, and she needed to focus.

Olivia tossed aside the covers and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Her gaze immediately fell on the card Nathan had given her the day before. She'd be calling him today to deliver her answer. The thought sent a flutter through her chest.

Olivia let out a deep sigh, trying to shake off the anxiety that had been building up inside her. She didn't want to think about the situation too much, didn't want to dwell on the fact that she was about to agree to a marriage of convenience with a man she barely knew. But the weight of her decision hung over her like a cloud, impossible to ignore.

The day dragged on interminably, with Olivia's gaze fixed on the clock as she wondered when to make the call and what words to use. After that, she'd have to face Christopher again, a prospect that made her fists clench in annoyance. She had never encountered anyone as arrogant and nonchalant as him.

As the clock ticked past five, Olivia finally summoned the courage to call Nathan. She picked up the card and dialed the number, her heart beating slightly faster. Nathan didn't answer on the first ring, but his smooth voice came on the line with the second.

"Nathan here."

Olivia took a deep breath before responding, her voice measured. "Olivia. Olivia Harris."

She bit her lip, waiting patiently for Nathan's reply, her mind racing with possibilities.

"Miss Olivia," Nathan said, his voice warm and friendly, with a hint of a smile that Olivia could sense even over the phone.

"I've been expecting your call," he added, his tone confident.

Olivia took a deep breath before responding, her voice firm. "Um... I'll go ahead with it."

Nathan's response was immediate. "Just what I expected. I'll let Christopher know I've found someone. He'll likely want to meet you soon, probably tomorrow."

Olivia's throat constricted, but she managed to speak, her voice barely above a whisper. "Okay... thank you so much."

Nathan's voice was reassuring. "My pleasure, Miss Olivia. I'll be in touch soon to discuss the details."