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

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

Nathaniel and Olivia stood there without the intention to move or Know whether to, a mixture of relief and anxiety washing over them, as Nathaniel had just assured Olivia that he would support her through their complex situation. Just as they were about to part ways and return to their respective rooms, the door to Olivia's room swung open suddenly.In the doorway stood Margaret, Nathaniel's mother, dressed in a satin robe with a concerned expression written on her face. She had apparently heard the voices and had decided to check on her son and his wife."Nathaniel, Olivia, what's going on in here?" Margaret inquired, her eyes moving from Nathaniel to Olivia. Olivia couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as she met Margaret's gaze.Nathaniel stepped forward, trying to maintain composure. "Mother, it's nothing. Olivia couldn't sleep, and we were just having a conversation. That's all."Margaret's eyes remained fixed on Olivia as she slowly entered the room, her motherly instincts on

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

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