Chapter 3: A Marriage On Paper

After ending the call with Richard, Olivia prepared for bed. Her life went from peaceful to chaotic in one day, but she was not easy to deal with. As she settled under the covers, her phone buzzed with a text message. When she saw who it was from, she froze. She had saved his name as Hubby. Remembering those dark eyes, her cheeks colored red. She hesitated before opening the message. Wifey, You there? -Hubby I'm here –Wifey Are you in bed? -Hubby. Yes -Wifey. How about breakfast tomorrow at 9 PM? – Eric. Reading these messages, Olivia's mind raced back to their unconventional arrangement. An unexpected surge of anxiety swept over her. She was about to marry a man she barely knew. Taking a deep breath, Olivia replied to Eric's text, suggesting a time for their meeting the next day before drifting off to sleep. A mixture of anticipation and uncertainty clouded her thoughts. For some reason, she borrowed deeper into her blanket. Where?- Wifey Lotus Garden on 5th Ave -Hubby I'll be there -Wifey The following day, Olivia arrived at the upscale restaurant Eric had chosen for their meeting. As she entered the private room, she found Eric already waiting. He was wearing a white dress shirt and loose slacks. His shirt rolled up his muscular arm, where she could see a tattoo pique through. He looked like a crime waiting to happen. He stood to greet her, offering a slight smile and pulling out a chair for her to sit in. "What will you eat?" he asked after she sat, leaning down behind her. She could feel his breath on her shoulder. She did not want to answer that question truthfully; he might think she was a pervert. Olivia froze in her seat, not daring to look at him. "Thanks. Pasta and shrimp will do. I looked online, and the reviews are good," she said. "How was the drive here? Was it okay?" he asked, remaining in place, lowered to her face. If she turned her head slightly, she might touch him. "Yes," she answered with a nod. "How did you sleep? Good?" "Yes," she answered. "Did you dream of me?" "Yes…" she answered before she realized it. His low chuckle hit her ears before he returned to his seat. She could have sworn he was messing with her. As they delved into their meal, the atmosphere slowly calmed. Olivia appreciated that Eric did not continue teasing her. They discussed trivial matters, keeping the conversation light as they ate. Once they finished their meals, Eric shifted the conversation towards the more serious topic – their marriage. When she saw him pull a contract, she knew he was serious. She thought he would change his mind after sleeping on it. "Olivia, let's talk about the details of our arrangement. It's quite straightforward. We'll be married for at least one year. After one year, you can back out of the marriage. If you decide to divorce, you'll receive one million dollars from me. Simple and fair. While we are married, I will provide everything you need and cover all your expenses," he said. "And what do you get out of all this, Eric? You are even covering my expenses; I would feel like a trophy wife, then," she asked. Olivia listened, absorbing the terms of their agreement. The simplicity surprised her, and she found herself contemplating the possibilities. He leaned back, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Oh, then I get a trophy wife. Would you cook in heels just for effect? It would be good compensation," he said, her face colored red. "Don't joke!" she scolded, and he broke into a hearty laugh. She stopped and stared at him for a moment. He looked terrific when he smiled. "But seriously, how can I trust you if I don't understand your motivations? Eric, we're about to get married, and I don't even know what you do for a living." Eric's gaze became lazy, his words carefully chosen. "I am a businessman. I run a small investment company." He took a card from his pocket and passed it to her. "White Investments? I am not sure I have heard of you," she said. "True, there are many investment companies; it is easy to get lost in them. Besides, we are small." "Then, since I am a trophy wife, will I get a black card in the movies?" she asked, fiddling with her fingers. She looked at him from under her lashes, and he leaned in. A confident smile played on Eric's lips. "How about a deal? You wear a dress and heels to cook for me, and I'll drop my black card." "It's just a dress and heels. You better not back out," she pouted. "Then, since you have agreed, marry me tomorrow," he said. "Tomorrow?" "Too fast?" he asked, and she shook her head, "Tomorrow is fine," Feeling uncertain and determined, Olivia agreed to the terms laid out in the contract. As they finalized the details, she couldn't help but marvel at the audacity of the situation. Marrying a virtual stranger for a specific purpose seemed like a plot straight out of a movie. The meeting concluded with Eric assuring Olivia that the necessary preparations for their unconventional wedding would be taken care of. Before they parted ways, Eric slipped her his supplementary card to buy a dress for the courthouse wedding with a playful look, and she turned red and hurried away. As they parted ways, Olivia couldn't shake off the surreal nature of the arrangement. She knew she was guided by her desire to free her sister from a toxic marriage and her need to put her father in his place, but she was not backing down. Next, she must reclaim her mother's legacy. Leaving the restaurant, Olivia called her sister, Emma, urging her to meet at a nearby park. Waiting amidst the trees and soft sunlight, Olivia glanced anxiously at her watch. Soon, Emma emerged, looking confused. "What's going on, Olivia? You sounded mysterious on the phone," Emma questioned as they hailed a taxi. Olivia hesitated momentarily before answering, "I'll explain when we arrive. It's important, Emma." They soon arrived at a tall office building. Olivia and Emma walked into the glossy modern building, and Olivia stated her name and was directed to the twelfth floor to Richard's office. The atmosphere shifted as they stepped into the lobby, the polished floors echoing with their footsteps. Olivia had Emma wait while she asked a receptionist for Richard's office. Soon, they were led to large Oak doors. A secretary had them wait before informing Richard they were there. All the while, Emma asked why they were at a legal office. She had seen the signposts when they walked in and understood they must be there to see a lawyer. But Olivia still refuses to answer. Soon, they were let in. Olivia knocked lightly before leading Emma in. Inside the office was Richard and another lawyer "Richard, It has been so long. Thank you for making time," Olivia said the moment she walked into the large black-and-white office. "This is Harry Kent. He will be taking this case with me. Please sit." Richard introduced the other man in the room. On the other hand, Emma was stuck at the entrance, despite Olivia's urge to walk in. The moment she saw who it was, she was frozen in place.