Chapter 6: Fighting Back

Olivia hesitated for a moment, debating how much to reveal. But in the end, she decided to be transparent with her sister. "Emma, it's about reclaiming our mother's property. I agreed to marry him because it makes me eligible to fight for it. We can't let Father continue to control us." Emma's eyes widened in realization. "Are you planning to fight Father in court?" Olivia nodded, her determination shining through. "Yes. We've been living independently, and he still tries to control us. I'm done with that. I want to cut him out completely, even if it means destroying him." Emma sighed, understanding the gravity of Olivia's decision. "Olivia, it's a risky path, and you know Father's influence." "Are you afraid?" Olivia asked, and they looked into each other's eyes for quite some time. This phrase was theirs. Their mother would ask them this when they feared the most minor things. They knew what followed after she asked this question: "If you are afraid, it will still happen. If you are not afraid, it will still happen. It only matters if you move. What will you do?" Every time they said these words, they never completed them, but they both knew what it meant. Hearing this phrase, her eyes steeled. "I trust you. If you believe this is right for us, I'll support you." Emma said. Olivia smiled gratefully at Emma, appreciating her sister's unwavering support. "Thank you, Emma. Now, let's go spend my hubby's money!." Curiosity flickered in Emma's eyes. "Already calling him hubby?" "We're going dress shopping," Olivia declared a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Since we won't have a big party, I still want it to be special. Let's find the perfect courthouse wedding dress." Emma caught off guard, raised an eyebrow. "You are using his money to buy it? Why? Is this appropriate?" "Why not?" Olivia asked. "He said he would pay, and I want something beautiful, even if it's a small ceremony. And I want you and Angela there." Olivia decided to invite her business partner and friend, Angela. The three of them set off to explore the world of bridal fashion, and laughter and excitement filled the air. At the wedding dress shop, Olivia marveled at the array of gowns, envisioning herself walking down the aisle. But she decided to concentrate on simple ones that would be good to wear at a courthouse. Despite her initial reservations, Emma got caught up in the joyous atmosphere. The supportive friend Angela joined in the fun, offering opinions and sharing in their laughter. Olivia was drawn to a simple yet elegant gown as they browsed through the dresses. It spoke to her in a way that transcended the immediate circumstances. Emma and Angela nodded approvingly, agreeing it was the perfect choice. After the fitting, as they sat in the cozy corner of the boutique, Angela couldn't contain her gossiping side. "Olivia, you're getting married tomorrow, and you didn't tell me?" "Of course not. We just decided yesterday," Olivia answered. "Are you pregnant or something? Is a little chubby feet on the way?" she asked. Olivia chuckled at Angela's assumptions. "No, I'm not pregnant." "Who is it? She won't even tell me his name. She is waiting for him to come." Emma snorted. "We met in our bookshop." Angela, wide-eyed, leaned forward. "It can't be him. You guys were so close to removing each other's clothes yesterday." "taking off clothes?" Emma asked. "Let me tell you. I walked around the corner, and they were about to push down my shelves. You would think she was going to eat him." "Ah, don't talk nonsense." Olivia recounted how she had met Eric in the bookshop, their initial conversations skipping all the flirting. Hearing all this, Angela's eyes almost popped; "Just write a book already. Flash marriage, sweet love." Olivia felt mixed emotions as they left the bridal shop, each carrying a piece of the joyous day they had shared. The decision to marry, the determination to fight their father, and the support of her sister and friend filled her heart with a sense of purpose. The soft glow of the evening sun painted the sky in warm orange and pink hues as Olivia and her sister Emma stepped out of the wedding dress shop. Olivia's heart fluttered excitedly as she glanced toward the parking lot. She spotted her fiancé Eric leaning casually against their car. Seeing this was a formal meeting, Angela waved and left them to it. "Emma, this is Eric," Olivia beamed, introducing the most important person in her life to whom she will marry. Eric turned, a gentle smile gracing his features as he extended his hand towards Emma. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Emma," Eric said, his voice carrying a soothing warmth that immediately put Emma at ease. She couldn't help but notice his easy charm, and Emma felt a genuine connection as they shook hands. "The pleasure is mine," Emma replied, Her eyes glancing at Olivia slightly in question. Olivia's face heats up slightly as she watches her sister and fiancé exchange pleasantries. Eric, ever the gentleman, gestured towards the car. "Shall we?" he invited, opening the car door with a graceful sweep. Olivia couldn't hide her admiration for Eric's thoughtful gestures. She secretly gave him a thumbs-up, and he winked at her. As Emma slid into the back seat, Olivia couldn't resist a knowing smile. Eric circled the car, settling into the driver's seat with a calm demeanor that radiated comfort. The car engine hummed to life and rolled into the open road. The ride was filled with easy conversation and laughter. Eric shared anecdotes of his work while Emma recounted some of her recent adventures. Olivia marveled at the effortless connection between these two people who had never met before. The atmosphere was infused with camaraderie, as if they had known each other for far longer than this initial meeting. You could tell Eric was doing well to look good. "Olivia speaks so highly of you, Emma," Eric admitted, his gaze sincere. "I can see why you're so important to her." Emma's eyes softened with gratitude. "She's pretty important to me too." The evening unfolded like a beautifully orchestrated symphony, with Eric's charm and Emma's warmth creating a harmonious melody. It was as though he accepted her as a family; as she watched their interaction, she felt they were doing a good job. Her sister was essential to her, and she wanted her to be all on board with what was happening. From what she saw, Eric was doing a good job. She did not know that he was genuinely happy to talk to Emma. Emma was important to Olivia, so she was essential to him, too. With a soft sigh, Eric drove them back to Olivia's apartment. Olivia, witnessing the silent communication between Eric and Emma, felt a strange sense of completeness. As they drove into the city, the air inside the car buzzed with shared laughter and shared stories. Olivia glanced at Eric, her heart swelling with gratitude. She understood he was doing this for her and appreciated the effort. The car pulled up to Olivia's apartment, and Eric, ever attentive, opened the car door for Emma. Back home, as they prepared for the next day's ceremony, Olivia and Emma shared a quiet moment. Emma, adjusting Olivia's veil, spoke softly, "I might not understand all your reasons, Liv, but I hope this brings you the happiness you deserve." Olivia turned to Emma with a warm smile. "What do you think of him?" Emma’s eyes sparkled. "He's wonderful, Liv. You're lucky to have found each other."