CHAPTER 3
As Olivia stepped out of a loan organization she visited, exhaustion washed over her like a wave. The weight of her brother's troubles threatened to crush her, and the daunting task of finding a way to save him seemed insurmountable. The kind of trouble he was in required a skilled lawyer, someone who could defend him and secure his freedom. And the only person she knew who possessed the expertise and tenacity to take on the case and win was Christopher Brooks.
But he had turned her down, leaving her feeling defeated and lost. Olivia wondered if she should try meeting him again, but the prospect of securing another meeting seemed daunting. It might take time, and time was a luxury she couldn't afford. Maybe, just maybe, she could go through his friend who had been present during their meeting. He had seemed kind and genuinely interested in helping.
Just as Olivia's thoughts were spiraling into despair, the heavy sound of thunderstorm disrupted her reverie. The sky grew dark, and the air was electric with anticipation. And then, almost immediately, the rain started dropping, drumming a soothing melody on the pavement. Olivia felt a pang of gratitude for having carried her umbrella that morning. She opened it, and the soft whoosh of the fabric provided a comforting canopy against the rain.
As she walked, Olivia's mind began to wander, searching for a solution to her brother's predicament. She didn't have a specific destination in mind; she just kept moving, her legs carrying her forward on autopilot. The rain-soaked streets were emptying, and the few people she encountered scurried past her, seeking shelter from the storm. But Olivia didn't care. She was too tired, too frustrated, and too desperate to care. She just kept walking, her eyes fixed on some point in the distance, her heart heavy with worry.
Just as Olivia was starting to calm her heavy heart, a car sped past her, sending a wave of water crashing against her body. Her brows furrowed in annoyance as she wondered what kind of reckless driver would speed through puddles on a rainy day.
But to her surprise, the car screeched to a halt a short distance away and began to creep back towards her. Olivia's indignation turned to curiosity as the car pulled up alongside her. The window whirred down, and she was about to give the driver a piece of her mind when she saw Nathan's charming smile staring back at her.
"Miss Olivia, did I get the name right?" he asked, his tone disarmingly apologetic. "I think I splashed water on you by mistake."
Olivia's retort died on her lips as she stared at Nathan, taken aback by his unexpected politeness. The rain continued to fall heavily around them, drumming against the car's roof.
"I-It's fine," she stuttered. "Just be careful next time. I'll be on my way."
But Nathan wasn't having it. "Miss Olivia, if you don't mind, could you come in and I'll drop you off?" he asked, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "At least to say sorry for staining your clothes."
Olivia's resolve weakened at Nathan's persistence. She hesitated for a moment before responding, "I'm fine, really. We might not be going in the same direction. I'll sort myself out."
But Nathan was insistent. "I insist, Miss," he said, a small smile playing on his lips. "I don't care where you're going. I'll drop you off first. It's my little way of saying sorry. Please don't refuse. And I don't think my boss will have an issue with it."
Olivia's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Nathan's boss. Could it be Christopher Brooks? The same lawyer she was trying to convince to take her brother's case?
The door slid open with a soft click, and Nathan gestured for her to enter. Olivia closed her umbrella, shaking off the excess water before stepping into the car. "Um, it's wet," she said, feeling a little silly.
"It's fine, come in," Nathan replied, his smile encouraging.
Olivia took a deep breath and settled into the seat, trying not to look at the occupant on her left. Her heart racing with anticipation. Was this fate, bringing them together again? Maybe, just maybe, she could convince Christopher to help her this time. She wasn't going to let this opportunity slip away.
The car started, and Nathan drove off into the rainy evening. "So, where am I dropping you, Miss?" he asked, his eyes peeking at Olivia through the rearview mirror.
Olivia hesitated for a moment, wondering if she should give out her address to strangers. But something about Nathan's warm smile put her at ease. "Oakwood Drive," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Nathan nodded and continued driving, the sound of raindrops pattering against the car's roof filling the silence. Olivia took a quick glance to her side, her eyes locking onto Christopher's chiseled features. He had his eyes closed, his chest rising and falling with each steady breath.
She had heard rumors about Christopher's striking good looks, but nothing could have prepared her for the real thing. His sharp jawline, piercing blue eyes, and chiseled lips made him breathtakingly gorgeous. Olivia's heart skipped a beat as she quickly looked away, trying to compose herself.
But her gaze betrayed her, drifting back to Christopher's face. Just then, he opened his eyes sharply, catching her staring at him. Olivia's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she tore her eyes away, her heart racing like a jackrabbit.
The silence in the car grew thicker, heavy with unspoken words. Olivia took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation ahead. This was her brother's life on the line, and she couldn't afford to back down.
"Mr. Christopher," she called out, her voice firm but respectful. Christopher opened his eyes, his gaze piercing as he turned to face her.
"About today," Olivia continued, her words tumbling out in a rush. "Have you given it any more thought?" Christopher's expression changed, his eyes narrowing into slits.
"I've given my answer," he replied curtly, his voice dripping with disdain. Olivia's heart sank, but she refused to give up.
"Mr. Christopher Brooks, please," she begged, her voice cracking with emotion. "I'm not asking for charity. I just need someone to fight for the truth." Christopher sighed, his eyes flicking towards her before looking away.
"We've been through this, Miss Olivia," he said, his tone cold and detached. "You don't have the finances to hire me. Why should I work for free?" Olivia's hands trembled with anger, but she kept her voice steady.
"I promise I'll pay whatever it takes," she said, her eyes locked onto Christopher's. "Just agree to take the case. Please, Mr. Christopher." The car fell silent once more, the only sound the steady beat of the rain.
Then, Christopher spoke up, his voice low and gravelly. "Murder," he muttered. "What's the guarantee your brother didn't do it? People do crazy things for money these days. Especially people like you." Olivia's eyes narrowed, her anger simmering just below the surface.
"You think he did it?" she asked, her voice icy. "My brother would never hurt anyone." Christopher chuckled, a low, menacing sound.
"I know how these things go," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "He must have been paid to carry out the murder. People like you don't turn down easy money." Olivia's face burned with anger, her nails digging deep into her palm.
"So that's what you think?" she spat, her voice venomous. "Because we're not rich, my brother must have done it?" Christopher shrugged, his expression unreadable.
"It's very possible," he said, his voice dripping with condescension. "The evidence points to him." Olivia's eyes flashed with anger, her heart pounding in her chest.
The silence that followed was oppressive, heavy with unspoken words. Then, with a sharp breath, Olivia reached for the door handle. "You're a terrible person, Mr. Christopher Brooks," she hissed, pushing the door open. Nathan noticing this quickly stopped the car.
She stepped out into the storm, the cold rain drenching her instantly. But she didn't stop, refusing to let Christopher see her break. Behind her, Nathan muttered something to Christopher, maybe a reprimand or a reminder of basic human decency.
But Christopher didn't call her back. He just watched as she disappeared into the downpour, his expression unreadable.