CHAPTER 6
Olivia lay in bed, her mind consumed by thoughts of the next day. She would be meeting Christopher again, but this time, she felt very determined. She was ready to be bolder, more assertive, and prove that she was the only one who could help him. Still, a sliver of doubt crept into her mind, threatening to undermine her confidence. What if Christopher rejected her? What if he deemed her unnecessary and asked Nathan to find someone else?
She pushed the unsettling thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand. After being denied an advance at her workplace, where she worked as a waitress, Olivia had made the difficult decision to take a leave of absence. She was determined to secure Raymond's release from jail, no matter what it took. Her little boy was suffering for something he didn't do, and she was his only hope.
As she retired for the day, her mind was still racing with thoughts of the upcoming meeting. She tried to calm her nerves, but her mind refused to quiet. The darkness outside seemed to press in around her, making her feel anxious and on edge. She finally rose from bed, deciding to clear her mind with a warm bath and a cup of tea before finally falling asleep.
The next morning, Olivia was awoken by the sound of the doorbell. She rose from bed, curiosity piqued, and made her way to the door. A package lay on her porch, wrapped in elegant paper and tied with a satin ribbon. She picked it up, wondering what it could contain.
Olivia unwrapped the package and immediately froze in awe. Inside was a gorgeous emerald green evening gown, its silk fabric catching the light. The dress was sleek and elegant, with a fitted bodice and a flowing skirt that cascaded gracefully to the floor.
Beside the gown lay a stunning set of jewelry—a shimmering emerald and diamond necklace, matching chandelier earrings, and a delicate bejeweled clutch. A pair of emerald green high heels completed the breathtaking ensemble.
Her eyes sparkled as she read the letter, her heart racing with excitement and a touch of fear. 'Get ready, you'll be picked up by 5. Christopher doesn't tolerate lateness.' The message was brief, but the implications were clear - this was going to be a night to remember.
Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Christopher sat on a sleek, black leather sofa, sipping whiskey with a calm, collected look on his face. The soft glow of the floor lamps cast a warm, inviting ambiance around him.
He had taken a rare day off from work, seeking refuge from the frustrations that had been mounting. His father's ultimatum - find a wife within a month, felt like a prison sentence, a threat to the freedom and independence he had always cherished. But Nathan's assurance that he would find the perfect candidate for a contract marriage had brought a measure of calm, a sense that maybe, just maybe, he could find a way out of this situation.
As he sipped his whiskey, Christopher's gaze drifted around the room, his eyes lingering on the symbols of his wealth and status. The sleek, modern furniture, the expensive artwork, the breathtaking view - all of it was a reminder of what he had achieved, of the life he had built for himself. Yet, his father's promise of an inheritance 20 times greater than his current fortune hung like a carrot, taunting him to comply with his demands.
Christopher's thoughts turned to his father, to the man who had always pushed him to be more, to achieve more. He had never been satisfied with Christopher's accomplishments, no matter how great they were. There was always something more, something better, something that Christopher could strive for. And now, it seemed, his father had one final challenge for him. Find a wife, and secure the family's legacy.
It wasn't an easy task for someone like Christopher, who had always scoffed at the idea of love. But with his father's ultimatum hanging over him like a sword of Damocles, he had no choice but to get married, even if it was just a paper arrangement.
Nathan burst into the living room, his usual enthusiasm infectious. "Dear friend," he said, settling into the chair opposite Christopher, "What's troubling you?" His eyes sparkled with curiosity, and Christopher couldn't help but feel a twinge of irritation.
Christopher sighed, rubbing the space between his brows. "Have you found someone?" he asked, his eyes locking onto Nathan's. Nathan's smile widened, and he nodded. "I have. So relax and go with the flow."
Christopher raised an eyebrow. "It was fast," he muttered, but he knew better than to underestimate Nathan's efficiency. Nathan was his trusted ally, someone he could always count on to get the job done.
"Who's she?" Christopher asked, his curiosity piqued. Nathan chuckled, his face alight with amusement. "Where's the element of surprise if I reveal it?" he teased, clearly enjoying the game.
Christopher's eyes narrowed. "Is it Rachael?" he asked, a hint of annoyance flashing through his eyes. Nathan laughed even harder, clearly delighted by Christopher's frustration.
"Who knows?" he replied, his smile mischievous. "All you need to know is that she's perfect for the job."
Christopher's gaze lingered on Nathan's face, searching for any clues. But Nathan's expression was infuriatingly neutral. "Sit back, and let's focus on the evening ahead," Nathan said, his voice dripping with amusement. "I've booked a reservation at Aurum. Play your cards well, and we'll bring home the prize."
The evening arrived all too soon, despite Olivia's silent pleas for time to stand still. She had spent hours getting ready, adorning herself in the elegant gown that had been sent to her. The fitted, floor-length dress hugged her curves in all the right places, accentuating her slender waist and emphasizing her voluptuous figure. The rich, jewel-toned fabric seemed to shimmer in the light, casting a mesmerizing glow over her entire being.
Olivia's makeup was subtle yet effective, enhancing her natural beauty without overpowering it. Her eyes sparkled like diamonds, her lashes thick and luscious, and her lips were painted a deep, inviting red. She had swept her hair up into a stylish updo, exposing her long, slender neck and showcasing her delicate features. A sprinkle of delicate silver jewelry completed her look, casting a touch of sophistication over her entire ensemble.
As she gazed at her reflection, Olivia's heart skipped a beat. She looked stunning, if she did say so herself. But beneath her poised exterior, her nerves were stretched taut. She was about to meet him again – the mysterious, elusive Christopher. She had taken great pains to impress him, to ensure that he wouldn't dismiss her out of hand. Now, all she could do was wait and see if her efforts would pay off.
Not too long after, a car pulled up in front of her house, its luxurious design exuding wealth and sophistication. Olivia's eyes widened in awe, impressed by the obvious attention to detail that had gone into planning the evening. She felt a flutter in her chest realizing this was the night that would determine everything.
She took a deep breath, smoothing out her dress as she made her way to the car. The driver, perfectly dressed in a tailored suit, opened the door for her with a courteous smile. Olivia slid into the car's plush interior, feeling like royalty as she settled into the soft leather seat. Her anxiety escalated as the car pulled away from the curb, but she took another deep breath and tried to calm her nerves.
The drive was smooth and silent, the car gliding through the streets like a ghost. Olivia watched the city lights blur by outside her window, her mind racing with thoughts of what the evening might hold. After an hour, the Rolls-Royce pulled up in front of Aurum, one of the city's most exclusive restaurants. The building's elegant facade was understated yet imposing, with a discreet sign bearing the restaurant's name in subtle, cursive script.
Aurum was renowned for its exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and refined atmosphere, making it a favorite haunt of the city's elite. Olivia sighed as she stepped out of the car and onto the red carpet. The restaurant's staff swooped in to usher her inside, treating her like royalty as they escorted her through the elegant foyer.
As she entered the restaurant's hushed interior, Olivia's eyes adjusted to the soft lighting, and she took in the opulent decor. The large dining area was empty, except for a single, exquisite table set with fine china and crystal. Her eyes locked onto the figure seated with his back to her, his broad shoulders and chiseled profile unmistakable even from behind.
Olivia's heart skipped a beat as she realized that was him –Christopher Brooks. She became nervous immediately as she approached the table, her heels clicking softly on the polished floor. The silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the soft sound of her footsteps.
When she finally stood before him, he raised his eyes, his gaze narrowing in annoyance as he took in her appearance. "Olivia," he growled, his deep voice low and husky.
Olivia's voice barely rose above a whisper as she replied, "Mr Christopher."