Chapter 2: A Call From Father

Eric straightened as Angela left them alone. Olivia had regained her senses and looked at the man leaning on the shelf, staring at her. Olivia hesitated. "Trusting a stranger, though...Why should I trust you, Eric? What's in it for you?" the rational Olivia was back. He sighed, his eyes betraying a hint of vulnerability. "Let's just say I have my reasons: Some satisfaction. Helping you might turn out to be a mutually beneficial arrangement." Feeling a mix of intrigue and rebellion, Olivia considered the audacious proposition. "You're asking me to fake a marriage with you, mess with my father, and in return, you get… satisfaction?" Eric chuckled. "Don't get it confused; you are asking me to marry you so you can defy your father. We'll play our parts and separate once the mission is accomplished." Olivia was more drawn to the idea, "Okay, Eric. Let's do it. I accept your proposal. There is too much to gain from this. I could even reclaim what's rightfully mine. I'm in." To this, Eric let loose a low chuckle, "Cheeky," he said and turned to leave. "Call me," she said to him as he left. "I will," With an agreement sealed, Eric left the bookstore, leaving Olivia to contemplate the unexpected turn her life had taken. As he stepped outside, he went to a sleek, dark sedan parked by the corner. The driver, a stoic figure, greeted him as he entered the car and then returned to the driver's seat. Seeing the smile on his boss' face, he asked, "Did you have a good time seeing Miss Oliva, sir?" Eric leaned into the backseat, a satisfied smirk on his face. "Gregory, I'm getting married." The driver's eyes widened before his lips lifted slightly. "Congratulations, Sir." As the sedan glided through the city streets, Eric couldn't help but relish the audacity of their plan. As Olivia closed the bookstore early, anticipation and a hint of anxiety accompanied her on the journey home. The prospect of entering into a sham marriage with Eric weighed on her mind. She had remembered his broad shoulders and tall form that complimented that godly face. Upon arriving home, her phone buzzed with an incoming call. The display revealed the name she both expected and hated – Lorry Wilson. Taking a deep breath, she answered, "Hello, Dad." "Olivia, my dear, how are you?" Her father's voice sounded affable, concealing an agenda she knew all too well. Cutting to the chase, Olivia asked, "It's been three years since we last spoke." "Yes," he answered. "Why are you calling?" Lorry hesitated before deciding to go straight to the point. "Well, I've been thinking. There's this young man, the son of an old friend of mine. He's successful and charming, and I believe you two would make a perfect match. I want to introduce you." His words were expected, but she needed to find out where he got the audacity. "You haven't talked to me in three years, and now you want to set me up with someone who is a friend's son?" Her father's tone shifted, revealing desperation. "Olivia, you have to understand. Business has been tough lately. This connection could help us, help me." Olivia's eyes narrowed. "Your business is not my responsibility, Dad. I am not usually the one that handles marrying someone just to keep your business afloat. If you cannot do business, pack up and go home." Lorry attempted to plead his case, "Olivia, think about the family legacy, the name Wilson. It's important." She scoffed, feeling a surge of irritation. "What does your Wilson name have to do with me? Do I receive money from you? Does anything Wilson have my name on it that I should care about if it falls?" Exasperated, Olivia decided to end the call since he did not seem to have any else to spin. "I'm not interested. Goodbye." Feeling a mix of relief and frustration, Olivia suddenly recalled her sister's situation. She remembered hearing about Richard Madison, a senior from high school who led the chess club she was in. The other day, she had heard he was now a highly regarded divorce lawyer. According to them, he was not only entirely known in his field, he was in their city. She texted some friends from school and asked around for his information. After getting it, she dialed his number. "Richard, it's Olivia Wilson. We went to high school together." Richard's warm voice came through the phone. "Olivia, it's been long." She could tell, he was somewhat taken aback by her call. "Sorry, some friends from school said you have become a really good divorce lawyer and I wanted to get your opinion on something," she explained. "Is this about your marriage?" he asked, his voice colder than she recalled. You will need to book an appointment. I usually don't take work at off hours." "No, it is about my sister Emma," she said. "I seem to have some time, so I'll summarize the details," he said after a pause. As Olivia narrated the distressing details of Emma's situation, her sister's arranged marriage to Charles, and the escalating mistreatment, Richard listened intently. "I'm sorry to hear about your sister's ordeal, Olivia. We need to ensure her safety. Tell me more about the specifics. Has Emma reached out to anyone for help?" Olivia sighed, "Emma hasn't sought help. She endured this for her son. She seems to think there is no way out. But I want to get her out of that marriage." Richard's voice seemed to become colder as he talked. "I understand, Olivia. We must prioritize Emma's safety. Do you have any evidence of the mistreatment? Text messages, photos, anything that could support our case?" "I've gathered evidence for a while; if there's any way we can help her legally, I'm prepared." "Okay then, come into my office tomorrow with her. She needs to want to get out, or else I can do nothing. Olivia. Let's schedule an appointment tomorrow to discuss the details in person." "Thank you, Richard. I will stop by with her tomorrow; please text me the address." Meanwhile, back at her father's office, Lorry Wilson stared at his phone in disbelief, realizing that Olivia wasn't like her sister, Emma. He only needed to show weakness, and Emma willingly wore the wedding dress to help him out. Frustrated and angry, he dialed a number on his phone. "Mason, we might have a little problem. Olivia is not cooperating," he said. "You wanted to give your daughter to me for a slot in the city bid happening soon. Do I need to help you convince her, too?" a cold voice said from the other side of the phone. "No, it's just that since she is unwilling… maybe there is something else I could…." "So, you promised your daughter to me and could not deliver, but you are making it sound like I am forcing you. If so, then get your slot through someone else. I don't wish to be the devil of this story." Afraid he would end the call, Lory Wilson panicked, a determined glint in his eyes. "Don't worry, Mason. I've got everything under control. Olivia will soon realize that this marriage is the best option for her."