Chapter 7

Christopher's eyes narrowed into slits as he gazed at Olivia, Nathan's handpicked choice for him. He often wondered about the inner workings of his friend's mind, but this latest move left him baffled. What possessed Nathan to think pairing him with Olivia was a good idea?

"Can I sit?" she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty. Olivia's small, charming smile faltered for a moment as she awaited Christopher's response to her question, but Christopher's silence was deafening. He didn't respond, didn't even acknowledge her presence.

Undeterred, Olivia took a seat across from him, her gaze wandering around the vast, empty space. The restaurant was enormous, with high ceilings and large windows that let in a flood of natural light. But despite its size, the room was eerily quiet, the only sound the soft hum of the air conditioning. Olivia's brow furrowed in confusion. Where were the other patrons? The bustling atmosphere? The clinking of dishes?

Instead, there was only silence, and the single table and two chairs they occupied, looking tiny and isolated in the vast, empty space. Olivia's confusion deepened, had they booked a private room? But why would Nathan do that for them?

As the silence stretched, Christopher finally spoke, his deep voice breaking the uncomfortable silence. "I know you're wondering why we're the only ones here," he said, his eyes clearly showing annoyance. "The place was reserved for us," he explained, his tone detached, his words clipped. "Nathan wanted to ensure our meeting wouldn't be...interrupted."

Olivia nodded slightly, a subtle acknowledgment of Christopher's explanation. Her eyes never left his face, her expression that of polite interest. But beneath the surface, her mind was racing with questions. Why had Nathan chosen this setting for their meeting? And what did Christopher mean by 'interrupted'?

"A minute," Christopher muttered, his voice dripping with annoyance. He stood up abruptly, the chair scraping against the floor with a loud screech. The sudden noise made Olivia's eyes widen in surprise.

Christopher turned and walked away, leaving Olivia staring after him in confusion. He strode across the empty room, his footsteps echoing off the walls. Olivia's eyes followed him, wondering what he was doing.

As Christopher reached the far side of the room, he pulled out his phone and dialed Nathan's number, his eyes never leaving Olivia's face.

"What is this you did?" he growled immediately Nathan answered.

Nathan's tone was cautious. "What are you talking about? I'm lost."

Christopher's laughter was low and menacing. "Don't play dumb, Nathan. Olivia? Why her?" His voice rose, the question hanging in the air like a challenge.

Nathan's chuckle was hesitant. "Would you have preferred Racheal?" he asked, attempting to deflect. Christopher's brows furrowed, his eyes flashing with annoyance.

"That doesn't explain why you picked her. I need an explanation, and I need it now." The demand was clear, the underlying threat evident. Christopher's eyes remained fixed on Olivia, his gaze piercing and unyielding.

"Calm down, dear friend," Nathan responded, his voice casual and playful, a hint of amusement dancing in his tone. "I'm Nathan, and you know me best. I never make wrong decisions, Christopher."

"Well, this is your first," he retorted, his voice dripping with a hint of dry humor.

Nathan chuckled, the sound warm and reassuring. "Where's the harm? Talk to her, and if it doesn't work out, I'll find someone else. That's a promise. But give her a chance first."

Christopher sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, his eyes closing momentarily as he collected his thoughts. "I'll trust you, as always," he murmured before sighing and ending the call. He tucked his phone into his pocket and walked back to his seat, his eyes locking onto Olivia's.

Olivia gulped, her slender throat constricting as she struggled to maintain her composure under his intense gaze. She had been nervous about this moment, but now that it was here, she steeled herself to face her fears. Her hands rested in her lap, fingers intertwined as she awaited Christopher's next move.

"Why did you agree to this?" Christopher asked, his voice low and even, his eyes never leaving Olivia's face. "To Nathan's request?"

Olivia's voice was steady, her words flowing smoothly. "I'm not sure, Mr. Christopher. But one thing is certain, you need my help, and I need yours to free my brother."

Christopher's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "This is about your brother again?"

Olivia's response was firm, her jaw set in determination. "Everything is about him, Mr. Christopher. I wouldn't be here with you, discussing a contract marriage, if not for the fact that I want my brother out of jail."

Christopher's annoyance was evident on his face, his features tense with displeasure. He stared at Olivia, his eyes searching for something, but she met his gaze calmly, her expression serene.

"You'll marry me in exchange for your brother's freedom?" Christopher questioned, his tone doubtful.

"Did I say otherwise?" Olivia threw a question back, her voice tinged with a hint of amusement, a small smile playing on her lips.

Christopher raised a brow, his eyes glinting with interest. "I could refuse this, you know?"

Olivia's smile grew, her eyes sparkling with a hint of defiance. "I'm very well aware of that, Mr. Christopher. If there's anything I promise you in this arrangement, it's that I won't stand in your way. I'll work for my own money and won't disturb you unnecessarily. All I need from you is my brother's freedom."

Christopher's eyes gleamed with interest, his brow still raised. "Really now?"

"I don't know if Nathan mentioned this to you," Christopher started, his voice low and even, his eyes locked onto Olivia's. "But we'll have to live with each other for six months before deciding if we want to separate or not."

Olivia's expression remained calm, but her mind was racing. Six months was a long period, but it was a small price to pay for her brother's freedom. She pressed her lips together, her eyes never leaving Christopher's. "I have no issues with that, Mr. Christopher," she responded calmly, her voice steady.

Christopher's eyes seemed to bore into her soul, as if searching for any sign of deception. Olivia's nerves began to fray, but she maintained her composure, her face calm. Christopher sighed and relaxed into his chair, his gaze still fixed on her.

"Well then," he started, his voice devoid of emotion. "Did he also tell you that, during those six months, you ought to have my child in you?"

Olivia's eyes went wide, her face frozen in shock.