Chapter 5: Preparations
1063 Words
Olivia's pov
The party went well and for the rest of the night, we didn't get to see Little Miss Red Dress and I was very happy, at least I don't have someone staring daggers at me.
I knew that the rumors don't die down easily and the photographers didn't disappoint too and I knew that by tomorrow everywhere would be on fire including the office.
I knew that some of my colleagues would want to know every damn information and I wasn't sure if I would tell them and besides I don't have the courage to face anyone.
When I returned later that night there was silence in the penthouse.
Everything from the gala was gone including the blaring music, the dazzling lights and the icy looks and the murmurings and pointing but I still didn't forget how Logan had come to my rescue.
But the sensation within my chest wasn't, it still lingered stubbornly and refused to leave no matter how hard I tried to push it away.
We walked in and I almost felt dizzy not because I was drunk but because I was tired and I really didn't have much to drink.
“ I thought you'd be more tired.”
He remarked quietly while still watching me and he ran his hands through his hair.
“I'm not very good at pretending.”
I muttered and looked away and stared at the painting on the wall.
The forced laughter and the fake smiles exhausted me.
I could feel the heat radiating from his body as he sat next to me, I didn't expect him to sit that close to me.
I was about to speak when my phone rang.
Glancing at the screen I froze.
It was a number that I didn't think I had saved on my phone.
After hesitating and my fingers twitching as I picked it up, I responded.
“Olivia Hart?” the cold piercing voice on the other side asked.
“This is Eastbrook Collections Marcus. It's past due for your parents' debt.”
My heart slammed against my ribs and it seemed someone or something had sucked off all the air in my lungs.
“Law enforcement will be contacted if payment is not received within 48 hours.”
The person on the other end continued.
I took a deep breath and tried not to panic and my voice cracked when I spoke.
I licked my dry lips.
“I…I will try to set up something.”
“Try is insufficient. We will seize your family's assets if you don't pay what you owe. This serves as your last warning.”
It clicked off the line.
My hands were shaking as I gazed at the phone.
Every glimmer of hope I had since deciding to wed Logan seemed to be vanishing and I really didn't know what to do and I thought of asking Logan for help but I was kind of embarrassed to do so.
Logan softened his gaze.
“You're having problems.”
I nodded and my head felt kind of heavy as I nodded and a knot tightened in my stomach, I nodded slowly not believing what I was saying.
For a moment he remained silent.
Then he reached out and silently took my hand.
“I'll help you.“
He said and it seems this was a dream and with a twinge of surprise in my chest I glanced at him.
“You don't even truly know me so why would you do that?”
I asked and swallowed hard.
The half-smile that made my heart race but also perplexed me curled his lips.
“Because I now own you and I am your husband.”
Heat shot up my cheeks as I swallowed.
He made no hesitation.
His thumb moved lightly over my skin as his hand cupped my cheek.
Our eyes met and I didn't believe that my boss was now my husband and he was holding my hand and we were sitting in his living room.
Abruptly he inclined closer and his lips found mine slowly, tentatively and softly.
Astonished by how real it felt, I closed my eyes.
There was no contract here, this was not a game and it was more than that.
“Logan.”
I muttered breathlessly as we parted and I looked down at my hands.
He gave a quiet smile.
“Together we will tackle your issues.”
I was willing to believe him for the first time.
I was the first to wake up or maybe I was because we didn't share the same bedrooms.
I looked down from the balcony, a cup of coffee in my hand.
Logan came up behind me silent but unwavering.
“You should call your parents,” he advised.
I shook my head slowly.
No.
They take too much pride in themselves.
My assistance will never be accepted by them.
”He circled my waist with an arm.“
I'll give them a call after that.
It was almost frightening how confident he was.
Despite my desire to argue, I knew I needed him.
“I'm afraid.”
I said. “What if things only get worse because of this marriage?”
He gripped my hand harder.
“We'll take things slowly, one after the other..”
So I looked at him.
I noticed a glimpse of something genuine in his eyes for the first time.
Kindness might have been the reason.
Perhaps there was another reason.“ I'm grateful,” I muttered.
“Don't thank me yet, Mrs Blake. There is still much work ahead of us.”
********** I sat at the dining table that night and tapped my fingers nervously.
With two glasses of red wine before me Logan joined me shortly.
Lifting his glass, he remarked .
“To new beginnings.”
I pressed mine to him.
“To new beginnings”, I repeated. I briefly forgot about debts and fake engagements as we drank.
“The wedding preparations are going on and I want the wedding to be what you want.”
“What do I want?”
I laughed.
“What if I say that I want a fairytale wedding?”
“So be it.”
He shrugged.
Perhaps this marriage involved more than just agreements and financial gain.
Perhaps just possibly it might be real.
- Writer
