Chapter 4 Episode 5

The opportunity was too significant, the stakes too high. Liv closed the folder, her fingers tracing the edge of the paper as she looked up at Alex. "I'll need some time to have my lawyer review the contract." "Of course," Alex replied smoothly, as if he had expected nothing less. "Take as much time as you need, but as I mentioned before, my business deal is time-sensitive. I'll need your answer within the next few days." The weight of his words settled over Liv like a heavy blanket. She had expected this, but hearing it made everything feel even more real.

She was standing on the precipice of a life-changing decision, and there was no turning back. "I understand," Liv said, her voice steadier than she felt. "I'll have an answer for you soon." Alex nodded, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary. There was something in his eyes, a flicker of something she couldn't quite place. But before she could dwell on it, he stood, signaling the end of their meeting. "I'll have my assistant provide you with the contact information for my legal team, should you have any questions," Alex said as he walked her to the elevator. "And, Olivia... I appreciate your consideration of this arrangement." Liv nodded, unsure of what to say. The word "consideration" seemed too mild for what she was doing, but she kept her thoughts to herself. The elevator doors slid open, and Liv stepped inside, her heart pounding as she faced Alex one last time. "Goodbye, Mr. Grayson," she said, her voice tinged with a formality that felt strange between them. "Goodbye, Olivia," Alex replied, his expression unreadable. "I'll be waiting for your answer." The elevator doors closed, cutting off the view of Alex's imposing office and the man who occupied it. As the elevator descended, Liv found herself leaning against the cool metal wall, her mind reeling from everything that had just transpired. She had the contract, she had the terms, and she had a decision to make. But even as she tried to focus on the practicalities of the situation, her thoughts kept drifting back to Alex. There was something about him, something that pulled her in even as it pushed her away. He was a mystery, and she couldn't help but wonder what lay beneath the surface of his carefully controlled exterior. By the time the elevator reached the lobby, Liv had managed to steady her nerves. She walked out of the building with purpose, her mind focused on the steps she needed to take. The first thing she would do was contact a lawyer, someone who could review the contract and ensure that she wasn't walking into a trap. As she stepped onto the sidewalk, the city's noise and bustle surrounded her, pulling her back into reality. Liv took a deep breath, letting the familiar sounds ground her. She had a plan, and she would see it through. This was her chance to take control of her life, to secure a future for herself and Emma. She couldn't afford to let fear or doubt get in the way. Liv hailed a cab and gave the driver the address of a law firm she had researched earlier that morning. It wasn't the most expensive firm in the city, but it had a solid reputation, and she needed someone she could trust to guide her through this process. The ride to the law firm was a blur, Liv's mind racing with thoughts of the contract and what it would mean for her life. She knew that this was just the beginning, that the real challenges were yet to come. But for now, she needed to focus on the immediate task at hand. When she arrived at the law firm, Liv was greeted by a receptionist who led her to a small conference room. A few minutes later, a middle-aged lawyer with sharp eyes and a firm handshake entered the room. "Ms. Monroe, I'm James Carter. I understand you have a contract you'd like me to review." "Yes," Liv replied, handing over the folder with the contract inside. "It's a bit... unconventional, but I need to make sure everything is in order before I agree to it." James nodded as he took the folder, his expression professional and focused. "I'll take a look and go over the details with you. Please, have a seat." Liv sat down, her nerves fraying as she watched James flip through the pages of the contract. His expression remained neutral, but every now and then, he would pause to make a note or raise an eyebrow at something in the document. After what felt like an eternity, James closed the folder and looked up at Liv. "This is certainly a unique situation," he said, choosing his words carefully. "The contract is well-drafted and covers all the essential points. The financial terms are generous, and there are clear provisions for early termination if either party wishes to end the arrangement before the year is up." Liv let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding. "So, it's solid? There's nothing in there that I should be worried about?" James hesitated, tapping the folder with his fingers. "Legally, the contract is sound. But I have to ask, Ms. Monroe... are you certain this is something you want to do? This arrangement is, as you said, unconventional, and it's important that you understand the personal implications as well as the legal ones." Liv bit her lip, her mind racing. "I understand, and I've thought about it. This is a business arrangement, nothing more. I'm not looking for love or romance-I just want to secure a future for myself and my sister." James nodded, his expression softening slightly. "As long as you're aware of what you're getting into, I see no reason why you shouldn't proceed. I'll make a few minor suggestions for amendments, but overall, the contract is fair and straightforward." "Thank you," Liv said, relief washing over her. She had expected complications, hidden clauses, something that would make this even more difficult than it already was. But knowing that the contract was solid made it easier to move forward. "I'll have the amended version ready for you to review by tomorrow," James said as he stood up. "Once you've made your decision, we can go over the final details and ensure everything is in order." Liv stood as well, shaking his hand. "Thank you, Mr. Carter. I appreciate your help." James nodded, giving her a reassuring smile. "Take your time, Ms. Monroe. This is a significant decision, and it's important that you feel confident in your choice." As Liv left the law firm and stepped back out onto the bustling city streets, she felt a strange mix of emotions-relief, anxiety, anticipation. The contract was solid, and now all that remained was for her to make her final decision. She had a few more days to think it over, to weigh the pros and cons. But deep down, she knew that her mind was already made up. When she returned to her apartment, the afternoon light was beginning to fade, casting long shadows across the floor. Emma's textbooks were still spread out on the coffee table, a reminder of the future Liv was fighting to secure. Liv sank onto the couch, her mind heavy with everything that had happened that day. She reached for her phone, her fingers hovering over Alex's contact information. She knew she should wait, take the time she had been given to carefully consider her decision. But the thought of delaying any longer felt unbearable. Before she could second-guess herself, Liv dialed Alex's number. The phone rang only once before he answered. "Olivia," Alex's voice came through the line, smooth and composed. "I wasn't expecting to hear from you so soon." "I've reviewed the contract with my lawyer," Liv said, forcing herself to stay calm. "He made a few minor amendments, but overall, everything looks good." There was a brief pause on the other end of the line, and when Alex spoke again, there was a note of satisfaction in his voice. "I'm glad to hear that. Does that mean you've made your decision?" Liv took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. This was it-the moment she committed to the path she had chosen. "Yes," she said, her voice steady. "I'm in." For a moment, there was silence, and then Alex spoke, his tone laced with something she couldn't quite identify-was it relief? "Excellent. We'll meet tomorrow to sign the final contract. After that, we can begin making the necessary arrangements." "Tomorrow," Liv repeated, her mind already racing with the implications of what she had just agreed to. "I'll be there." "Thank you, Olivia," Alex said, his voice softer now, almost... sincere. "I know this isn't an easy decision, but I believe it will be beneficial for both of us." "I hope so," Liv replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I'll see you tomorrow." As she hung up the phone, Liv felt a surge of adrenaline, her heart still racing from the intensity of the conversation. It was done. The decision had been made, and there was no turning back. Tomorrow, she would sign the contract that would bind her to Alex Grayson for a year-a year that would change her life in ways she couldn't yet imagine. The path ahead was uncertain, and the stakes were higher than they had ever been before. But as Liv sat in the quiet of her apartment, the weight of her decision settling over her, she couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. This was her chance to take control of her future, to secure a better life for herself and her sister. It was a risk, but it was a risk worth taking. And no matter what happened next, Liv was determined to face it with courage and resolve. The next day loomed large, filled with the promise of change and the unknown, but Liv was ready. She had to be.