The Billionaire’s Temptation

9.

Olivia

I sat nervously in the lawyer's office, fidgeting with my bracelet . I can't believe I'm actually doing this. I'm going to face Logan and make a decision about the future of my unborn child.

My lawyer, Ms. Martin, sat across from me, looking poised and professional as always. She gave me a reassuring smile, and I tried to return it, but I'm sure it came out as a grimace.

"We'll get through this, Olivia," she said, patting my hand. "Just remember, we have the law on our side."

I nodded, trying to take comfort in her words. I had been hesitant to involve lawyers in this situation, but Jamie had convinced me that it was the best way to protect my rights as a mother.

After what felt like hours, there was a knock on the door. My heart started pounding in my chest, and I took a deep breath before calling out, "Come in."

Logan stepped into the room, looking surprisingly calm and collected. He nodded to Ms. Martin before turning to face me.

"Olivia," he said, his voice surprisingly soft.

"Let's get straight to the point," I said, my voice steady. "I've made my decision. I want full custody."

Logan's expression darkened, and for a moment, I thought he was going to protest. But then he nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips.

"I understand," he said. "And I'm willing to support you in any way I can. Financially, emotionally, whatever you need."

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by his sudden change of heart.

"What's the catch?" I asked suspiciously.

Logan held up his hands in surrender. "No catch. I've had some time to think things over, and I realized that I don't want to be the kind of father who abandons his child."

I stared at him, unsure whether to believe him or not. But then I remembered what Jamie had said – trust, but verify.

"Fine," I said, trying to keep my voice even. "But we need to set some ground rules. You can't just waltz in and out of the child's life whenever you feel like it. You need to be committed."

Logan nodded. "I understand. And I'm willing to sign any agreement that you and your lawyer come up with."

Ms. Martin cleared her throat, drawing our attention back to her. "Well, then. Let's get started, shall we?" she said, pulling out a stack of papers.

I took a deep breath as Ms. Martin pulled out the stack of papers. This was it. The moment of truth. I glanced over at Logan, who seemed calm and collected, but I knew that there was still a chance he could back out.

Ms. Martin began to explain the co-parenting agreement to him, and I could see the realization dawning on his face. He had already given his word, and he couldn't back out now.

But when Ms. Martin mentioned the marriage agreement, I saw Logan's eyes widen in surprise. He turned to me, clearly taken aback. "I didn't agree to that," he said firmly.

I could understand his concern. Logan had a reputation to uphold, and being married to a pregnant woman wasn't exactly going to help that. But I also knew that this was the only way I could trust him to take responsibility for our child.

"Logan, I know what you're afraid of," I said, taking a deep breath. "But we need to do this. It's the only way I can trust that you'll take care of our child."

"By getting married?" He asked with a hint of annoyance in his voice. "You know quite well that I have a fiancée"

A smile found its way out of me. "You don't" I said boldly. "You're not wearing any ring" I gestured to his hand that was resting on his laps. I noticed that since that day. You can't fool me with that" I said. "If there are no more questions from you, Ms. Martin will go on. I'm sure you have somewhere to be" there was no denying that he was taken aback by my revelation. He had me feeling guilty that his fiancée would be concerned in our problems. Turns out he broke up with her. I don't know the full story yet but Jamie told me he broke up with her on the day of their wedding. I don't know where she got the news from. There was nothing of such on the internet.

Ms. Martin cleared her throat, bringing our attention back to the matter at hand. "As I was saying, we can draw up a co-parenting agreement that outlines both of your responsibilities and rights as parents. And we can also draft a marriage agreement that takes into account your individual concerns and ensures that both parties are protected."

Logan looked at me, clearly still processing the fact that he was no longer engaged. "I...I need some time to think about this," he said finally. "Can we reconvene in a few days?"

Ms. Martin interjected, "Mr. Logan, I understand your concern, but the earlier you sort things out, the better it will be for all parties involved. It's best to have everything in writing and settled before the baby arrives. That way, there won't be any confusion or disputes later on."

Logan let out a deep sigh, clearly frustrated. "Fine, but let's get this over with quickly."

Ms. Martin went over the co-parenting agreement with us, detailing our respective responsibilities and rights as parents. It was a long and tedious process, but we finally reached an agreement and signed the necessary documents.

"Now onto the marriage agreement," Ms. Martin said, pulling out another stack of papers.

I could see the hesitation and fear in Logan's eyes as he looked at the papers. I knew it was a lot to ask of him, but it was the only way I could trust that he would be there for our child.

"Logan, please. This is the only way I can trust you to take responsibility," I pleaded with him.

He let out a deep sigh before nodding his head. "Okay, fine. Let's get it over with."

We spent the next hour going over the marriage agreement, discussing the terms and conditions, and finally signing the papers. It was a surreal experience, knowing that I was getting married to someone I barely knew and only for the sake of our child.

As Logan got up to leave, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Relief that everything was settled, fear of what the future held, and a strange sense of gratitude towards Logan for agreeing to this arrangement.

"Thank you," I said softly as he walked towards the door.

Logan turned to face me, his expression softening for a brief moment. "I still can't believe I've gotten myself into this mess," he said with a hint of regret in his voice. I could tell he was feeling uneasy about the situation.

"I'm sorry for using that word, Olivia. I didn't mean to make it sound like our child is a burden or something negative. I just can't believe how my life has taken this turn," he said sensing the expression on my face his voice laced with regret.

I nodded, understanding his perspective, but not wanting to let him off the hook too easily. "I know. But this is the only way to make it work. And for your offer, I will go to your family house" I stated forming my lips into a thin line.

"How long do you want me to give you to get prepared?" there's nothing to get prepared for.

"I can go anytime. It's fine by me"

"Alright then. I will pick you up tomorrow morning. Do you need a ride home?" Logan asked.

I hesitated for a moment, considering the offer. It would save me the trouble of hailing a taxi, but I didn't want to inconvenience him any further.

"If it's not too much trouble, I would appreciate it," I finally replied.

Logan nodded and we drove in silence to my house. Once we arrived, he walked me to the door and waited until I was safely inside.

"Thank you for the ride," I said, turning to face him.

"It was my pleasure. I'll see you tomorrow," he replied with a small smile.

As soon as I crashed on the couch, I let out a deep breath. The events of the day were still sinking in, and I couldn't believe that I was going to pretend to be Logan's best friend's cousin when I'm married to him. But it was the only way to ensure that he would take responsibility for our child.

I was still seated on the couch when the door suddenly banged open and Jamie stormed in, clearly upset.

"What the hell, Olivia? You're making major life decisions without even telling me?" Jamie fumed.

"I'm sorry, Jamie. I didn't mean to leave you out of the loop. I just didn't know how to bring it up," I apologized.

Jamie's expression softened slightly. "I understand that this is a difficult situation, but you can't shut me out like this. We're in this together, remember?"

I nodded in agreement. "You're right. I should have talked to you about it first. I promise to do better in the future."

Jamie sighed. "Okay, apology accepted. But you owe me an explanation of everything that's going on."

I smiled in return. She side hugged me. "I'm proud of you girl. Logan has no choice but to go by your books. Anyways, congratulations married woman. You're off the market now" I rolled my eyes in return.

"It's not like it's something serious. I had to do this" I said letting out a weary sigh. "It's an agreement. We both will focus on our business"

Jamie nodded her head. "As long as you're not going to take all this alone. It's fine. On that accord, let's order food. I'm starving" I shook my head. Jamie and eating are like two peas in a pod.

"Sure thing," I said with a smile. "What do you want to eat?"

Jamie grinned mischievously. "How about we order everything on the menu?"

I laughed. "You're going to bankrupt us, Jamie."

She shrugged. "Well...you're married to Logan Nero. So It's worth it for the good food."

We spent the rest of the day catching up and enjoying each other's company, grateful for the support we had in each other during these trying times.