Episode 3

After the maid left, Alexander went to his daughter and gave her a tight hug.

Alexander: I'm sorry, daughter.

Olivia: Do you know what makes me saddest about this whole story? You don't think we're human beings, we also have feelings, Dad. We've never had a choice in absolutely anything, and the only one I could have had, you took from me.

She steps out of her father's arms.

Olivia: I'm going upstairs to compose myself. I'll meet you at the table.

Olga: She'll accept it; she just needs time.

Alexander: Did you hear what she said?

Olga: Don't be dramatic. Ava was willing to do anything, so Olivia has to be too.

They returned to the living room, and Olivia went up to her room. She paced back and forth, muttering to herself. She even went out to the balcony. She couldn't breathe. Parked downstairs was a Ferrari. She took a deep breath; none of this appealed to her.

Olivia: Great, I spent my life running from college preppies just to marry one.

She goes back inside and opens her computer, trying to find something about this family, or rather, about her future husband.

She was stunned to see that there was almost nothing about him on the internet. The guy was practically a ghost. There were many photos of him but none of the information she was looking for.

Someone knocks on her door, making her quickly close her computer.

Olivia: Yes?

- Miss, they are waiting for you.

Olivia: I'm coming.

She looks at herself in the mirror, touches up her makeup, and goes downstairs. As soon as she reaches the table, the men stand up.

Alexander: We were waiting for you. I want to introduce you to Fred Villar. This is my daughter, Olivia.

Fred, who had wanted to look at her, turns, looks at her, and takes her hand, giving her a small kiss.

Fred: It's an honor to finally meet you.

Olivia gives a half-hearted smile. He was actually much more handsome in person, but that wasn't the point now. He pulls out the chair for her and then sits down.

There was a certain tension in the air.

Artur: So, Olivia, I heard you graduated recently.

Olivia: Yes, I have to be prepared for business. My father has always valued our education.

Artur: You won't be bored in this business world.

Olivia: Believe me, after learning about accounting, I'm sure nothing bores me anymore.

Artur smiles, as he also hates numbers, as long as they're not the ones in his bank account.

They talked while Fred observed everything in silence, occasionally glancing at Olivia.

After the meal came dessert, and a short while later, they were in the garden area, sipping liqueur.

Olga: Olivia should take Fred to see our property.

Olivia looks at him and then turns her attention to her mother.

Fred: I would love to.

He says, catching her off guard.

Olivia: As you wish!

They get up and walk through the garden. When they are far enough away, Fred puts his hands in his pockets and faces her.

Olivia: Is something wrong?

Fred: Do you agree with all of this?

Olivia: I had no choice.

Fred: Yeah, and it's all because of your father.

Olivia: Who hasn't made a mistake?

Fred: It wasn't a mistake; it was ambition. My father was in trouble, and your father could have just helped him, but no, he made him sign an unreasonable contract.

Olivia: My father didn't force him at any point. If your father signed, he also has his share of the blame.

Fred is silent, staring at her.

Olivia: Tired of attacking me?

Fred: Listen carefully. We're only getting married because of this contract, but don't expect anything from me at all. Whatever crosses your mind, forget it now.

Olivia: You think I'm happy about all this?

Fred: Try to convince your father to undo this contract then.

Olivia: I already tried, but we'll only be left with 20% of our own company. Your father just has to give up his share, and we'll go our separate ways as if nothing happened.

Fred: If my father breaks the contract, we lose 90% of our company. Do you think your father would give that up?

Olivia looks at him silently, knowing her father well.

Fred: That's what I thought.

He leans closer to her ear and whispers.

Fred: Prepare to live your worst nightmare.

He pulls away.

Fred: Now smile; they're looking at us.

Olivia: Go to hell.

She turns and walks back to the house, passing her father, and quickly goes inside. Fred follows close behind.

Fred: Dad, let's go.

Alexander: What happened?

Fred: Ask your daughter.