I rolled over again, sighing as I accepted the fact that I wasn't going to sleep tonight. Instead of going to the penthouse, we went to Nathan's mansion. It was being renovated for the past few months but ready a few days before the wedding.

Our things were already here, mine didn't even fill an eighth of the space in the walk-in closet. I really needed to get new clothes. I had my own room not far from Nathan's or Oliver's.

We came here immediately after the wedding and as per tradition, Nathan carried me through the threshold bridal style. It was sweet of him to do that. Usually, from what I read, in arranged marriages, the husband doesn't do that, often he ignores his wife completely. I know with Nathan that wouldn't be the case.

Giving up on sleeping, I decided to get a bottle of water for just in case I get thirsty later. I crept slowly into the kitchen and opened the fridge, taking out a bottle.

“Can't sleep?” I heard someone say suddenly.

I let out a shriek, putting the water in front of me like a weapon. Not that it would do me much good.

The lights were already on so I could see Nathan sitting at the island behind his laptop, smirking at me. I let out a relieved breath and pushed through my embarrassment to glare at him.

“Why did you do that?” I asked feigning annoyance.

“I thought it would be funny.” Then he let out a laugh that he seemed to have been holding. “And it was.”

I walked towards him. “You're lucky I didn't hurt you.”

He chuckled. “Because a bottled water can do so much damage.”

I rolled my eyes at him then my eyes caught his laptop screen “What are you working on?”

“It's a new hotel.”

“I thought your company only did technology.”

“Yes, but we're expanding our services. That's what this marriage was for. We're collaborating with Jordan and Co to open a new chain of hotels since they're experienced in that line of business.” He explained, showing me the architectural designs of the building.

“Wow.”

“I just hope nothing happens, this is really important.”

I hope so too. If this doesn't work out then it means our marriage would be for naught.

I still can't believe we're married.

“Back to my question.” I raised an eyebrow at him. “Are you finding it hard to sleep?”

I nodded, dropping on the chair beside him.

“Why? Is the bed not comfortable? Do I need to get someone to change it?”

I shook my head quickly. “No, it's not that.”

“Then what is it?”

I was embarrassed to tell him. Only kids have this problem. “I find it hard to adjust to new places.” I watched as his eyebrows furrowed after I said that. “I know it's childish and stupid, it's just something that happens to me. Just forget, I said anything.”

Way to humiliate yourself, Alyssa.

“It's okay, I understand.” He told me. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“No, I just have to get use to the place but I probably won't sleep tonight.” I shrugged, inwardly happy that he didn't find me weird.

“I'll stay up with you.” He offered.

“No you don't hav...” I started but he cut me off.

“Alyssa, Love, I want to help you. Stop being so independent and let me help, just this once.” He said so tenderly, I couldn't say ‘no’.

He led me to the living room, placed me on the gray sleeper sofa and left, giving me signals that he'd be back. He came with two large blankets and spread one on the floor, arranging some throw pillows on it. When he was done, it looked like a cozy little bed.

He sat down on it Indian style and patted the spot in front of him. I took the seat, wondering what he was up to.

“We're married but it feels like we don't know each other so we're going to play twenty questions.” He stated.

I nodded but really I did want to do it. What if he asks questions that would make me lie again? I hate lying to him. Before I could tell him I changed my mind, he asked the first question.

“What's your favorite food?”

Phew. “I like spaghetti.” He nodded. “How long have you been interested in technology?”

“For as long as I can remember. When my parents were still married, I loved going to my Dad's office to see how they make stuff, all the coding and programming, I've always just been interested in it.” He explained.

Wow, I didn't think I would get that kind of answer.

“So has it always been your dream to work in you uncle's company or do you have something else in mind?” He questioned.

I really never had a choice of what I wanted to do with my life. Before I went off to college, Christopher had already signed me up for business and I couldn't object. The best I could do was have good grades so O don't get beat up.

“No.” I replied.

“Then why did you give up your dream?”

Did I have a dream? I think so. When I was little I wanted to be a fictional writer. I loved reading and wanted to write my own books and share them with the world. I guess the dream died with my parents.

“Alyssa?” I snapped out of my reverie at Nathan's call. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I just remembered something. I wanted to be a writer.” I told him.

“What would you write?”

“Novels, short stories, stuff that people could just pick up and read anytime.”

“Then why did you decide to work for your uncle?”

Did I have a choice? “Hailey was never interested in the company and Christopher wanted someone to help him out. After they took me in and cared for me after my parents' deaths it was the least I could do.” Another lie.

“That was very kind of you. I didn't think it would be so personal.”

“No, it's alright, talking about my parents isn't always easy but it feels good.” I wasn't lying this time. I loved talking about my parents. They were good people who did so many good things.

My father was the one who started Jordan and Co. When he died, he left it to Christopher, knowing that wasn't what I wanted to do with my life. He loved adventure and usually took me on whatever one he was going on, be it rock climbing, scuba diving, he'd take my mother and I.

My mother managed a charity called Love For All, it helped needy children,the homeless, those who didn't have enough money to provide for themselves, even paid off people's medical bills. She also had a little bakery and every weekend she and the people who worked there would make a lot of food and snacks and give them out. We'd go from streets to street giving it to people who needed it.

Those were the best moments of my life. I can never forget them.

“Stop crying, Love.” I heard Nathan whisper, swiping the tears that fell away with him thumb. “I'm so sorry.”

I wiped my tears, trying not to cry anymore. “I'm fine, I just miss them.”

“I understand, it must be hard.”

I nodded again, taking a deep breath to calm myself. I didn't even notice that he had pulled me into his lap, cuddling my body to him. I wanted to pull away but I liked the way it felt. The wat he help me made me feel untouchable, protected. I don't want him to let go.

“It's your turn to ask me a question. You can ask me anything.” He told me, trying to take my mind off my parents.

“Why did your parents get divorced?” Was my question. I felt him tense up and immediately regretted my decision. “You don't have to...”

“No, it's okay.” He cut me off. “They got divorced when I was six. My father was never the loving parent, he didn't care about us and never had time to spend. But things got especially bad when I turned six. Julia was only two so she didn't understand what was going on. The fighting went on for about a month before to they decided to part ways.”

“But Mason can't be seven years younger than you, he looks at least twenty five and you're twenty seven.” I pointed out.

“That was the main reason they got divorced. My father told my mum that he had another family. He'd been cheating on her for four years before they split up.”

“Oh.” Was what I said.

“Let's leave that topic for now, do you like any sports?”

We started talking about anything and everything. I guess I fell asleep in the process. I woke up to the feeling of someone bumping into my leg. In my sleepy daze, I was terrified and thought it was Christopher or Hailey until I remembered I wasn't in their house anymore. The lights were off and it was still dark but I could see a small person stepping over me.

“Oliver?” I called quietly.

The person froze. “Yeah?”

“What are you doing up?” I balanced myself on my elbows and something slid down my body to my lap.

I nearly screamed but I noticed that it was an arm, Nathan's arm. In fact, I wasn't in my room, I was still in the living room. Nathan and I were cuddled up on the makeshift bed he made, the second blanket over our bodies.

Our position made me blush. His leg was draped over mine and we were pressed close together. If not we're to lay back down my head would be against his well defined chest.

“I wanna stay with you guys.” Oliver answered. “Can I?”

“Scared, Olly?” I pulled away from Nathan unwillingly so I could make space for him.

The little boy nestled in the small space and I felt him turn his head to me as I laid down. “Not scared, I just wanted family time.”

“Family time?” I squeaked.

“Yeah, you, me and my dad are a family, right. Unless you don't want to be in our family.”

“No, of course I do, I love being in your family.”

I couldn't see him but I knew he was smiling brightly. I personally had tears in my eyes. I was so happy that he accepted me wholeheartedly into his family.

“I love that you're in my family.” He returned. “You're not going to leave me and Dad, right?”

A tear actually fell that time. “No, definitely not. Why would you think that, Sweetheart?”

“Well, my dad said my real mom left us when I was a baby. I don't think she loved me, that's why she abandoned me.” He explained. “And kids in school started telling me that if they were my my mom they'd leave me too.”

I heard him give a little sob. “It's okay, Olly, please don't cry.” I placed my hand on his cheek and sure enough there were tears. I helped him wipe them away as he let out another sob.

He took a few breaths to calm down and spoke again. “Dad said I'm not going back to that school anymore.”

“Of course you won't.”

“So you'll never leave, right?”

“Never.” I assured.

He wrapped his tiny arms around me in a hug and rested his head on my chest. “Thanks Ally.”

“You're welcome, Olly.” With that, we slept off.

I felt bad for Olly, he'd gone through so much but I was also proud. I was proud that he was strong enough to receive those kind of insults and still be the happy, goofy boy I know and love.

And I was proud of Nathan. Being a single dad isn't easy and although he had a lot of work, it seemed like he was always there when Oliver needed him.

It pained me that Oliver's biological mother was so selfish and left Oliver alone like that and Nathan to handle both parental roles but that's not going to be the case anymore.

Oliver isn't just my stepson because his father and I were married. Oliver is my son because I love him and I'm prepared to do anything to protect him.

Author's Note:

Hey guys,

Who else loves this chapter?

I had literal tears in my eyes writing Alyssa and Oliver's scene. I think this chapter has brought Nathan and Alyssa closer, they opened up about their pasts and even though they didn't say everything, it was a step closer to completely trusting each other.

Questions(Yep, I've started doing those now):

Do you think Alyssa can be the mom Oliver needs?

What do you think of Nathan? Does he seem like a good enough dad or do you need more Nathan and Olly scenes?

What do you want to see in the next chapter?

Thanks for reading and don't forget to vote, comment and share.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

-E