Page 217 of From Rivals to I Do

day, and I can't deny the growing affection I feel for him. But a fake marriage? It feels like a leap too soon, a leap into uncharted territory.

Taking a deep breath, I gather my thoughts and meet Jackson's gaze, searching for answers. "Jackson, this is... unexpected," I say, my voice betraying a mix of apprehension and curiosity. "I mean, we've grown closer, but a fake marriage. This is...a big step. Are you sure about this?"

Jackson's eyes meet mine, his expression a mix of earnestness and vulnerability. "Maya, I understand that it's a lot to ask," he responds, his voice tinged with a touch of uncertainty. "But given the circumstances with Margaret, it's our best chance to secure custody of Henry. I don't want to lose my son, and I know you care about him too."

His words tug at my heartstrings, and I feel the weight of his desperation. I've seen the love he has for Henry, the lengths he's gone to provide for him. And deep down, I know that I care about both of them. But still, I have reservations about the complexities of this arrangement. I reach out to touch his hand, my voice softening as I voice my concerns. "Jackson, I care about you, and I care about Henry. But a fake marriage... It's a bold leap. Are we ready for it? And how will we even go about it?"

Jackson's gaze remains steady, his grip on my hand reassuring. "I understand your hesitations, and I respect them," he says, his voice filled with sincerity. "But I believe we can navigate this together. We can start by seeking legal advice, finding out the best way to present our case and protect Henry's well-being."

I take a moment to let his words sink in, feeling a mixture of trepidation and a growing sense of trust in Jackson's unwavering dedication. The weight of this decision settles upon me, and I know that my choice will have far-reaching consequences.

"I want to help, but this...it feels rushed. We've only recently started exploring a deeper connection between us," I express, my voice tinged with uncertainty. "I need time to process this."

Jackson nods, his eyes filled with understanding. "I get it, Maya. I don't want to rush you into anything. Take all the time you need. I just wanted to put the idea out there, to let you know how important this is to me."

I offer him a weak smile, gratitude welling up within me for his understanding. "Thank you for understanding. I'll think about it and let you know."

Days pass, filled with contemplation and introspection. I find myself torn between the desire to help Jackson and Henry and the lingering doubts that cloud my mind. The thought of a fake marriage raises numerous questions and uncertainties that I grapple with. Can we really pull off such a charade? What impact will it have on our relationship? And most importantly, can I truly commit to this?

Finally, after much soul-searching, I realize that my hesitation stems not from a lack of care, but from a fear of the unknown. Love is never a guarantee, and there are risks involved in any relationship. But the love and compassion that Jackson has shown me Henry, the connection we share—it's worth taking a chance on.

With a newfound determination, I make my way to Jackson's house one breezy evening, my heart pounding in my chest. As I step inside, our eyes meet,

and I can sense the mix of hope and trepidation in his gaze. I take a deep breath, ready to share my decision.

"Jackson," I say, my voice steady, "I've thought about it, and I'm in. I'm willing to go along with the plan. I want to help, and if it takes a fake marriage to secure Henry's future, then I'm willing to give it a try. But we need to be cautious, take things one step at a time, and ensure we're doing what's best for everyone involved."

Relief washes over Jackson's face, and a genuine smile tugs at the corners of his lips. "Thank you, Maya," he says, his gratitude evident in his voice. "I know this won't be easy, but with you by my side, I believe we can make it work."

A weight lifts off my shoulders, replaced by a sense of resolve. I reach out and take his hand, intertwining our fingers, a silent promise of unity. "We're in this together, Jackson. We'll face whatever comes our way, for the sake of Henry." We smile at each other before I take a deep breath. "So how do we go about this fake marriage? What's the plan?"

He pulls me closer, his voice filled with a newfound optimism. "First, we need to gather the necessary documentation—joint accounts, photos together, anything that can validate our relationship. Then we'll have to be prepared to answer questions and create a believable narrative. It won't be easy, but with your support, I know we can convince the court that this is in Henry's best interest."

Jackson lays out the details, and we dive into a whirlwind of planning and preparation. We scour the Internet for tips on building a convincing façade, practicing our responses to potential inquiries.

"Maya, look at this," Jackson says, pointing to the laptop screen as he leans in closer. "I found another article about creating a convincing fake marriage. It suggests we establish a timeline of our relationship, gather photos, and even have some friends act as witnesses."

I nod, my eyes scanning the page filled with tips and tricks. "That could work," I reply, my voice laced with a mix of excitement and trepidation. "We need to make it believable, every detail accounted for."

"Okay, so we'll create a story about how we met," Jackson suggests, his voice alive with enthusiasm. "We can say it happened at that café downtown, the one with the red brick walls and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Remember that morning we spent there?"

A smile tugs at the corners of my lips as I nod, memories flooding my mind. "Yes, I remember," I reply, my voice tinged with nostalgia. "The sun streaming through the windows, the sound of soft jazz playing in the background. It was a perfect moment."

We delve deeper into the details, carefully crafting a narrative that intertwines our lives. We discuss the milestones we would have reached together, the trips we would have taken, and the shared memories we would have forged. The more we talk, the more our fictional story begins to take shape, woven with threads of truth and fragments of imagination.

Amidst the planning, there are moments of laughter, moments where the weight of the situation momentarily lifts. We share inside jokes, playful banter, and a sense of camaraderie that strengthens our bond. The room resonates with the sound of our voices, the clacking of keys, and the occasional burst of laughter that spills out unrestrained.

I glance at Jackson, his eyes gleaming with determination, his brow furrowed in concentration. The weight of responsibility rests upon him, but he carries it with grace and unwavering resolve. He is a father fighting for his son's happiness, and his unwavering dedication fills me with admiration. Now and then, he goes to check up on Henry to ensure he's all right.

Hours melt away, blending into a haze of ideas and possibilities.

"We've made progress," I say, my voice filled with a mixture of exhaustion and satisfaction. "We have a plan now, a foundation to work from."

Jackson reaches out, his hand finding mine, intertwining our fingers in a gesture of solidarity. "Thank you, Maya," he says, his voice tinged with gratitude.

Chapter eight

Chapter Eight

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