Chapter II:

Boom Goes the Dynamite

November 2016 – New Haven, Connecticut

He couldn't believe what he was seeing at that very moment. It was right there, plastered on the glass window, cold eyes piercing through him - gone were her playful eyes and seductive smile. She was back to the mysterious woman by the window - Fitz knew it was Alex. It must be her. Whatever name Leo may have called her, Fitz knew it was the same woman who captured every fiber of his being.

She looked pristine, dressed in what seemed to be a cream silk top over her white coat – with her blurry name and hospital logo embroidered over her breast pocket. Her face was stoic and serious as she held her head high and her arms crossed over her chest – like she was demanding respect and reminding everyone of her influence. She is everything Fitz could remember, undeniably beautiful and poised, leaving him utterly speechless. He was again left day dreaming of the enticing woman underneath the moonlight. But with this new and unfamiliar image of her – Fitz could very much feel her coldness and lack of emotion.

"Well Mr. Grant, meet Olivia Carolyn Pope" Nicole, Leo's most trusted associate, repeated with a popping sound as she emphasis the letter P's to her name, interrupting Fitz from his musings. "She is the only child of Elijah Pope and Maya Lewis – she has pedigree of both Pope aristocrats and Lewis political dynasty – hence they were dubbed as the next Kennedys. After Eli participated and later on led a nationwide protest fighting against injustice to people of color, He became sensational"

The blonde continued as she posted a photo of young Eli Pope, dressed immaculately in three-piece suit, side-by side the photo of Olivia. "Eli's lineage can be traced from the black aristocrats who gave rise to the African-American upper class. Backed with his solid platforms especially for the progress of his race, and his family's wealth, he became a statesman and eventually served as Chief of Staff to his good friend, the 43rd. Our people, by people I mean Republicans, have surprisingly foreseen him to be the first Black President until the Obamas happened and her dear wife fell ill to Alzheimer's."

Nicole then posted a photo of young Maya Lewis on the other side of Olivia's photo. The photo seemed to be taken when Maya was the same age as Olivia. Seeing all of them side-by-side, Fitz could see why they were the modern America's poster family. They were people of color who held and exude power to match that of a royalty, and even more.

"Leading us to Maya Lewis." Leo dramatically interrupted. "Though she came from a long line of politicians from Virginia, Maya Lewis chose a life away from the limelight and politics. She met Eli Pope when she was visiting her sister in Princeton. They eventually dated and got married after Maya finished medical school. She was allowed to have her own career and she happily let her husband took the reins in her father's political goals."

"She then made a name of herself in the medical community away from her fathers constant nagging for them to start a family. She is the first black cardiothoracic surgeon in our beloved country and she is a Nobel Prize awardee in Medicine for pioneering heart transplant, and she was very good at her job. She was tapped by Yale to spearhead the development of their very own cardiac clinic – exceeding that of Cleveland and Mayo Clinic. As soon as his husband left the House the same time 43rd finished his second term, Maya was vetted to be the United States Surgeon General, which she refused. Many thought it was because she can't leave her position in Yale but the real reason was only made public early this year – her Alzheimer's."

Silence filled the office. Hearing this reminded Fitz of Olivia's sad eyes. It could be easily unnoticed by anyone but Fitz new those eyes because it mirrored his.

"Don't be dejected for Maya because her brilliant genes were passed on to her more brilliant daughter and your future wife" Leo emphasized the last part.

"Do you know her? Personally, I mean?" Fitz cut in, ignoring Leo's last statement. He was genuinely curious if Leo knew this woman because all this information was pretty hard for him to digest. Leo just gave him a lopsided smile. He didn't expect Fitz to be this interested.

"Are you sure her name is just Olivia Carolyn Pope? Does she have a twin?" Fitz asked again.

"Have you met her?" Nicole asked with a glint of genuine curiosity in her eyes.

"No," he answered almost instantly.

"You must be living under a rock all these years, sir."

Leo began to explain further animatedly – pacing back and forth across the room, with him and Nicole taking turns placing her photos on the glass wall. "Olivia Pope is currently the youngest cardiothoracic surgeon in the country and youngest awardee of both Lasker Award. She is indeed her mother's daughter. Before becoming the superb human being that she is now, she was sent to Rosenberg when she was twelve. She mostly lived in the Alps for eight years and travelled to God knows where, spending mommy and daddy's money to avoid America's public eye."

"This couldn't be true!" He thought. Hearing Rosenberg made Fitz realize that Olivia and Alex were really the same person. Fitz couldn't believe it. For months, he had been obsessing on this woman only to find out she's carrying a completely different name and much to his surprise, she is Elijah Pope's daughter. He knew the man and even worked for him for a short period of time right after his Naval stint. He admired him and agreed with his platforms and foreign policies - more than he admired and agreed with his father.

"She had medals in competitive swimming, horseback riding and skiing. Every dollar spent by Momma and Papa Pope was actually worth it because she graduated on top of her class, which in reality is a minor achievement compared to the connections and relationships she built with future rulers and world leaders– the most important weapon in her arsenal." Leo looked at him meaningfully and it suddenly clicked. Fitz was suddenly reminded why they were in the room digesting every thing that is Olivia Pope. They were actually serious about getting him a wife – a powerful one.

"Wait? How are you able to get those?" Fitz was intrigued. He was starting to get uncomfortable – they were breeching someone' privacy. "Is this even legal?"

Ignoring Fitz, Leo began posting different pictures of young Olivia in her childhood days: most of it during her days in Rosenberg – with her dark green blazer, dark gray skirt ending just above her knee and dark blue calf socks. Most of which featured her affluent friends and Fitz could even recognize very familiar faces. Their polished look could have passed for a print ad. Some photos showed Olivia, sandwiched between her parents, posing after receiving awards and medals and some while she was in action during riding competitions – she was smiling, but her eyes were not shining. Fitz was reminded of the night she met her – she was his Mona Lisa.

"Let's go to the fun part." Nicole promptly took over. "While in Switzerland, Olivia had been an apple of the eye to most of her teachers and coaches because of her inborn brilliance and competitiveness. But she also casted a spell on many princes and even sons of dictators – well for a very different reason, if you know what I mean." She gave him a knowing look. "She was able to avoid the American tabloid and evade tarnishing his father's political status because she chose to party in Europe when not buried in books, both during high school and early college days. And oh boy, the young lady knows how to party."

Nicole started showing photos of a more mature Olivia. She had visibly shed off her baby fats, her high cheekbones became more pronounce, her chest became more noticeable, and her hair always kept straight or in soft curls. She was oozing with sex appeal and she was a vision to behold. Fitz knew that if he had known her before, he would be crazy over her and never let her go. Then Fitz saw THAT photo. Olivia was dressed in body hugging red mini-dress highlighting her sexy body, prominent hips and very round ass and subtly featuring her cleavage; Fitz's memory was triggered and he can't help but remember the night they spent.

-o-

May 2016 – Queen, New York

"I decided I'm not waiting for anybody."

Having the most beautiful woman in his arms, Fitz finally relaxed in his chair and pulled Olivia roughly into his lap, pressing her against his chest. They couldn't stop. They started kissing again and he continued caressing her thigh, which elicited the most beautiful sound he had ever heard – her soft moans and hushed grunts. He took her moans in between their kisses as a sign of approval. Olivia's dress had slightly ridden up and he continued his ministrations until he reached her underwear.

'God, the things he'll give to have his way with her' He thought. But he knew he can't just have her there, at least not like that. But he was damn sure, tonight, he wanted more from her and he wanted to give more of him.

He suddenly stopped and rested his hand back on her thigh, but he began stroking it when she grunted from the lack of contact, obviously wanting to feel more of him. Fitz knew they have to stop, because if they don't, he might not be able to control himself and take her at that very moment. They may be in the more private part of the restaurant but the place was packed.

Neither of them could breathe, they released each other and smiled. Olivia looked around. The rest of the patrons were ignoring them but she wanted to get him to herself.

She bit her lower lip as she wiped lipstick off his lips. She pulled her dress and tugged it down. Fitz continued to stroke her smooth thigh and with how she felt, she knew she was in deep trouble.

Olivia was the first one to get up a. "I have to use the bathroom," She softly whispered and bit his earlobe before excusing herself to freshen up while Fitz paid their bill. Just when she was about to disappear into the back of the restaurant, she tossed a smoldering look at Fitz and beckoned him to follow with just her seductive gazes. God she was the death of him. Like a man under her spell, Fitz immediately stood up and in seconds, he was steps behind her.

Suddenly, his carnal lust cannot wait any longer, he grabbed her by the hand, and before she knew what was even happening she found herself inside a small, dark, cozy restroom. She heard him lock the door behind them, and all she could think was that this man—this absolutely gorgeous stranger would finally give her what she has been craving as soon as they laid their eyes on each other.

Olivia stepped forward and gripped the sink for support. She suddenly felt weak but blazing with desire under his gaze. She stared at her reflection and then to Fitz – and she suddenly cursed herself for looking at him. Fitz was standing with his back on the door, glancing back at her, his eyes mirroring her sexual desires.

Fitz was studying her body carefully - like predator to his delicious prey. All this time Olivia was watching him and waiting for his next move. His eyes lingered to hers until it went to her breasts. Her dress only showed enough cleavage but this made Fitz hungry for more. "Christ," he suddenly muttered.

Olivia's body trembled at the look of pure need on his face. Out of nowhere, she suddenly felt his hands on her breasts and his dick in her ass.

"Fuck, Fitz." She groaned harshly closing her eyes in complete surrender to her undeniable lust for him. Her eyebrows furrowed as she bit her lower lip – seeing this immense pleasure was Fitz undoing. His resolve started to waver and his control were thrown out the window. Olivia shuddered in surprise when he grinded against her and yanked her closer to him.

"I want… I want…" She spoke incoherently, in a complete state of haze.

His crotch pressed harder against her ass and Olivia's big brown eyes widened when she felt the hard evidence of his arousal. She never gave in this easily. Not even with other men's persistent flirting but this man - Oh! This fine man behind her - made Olivia crave for more at that very instant. "God, what are you doing to me?" She whimpered and moaned.

"Giving you what you want," he growled as his hands travelled down her stomach then to the hem of the dress. He gently brushed her hair from his shoulder and started placing wet kisses on her smooth skin. He started threading his fingers on her inner thigh while his other hand gripped her firm breasts. He then looked at their reflection and he caught her eyes as he started licking and sucking at the sensitive skin on her neck. "Is this what you want? He kept sucking harder – she knew it will leave marks but she just doesn't care. Olivia moaned again as she absentmindedly pushed her hips against him – as if begging for more.

Wanting to see more of her, Fitz swiftly turned her around and reached behind her, clutching the zipper of her dress and tugging it down before pulling the dress down to her waist. She can't believe it was actually happening – right there in a public restroom. But she really can't have herself be bothered if a man like him was doing all that things and making her feel like wreck. He stood there, rooted in his place as he released a primal groan. Fitz was speechless with the beauty in front of him. His gazed stopped on her perky breast – waiting to be touched. Sensing her effect on the man before her, Olivia started to unhook the clasp of her bra and slowly peeled it away from her body – not daring to tear her gaze from his eyes.

Fitz didn't hesitate and immediately grasped her already throbbing breasts and she moaned again when his rough thumbs brushed against her hardened nipples. Olivia felt good – she felt fucking amazing as she run through his hair and clutched his head when he sucked one nipple into his mouth. Olivia started gyrating her hips on his erection with only her panties separating her from him. He circled his hips up every time she ground hers down, and they found a hot steady rhythm.

"Oh Fitz!" Olivia cried out wanting more, and he took it as a sign. He bit and sucked her nipple harder which elicited louder moans. He growled in reply before cupping the back of her neck and started kissing her hard along her throat, jaw and cheek. He was getting her all wound up. He then recaptured her lips and they swallowed the uncontrollable sounds coming from each other's throats – their tongues matching the rhythm they created.

"God, I want to fuck you!" Fitz whispered and evidently showed his desire for her by pushing his tongue insistently into her lips and Olivia instantly gave in and opened her mouth instinctively. She kissed him back frantically as he continued to knead breasts – obviously his favorite part of her - with his large, rough hand. She wrapped her arms around him and dragged her delicate fingernails along along the base of his neck as she let everything go, kissing him with every ounce of passion she didn't know she possessed.

Olivia tightened her arms around him and held on for dear life as her body moved with his. "Please," She whispered pleadingly and gave him a dazed look of hunger in between their heated kiss. Fitz knew that look. She wanted him and she wanted him now. Who was he to ever deny the lady in front of him.

This ignited something in Fitz - as if unleashing a monster who was caged and hidden for centuries, and boy, he did let go and showed gave her what she wanted. Fitz ripped his mouth from her. He turned her around roughly and pushed her up against the sink. Olivia knew what was coming but she wasn't prepared for this monster. By how he felt through her ass earlier, she knew he was huge. And by how he looked at her, she knew he will be uncontrollable. She gripped the sink tightly and stared wide-eyed and open mouth at the the lustful man in the mirror. Her face was flushed, her mouth swollen and red, and the look of raw hunger in his eyes was frightening at the same time, electrifying.

Olivia swallowed thickly when Fitz roughly dragged her dress up around her waist and pulled her skimpy underwear down her legs. She shimmied out of them as Fitz started to hold her ass and pushed her thighs wider. He reached between her legs and Olivia unsuccessfully bit back the shriek of pleasure when his fingers started rubbing her already swollen clit. She started moaning and groaning violently.

"Jesus!" He muttered, "You're so fucking wet. Is this for me?"

Olivia just whimpered staring at his reflection in the mirror as if giving him permission to do whatever he wanted with her body.

Olivia watched as Fitz hastily unbuckled his belt and dropped his jeans. "Fuck!" Fitz hissed in frustration as he ran his hand through his disheveled hair. Knowing what his dilemma was, Olivia seductively and pleadingly whispered, "It's okay. Just, please."

"But," Fitz was never this irresponsible but seeing her at that moment, it made him throw all precaution out the window.

"God, fuck me now!" She said more aggressively.

Olivia wasn't this careless. She knew the consequences. But she was on pills and feeling how big and engorged his dick was – she didn't have any ounce of control in her. It was now or never. Olivia didn't know what was wrong with her. She had never done anything like this before, ever. She may have had her fair share of sexual rendezvous but she had never slept with a stranger.

She stared down at her hands still tightly gripping the sink as she prepared herself of what's about to come. Fitz's hands firmly gripped her thighs and he pulled her legs father apart until Olivia could feel the strain in her muscles.

"You sure? " She bit her lower lip as he breathed into the most sensitive part of her neck. Olivia just looked at him and moaned. She couldn't reply with his hands tightened on her hips before she felt his cock nudging at her pussy.

She squeezed her eyes shut in anticipation. After she ruined her own self esteem and after she trapped herself with Edison, she needed to feel wanted and desired.

"Do it." She husked. She wanted it so badly that she could careless about birth control or protection.

"I'm gonna fuck the shit out of you!" Fitz groaned under his breath as he entered her. "Jesus Christ!" he hoarsely moaned with carnal lust and bit her neck hard, "you're so fucking tight." He mumbled in between his rough assault onto her smooth skin. Her tightness around his dick made him question if she had been fucked before. But he knew better – the way she sexily grinded her body against him, she was definitely a sexual goddess. Olivia slowly opened her eyes and she was met by his piercing blue eyes – now dark with lust and she thought it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.

His cock started thrusting into her and she bit down the moan of pain mixed with hunger that was threatening to escape from her mouth. It didn't take her long to open her luscious plump lips forming a big 'o' – incomprehensive sobs escaping her mouth.

Fitz was fucking her like there was no tomorrow. He was huge and Olivia wasn't sure if she could last any longer. His hand started threading through her hair as he pulled her head up until they were staring at each other in the mirror.

"Do you like it?" His was surprisingly sweet and at the same time - animalistic.

Olivia just nodded and saw a flash of relief in his eyes.

"Your so big! God I love it!" She unconsciously groaned and a proud grin crossed Fitz's face before he thrust roughly back and forth. Olivia's eyes were fluttering and her toes flexing in her high heels. He shifted her in his arms and change his rhythm as he thrust harder against her wet core. She let out a throaty moan as he did it again and again and she felt herself tightening around him every time.

"Oh! I like that! Please. Fitz. Please don't stop!" Olivia cried out, not caring who would hear her. She then raised her head back up and stared at their reflection. She felt his hand tightened in her hair, slightly raising her head and his other hand cupped one of her breast possessively.

He then leaned down to her and met her gaze in the mirror. Fitz loved to watch her reactions as he fucked her hard. He wanted to see the look on her face every time he penetrated her tight pussy.

Fitz straightened up and pounded her with all his strength. Another shudder of desire went through Olivia and he grinned before cupping her throat. He rested his other hand between her shoulder blades and Olivia gripped the sink and held it until her hands where white – as he plunged roughly in and out, his gaze never leaving hers.

"You're so fucking hot," he muttered before leaning forward and nuzzling her back. He started biting her skin trying to muffle his uncontrollable loud moans. "Are you gonna come for me?"

Olivia could only moan in reply. He moved his hand down her back – now coated with their sweat - and squeezed her ass. "Bend over, Alex." He moved his hand from the front of her throat to the back of her neck and he pushed her down over the sink. Olivia made a loud moan of pleasure as he leaned over her and kissed his favorite spot on her neck.

"You feel so fucking perfect around me," he panted into her ear before nipping at her earlobe. The smooth material of his dress shirt and coat rubbed against Olivia's now sweat-covered back and she whimpered loudly when he groped one breast. He pinched the nipple roughly and she made another loud cry of pleasure.

His hand moved from her breast to between her legs, his rough fingers finding her clit easily. He rubbed it firmly and Olivia stiffened against him.

"Oh God, oh no," Olivia cried as her entire body began to shake. "Please!"

"Say my name." He eased up on the pressure against her clit and she whined in protest. "I want to hear you scream my name when you come."

"Fitz!" She gasped. "Please!" She tried to let her head fall forward again but he caught her chin and encouraged her look at him in the mirror.

He was wearing his deadly smirk.

He increased the pressure and Olivia writhed and squirmed against his hand and around his thick cock. A burning sensation started to spread from the pit of her stomach throughout her body, rippling through the apex of her thighs. Olivia's entire body was on fire and she was close to an orgasm; her entire body was vibrating. Fitz pound harder, his breath coming in harsh gasps, as he pulled and tugged on her swollen clit. Fitz dress shirt was drenched with mixture of their sweat

He became uncontrollable. He again straightened his body for more leverage as he fucked her hard, repeatedly, and pounded into her with every strength he had. He was getting close to his climax but he wanted to pleasure her with all his might. He threw his head back and shut his eyes, feeling the intensity of their connection.

"OH! Oh God! Fitz!" Olivia muttered his name in a harsh groan as her entire body stiffened and her climax roared to a different level of high. It was so intense the pleasure bordered on pain, and she arched her back as Fitz's hand tightened on her breast and he thrust so hard that she was nearly knocked off her feet.

Olivia fell against the sink, the cold porcelain digging into her belly, as Fitz made a low roar of ecstasy and his entire body collapsed and shuddered hard against hers. His lips at her ear were murmuring words she couldn't understand as she continuously erupted around him. Both never had an orgasm as intense as this – wrecking their body into pieces. She felt her hot cum dripping out, covering his hard dick. She waited beneath him as Fitz let his head drop to her shoulder and began placing hard kisses, marking her everywhere – his body twitched violently. He then buried his head deep to muffle his scream as his orgasm hit him. It was mind blowing.

His breath was hot against her skin and she squirmed restlessly. She was still trembling minutes later as he pulled out from her. Olivia face flushed feeling the sticky fluid oozing out of her. He stared over her shoulder meeting her hooded eyes in the mirror, she shivered lightly when she saw the seductive smirk still etched in his face.

"God, you are beautiful," He whispered gently. "I like hearing you scream my name when you come." God she needed to get out because if she stayed, she'd be tempted to beg him to fuck her again. And she can't have people outside waiting – "Oh my God!" She thought to herself. By how he was hungrily looking at her, she knew it will be a long night.

Olivia straightened and tried to wiggle out, to Fitz disappointment.

"I'll go out first," She said as she picked up her panties and placed it inside her forgotten purse on the sink.

Fitz leaned against the wall as he silently watched her pull up her dress. He then fixed his clothing and zipped his pants. He then adjusted himself behind Olivia and helped her pull up her dress and zipped it, pushing her hair to the side so it wouldn't get caught in the zipper. They shared another look in the mirror before Olivia turned and reached for the doorknob.

But before she opened the door, she looked back at him and asked "You're good to drive?"

Fitz gave her a confused look but nodded nonetheless.

"Good, cause I'm to drunk to drive back." she said and threw her car key to his direction which he instinctively caught.

"You better have fucking condom in your house."

-o-

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound photos being slapped on the glass – mostly with THAT same good looking hunk Asian guy whose arms were constantly around her hips or shoulder and whose hands were touching places only a guy intimate with her could do. They were smiling like teenagers and for the first time since Leo's team had been posting photos after photos, Olivia actually looked happy. Her doe eyes sparkled and tiny wrinkles appeared at its corners. Fitz was starting to become irrationally jealous of this man who made her beam with happiness.

Suddenly, Leo answered the questions which were starting to brew in his head. "She was pursued by Omar, the heir apparent to throne of Brunei, whom she met during her early years in Switzerland but only started hooking up during their senior year. They were rumored to be shacking when they were both accepted in Harvard and were engaged during their junior year until Olivia broke it off and went to Maryland for here residency while Prince Charming went back to his kingdom." Leo dramatically ended it by tearing an official engagement portrait of the young couple - the Prince was in his white dress uniform and Olivia wowed in her caped Stella McCartney red gown.

Leo then sat on the edge of the conference table giving the floor to Nicole. "She was branded to be the next Ivanka Trump seeing that his father was set to become the next POTUS. Many assumed that Ms. Pope will be following his father's footsteps and would be pursuing a career in law or business and eventually politics, or at least be her father's advisor. But all speculations were dismissed when she took Molecular and Cellular Biology in full scholarship and was later on admitted at Harvard School of Medicine. Many speculated this caused a rift between the two but was later on dismissed when Papa Pope was seen with the America's sweetheart during several outings and even threw an engagement party– well up until they called it quits. And this actually caused a real fallout between the father and daughter."

Leo stood up and dramatically rolled his eyes. "Please. Enough with the drama. She's smart, athletic and definitely knows how to have fun – or so until it lasted. Our brainy party girl, cut back with her night outs and jet setting and actually stayed in the homeland for most parts of her college years. She went under the radar, except for summer vacations spent with her royal boyfriend and their equally royal friends. She was good friends with Princess of Monaco and she was a constant fixture in Italian tabloid were she was frequently featured with Princess Charlotte vacationing in the supposedly private beaches of Europe, and mostly Caribbean, during the princess' heyday"

Nicole started placing tabloid cutout featuring Olivia Pope as she vacationed with Princess Charlotte. One showed them as they were about to ride a yacht in Lake Como and were obviously in a hurry to avoid the unwanted attention. Gone was her soft and childish features – Olivia was a picture of classic elegance. Her hair was in perfect low bun and she was wearing big dark sunglasses to cover her eyes from the blaring sunlight and hide her identity from the paparazzi. She was wearing a flowy emerald halter top maxi dress exposing her back. Her brown skin was accentuated with gold jewelries – she was a goddess personified. "She is indeed America's very own Princess waiting to be kissed by his prince." Leo concluded as he threw his arms wide open, as if proud of their masterpiece – his office floor-to-ceiling glass window was almost filled with Olivia's photos. For an outsider, the team seemed to be solving a crime where Olivia was the victim

"No. No. No. She's not a princess, darling." Nicole interjected shaking her head. "She is a Queen"

Leo gave her a questioning look but the no nonsense blonde just rolled her eyes and shrugged. "What? Have you seen her? She can be the next Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama – no one dared to call them princesses. They're not ornamental. They practically ruled America behind their husbands."

Unbeknownst to them, Fitz was on his own world, ignoring their banter. If Fitz had been feeling hot since he saw the photo of Olivia in her red dress, he was a mess when photos of Olivia in two-piece sun bathing along the shores of Carribean were revealed.

"Mr. Grant?" Leo asked, he had been trying to get his attention for some time now. "Have you met her?" He asked again.

"No" he unconsciously answered. It was the truth though; he barely knew Olivia Pope. As far as he could remember, it was Alex whose every inch of body he had explored.

"Don't worry. You will meet her soon. She could kill those rumors, sir"

"Excuse me?"

"We will plan on how to make this…" Leo hesitated and chose his words carefully " – more authentic"

"No!" He challenged realizing what Leo was suggesting.

"I'm sorry, sir but the rumors are killing your chances"

"He is right, sir." Nicole interrupted as she placed their poll for the past weeks in front of him.

"We have a giant fund-raiser coming up, and our conservative donors are fleeing for the hills. Best way to quash rumors is go with a date, your potential wife – and maybe fly Karen back"

"Come on, Leo. You can't be serious" Fitz humorlessly laughed.

But Leo stood his ground. "You. Need. A. Wife." He reiterated.

"Wait! You do that now? Playing high-powered matchmaker"

"Anything to get you to the Governor's mansion, sir. And right now we're just trying to figure out

the best way to get you there."

"You sound just like my father." Leo didn't answer and that was when Fitz realized it. "Of course this was his idea!"

Leo had been scouting for a woman who is perfect for him but wasn't sure if it was the best idea to shut down the rumors. He had approached Big Jerry about this bump on their road and he was surprised to know that the older Grant was very eager to help. When Big Jerry gave Olivia Pope's name, Leo immediately caught on Big Jerry's plan without it being spoken – indeed it was grand and ambitious – he was stupid not to think of her.

"Before we go down the fake wife road, why don't you tell me want you want sir?" Leo questioned.

"Please stop saying 'fake wife'! You're making it sound cheap."

"I'm sorry for this predicament. But do you prefer anyone else? Unless you have someone in mind to make this more genuine then we can immediately call the Pope's camp and turn down this union" Leo taunted him but suddenly he had a realization, "Oh fuck! Are you? Sorry Mr. Grant for asking this and I'm really sorry for being inconsiderate about this. But, perhaps, do you prefer blonde women?" He carefully and slowly asked – almost like a whisper.

"Oh my God. No! it's not what I meant!" Fitz instantly and frustratedly uttered against his better judgment, running his hand on his face. If Fitz was being honest, he wanted everything about her, regardless of her color, whoever she really is, and he would really love to be with her. He wanted to know more about this woman because at that very moment, he had a lot of questions in his mind.

Realizing his sudden outburst, Fitz corrected himself. "She's beautiful okay? But I don't like any of this arrangement! I don't like how you're scouting women as my potential wife."

"You got it all wrong Mr. Grant." Nicole sassily corrected him.

Fitz was confused now.

Witnessing this, Leo explained further. "You were lucky to be chosen to be her potential husband, Mr. Grant. Not the other way around." Fitz eyebrows furrowed further. "It was just a coincidence that we're looking for a perfect wife for you. She's not just any successful woman. She is a Lewis-Pope. She is packed with political capital and was bound to be married to man decent enough to bring their name to the White house."

Realization hit him. Suddenly, it's felt like a bucket of ice water had been poured over him.

"If I am being honest, her father would have a chance of winning on his own but we all know he gladly stepped down for his wife. But Elijah Pope is as ambitious as your father and he will not put the political dynasty he built to waste. You're lucky to be chosen by him. If Olivia Pope have showed interest, she could have been the first female president. They have the power and his father saw something in you. So you, Mr. Grant, were fortunate to be sought out amongst many. Or would you rather tell them you have too much moral values to engage with this agreement? Because believe me Mr. Grant, a lot of man are waiting in line."

Leo was visibly exasperated but the mix of shock and anger in Fitz's face was all Leo needed to make sure he had conveyed the message. Fitz was seething with rage and disgust. How could they arrange them to be married? How could their own families pawn them for their political games? They were adults and Fitz had his own family and was even a widower. He can decide for his own life. He was no longer the boy who would just follow his father's orders. Was he really this naïve not to expect it?

But more than being mad, Fitz was worried for Olivia. Was she really being arranged to be married to any man his father saw fit? Between the short time they spent that night and the things he had learned from Leo, Fitz now knew why she was happy recounting her stories away, far from home – because she was free. Perhaps, at that moment of reminiscing, she was reminded of her freedom – something she never truly have, just like him. It all made sense to Fitz. Her sad eyes. Her closed off demeanor. And her far and wistful gazes.

"Look. When's the last time a single man has been elected to the Governor's mansion in any state in the last 40 years? When?" Leo interrupted his thoughts.

Fitz remained silent and continued ignoring Leo's rants. A lot of things are going on in his mind. Most of it concerns Olivia and this gave him an idea.

Leo took his silence a sign of approval. "Exactly. People don't like a guy they can't place. You are a widower with no sign of anyone but his daughter who is in boarding school. People don't trust it, and they won't vote for it not even the most liberal of your constituents. It's an uphill battle that you don't want to fight, Fitz, because you won't win. But with Olivia Pope in your arms you sure are going to win. You've got this, Fitz. You are good at this game. You could take the Grant name all the way."

He wanted it. He had wanted it for his entire life. He grew up thinking it was his place. But he would want to do it on his own terms and definitely by NOT using anyone, especially her. But he wouldn't deny it, he wanted – no, he needed to meet her and talk with her. If anything else, he would use this arrangement as his way to continue what she abruptly ended. With a clearer mind, Fitz was planning in his head. Who was he to refuse this opportunity to meet Olivia? Leo was right, if he wont have her, someone else's will – and Fitz can't have that.

"What makes you think I would agree to this?"

"Because she's THE Olivia Pope"

-o-

Hello Guys! I would love to know what your thoughts about this story! Again, I apologize if I have lots grammatical errors. I don't have time to proofread it but I really love to share this story with you.