Chapter 3

Lars led her out, and they made their way to his study. She fidgeted with the hem of her shirt, struggling to shake off the sense of unease. This was the beginning of a new chapter in her life, one filled with uncertainty and risk, one that would change everything, as in everything. Inside the study, a man in a vest was sitting on a chair, a glass in one hand and a cigarette in the other. He placed both down upon seeing them.

“I'm Marcus,” he introduced himself, standing up as he nodded. Natalie smiled at Marcus as she and Lars sat down on the opposite side of the polished mahogany desk. She immediately felt how imposing Marcus was, and every bit of him was as intimidating and classy as Lars.

His jet-black hair, much like Natalie's, was meticulously groomed to a slicked back. He wore a tailored charcoal suit that fit him perfectly, paired with a crisp white shirt and an ash silver tie. Despite the smile, Natalie sensed the coldness in his gaze, like steel hidden beneath velvet. His eyes, sharp and calculating, held a hint of detachment. It was as if Marcus wore his warmth like a mask. He was mostly a polished professional, effortlessly combining the sharpness of his attire with an unspoken assurance that everything was under control.

As Natalie's gaze shifted to Lars, she couldn't help but notice the striking contrast between the two men. While Marcus exuded a calculated professionalism with a hint of icy detachment, Lars seemed to embody a unique blend of warmth and, well, bitter intimidation. In a similarly impeccable brown suit, Lars carried himself with an air of quiet confidence, his attire a subtle opposite to Marcus's steely appearance. Despite the sharp angles of his jawline and the stern set of his features, there was a softness in Lars's gaze that kind of pacified his stern front. His eyes, a warm hazel, had this depth of understanding and compassion, but only for her, complemented well by his blonde hair that seemed to sparkle when hit by the sun.

They then dove into the details of the contract. Marcus cleared his throat as he began to outline the terms with precision. He discussed the approximate duration of the marriage as well as the conditions for annulment and the protections in place for Natalie. There had to be clear boundaries on paper, mostly to benefit Natalie. Lars did not want her to agree to this and feel suffocated again.

“Regarding the duration of the marriage, we propose a period of one year,” Marcus stated, staring at Lars and then at Natalie. This was a supposed.

They've assumed that a year is the maximum time it will take to deter Vesper if the appearance of a wedding itself doesn't shake him. Lars simply remained quietly observant, his gaze flickering between Marcus and Natalie, his posture relaxed yet attentive. With each clause covered, he offered Natalie a reassuring nod, silently acknowledging her concerns and ensuring she felt accommodated and understood.

As the details were getting finalized, Natalie suddenly started to feel a sense of resolve. This was the right thing to do. Or, more accurately, the safest and most convenient option there is. But just as they were about to sign the contract, Natalie paused. She dropped the pen gently, her hand slightly trembling as she briefly closed her eyes. The heavy feeling was back, making it hard to think. She took a deep breath and then sat right up.

“I feel like all of this is so bothersome for you, Lars. Maybe we should just go to the police. They could—”

Lars interrupted her by lifting a finger and glancing at Marcus, tilting his head. “Marcus, could you fill Natalie in on what we've discussed?”

Marcus nodded, sitting up right as he leaned forward. “Natalie, we've carefully considered all options. Going to the police poses a far greater risk. Vesper Stout…” He paused, briefly huffing a puff from his cigarette.

“Despite not having Lars's resources, he has powerful family connections within the law enforcement. They could easily hinder any attempts to protect you and even aid Vesper in his pursuit,” he continued. 

Natalie frowned, confusion evident in her eyes. “What? I don't understand,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Vesper never seemed to be like that. All I knew was that he owned a bar and made enough from it. How is that…”

Lars exchanged a concerned glance with Marcus before turning to her. “Natalie, sometimes people hide their true selves very well,” Lars began, his tone gentle yet serious.

“We've uncovered evidence suggesting that Vesper's wealth and influence go far deeper than what he's shown you.”

Marcus nodded, taking over the explanation. “Vesper's family has deep-rooted connections within the law enforcement, which they've used well to cover up his… activities. He's actually involved in numerous illegal enterprises. And, well, his family's influence ensures that any legal troubles he encounters are swiftly dealt with, often without leaving a trace.”

Natalie listened, her face pale with shock. “I... I had no idea. How did I never notice?”

Natalie’s mind spun with a torrent of emotions, with a kind of confusion that made her physically sick apparent. The image of Vesper as a simple bar owner shattered under the weight of the revelations. She was with him for years and never even noticed the slightest hint of his faked image. Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat echoing the disbelief that pulsed through her veins.

She felt her hands tremble as she grappled with the reality of who Vesper truly was and the danger he posed, lurking like a shadow over her. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to steady her racing thoughts. She held her hand, and just like how it’s always been, composed herself despite the turmoil inside was far from settled. Natalie gathered whatever stability she had left, the sense of urgency pressing down on her like a heavy weight.

“Alright,” she said, her voice wavering.

Natalie picked up the pen, her fingers still trembling slightly, and signed the contract. Lars watched her closely, his expression a mix of concern and relief, as he followed right after, signing the paper. Once the paperwork was done, Marcus gathered the documents, the air around him still professional and composed as he came.