Chapter 5

With her plate of pizza and glass of wine in hand, she returned to the dining area and settled in one of the chairs. She savored each bite of the square pizza and the rich red wine. She was lost in thought, the weight of the day's events heavy on her mind, when a sudden shadow loomed over her. Natalie turned around quickly to find Lars standing behind her. He looked slightly disheveled, his usually pristine appearance softened by the loose polo shirt he wore, untucked and relaxed. His suit jacket hung casually over one arm, and the tie loosened at his collar. For a moment, they both stood frozen. It was obvious that they weren't expecting to see each other at such a time, at such a place, and at such a state. Lars's face then broke into a slow, warm smile as he took in the sight of her.

“Natalie,” he said gently, his voice breaking the silence. “Are you only eating now? I thought I ordered the staff around to prepare you one much earlier.”

Surprised by his sudden presence, Natalie took a moment to gather her composure.

“They did,” she replied, returning his smile with a tentative one of her own. “They offered earlier, but I told them I'll just come down later. They said I could get anything I liked from the fridge.”

Lars nodded, his expression softening with understanding. He moved closer, the dim light casting soft shadows across his face, accentuating the weary lines of a long day.

“I see,” he said, glancing at her plate. “I hope you found something you like.”

She nodded, briefly glancing at her half-finished meal. She took in his slightly rumpled appearance, and then the thought struck her.

“Wait, have you eaten?” she asked. Natalie stood up from her chair, the nightgown flowing around her as she moved, and set her plate aside.

“I can get you something if you're hungry.” Natalie stood in front of him, looking up into his eyes, waiting for his response.

Lars's gaze slowly shifted, and for a brief moment, he seemed like he was losing himself in a trance, still like his head was lost in the clouds. His eyes traced her lips, down to her collarbone, and the delicate lines of the nightgown that clung to her curves—its delicate fabric almost see-through—showed glimpses of her pale skin beneath.

The sight of her in such a soft, intimate state seemed to momentarily render him speechless. Realizing where his gaze had wandered, Lars quickly brought his eyes back to hers, a slight flush coloring his cheeks. He briefly ran his hand across his face as he cleared his throat, regaining his composure.

“No, thank you,” he finally replied, his voice a touch huskier than before. “I had something earlier. But I appreciate the offer.” Lars leaned back slightly, his eyes lingering on her for a moment longer.

“The nightgown suits you,” he added, a hint of admiration in his voice. “You look... lovely, Natalie.”

Caught off guard by his compliment, Natalie felt a rush of warmth flood her cheeks. She stammered, trying to gather her thoughts. The way he said it had physically caressed her heart—not that she's ever received a compliment for years, not from Vesper, not from anyone.

“Oh, ah, I didn't mean to wear it... I just found it so beautiful so I…” she admitted, her fingers nervously smoothing the delicate fabric.

Lars interrupted her gently, a reassuring smile playing on his lips. “I had those clothes brought in for you,” he said, his tone unwavering. “They're all yours, Natalie. Wear them as you please.”

Natalie’s mind reeled as she tried to process Lars's words. She looked up at him, her brow furrowed in confusion and a tinge of disbelief.

“What? Are you serious? You bought those… for me?” she asked softly, her voice tinged with both surprise and uncertainty.

Natalie still struggled to accept the care behind the things Lars did, unable to fully grasp why he would go to such lengths, providing her with an array of beautiful clothes, offering his home, and proposing a marriage of convenience. Lars stepped closer, pulling out the chair beside her and sitting down. His gaze, though weary from a long day, was gentle.

“Natalie,” he began, his voice low and soothing, “I noticed you didn’t have much when you arrived. And I couldn’t let you go without everything you need.”

Natalie’s eyes dropped to the floor, a wave of guilt washing over her. She hadn’t meant to be a burden, and yet here she was, enveloped in his generosity. She felt a pang of self-reproach, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the tablecloth.

Lars reached out and gently took her hand, his touch warm and firm. He gently pulled her closer, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat.

“This,” he said, his voice firm yet filled with compassion, “is the bare minimum of what you deserve, Natalie. You’ve been through so much. So, please, let me take care of you.”

Before she could respond, he lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a tender kiss onto her knuckles. The unexpected gesture sent a shockwave through her, and she stared at him, her breath catching in her throat. Though very taken aback, she didn’t pull away. She didn't even flinch, as if her skin was waiting for it.

The touch of his lips against her skin was gentle, almost reverent, and for a moment, she allowed herself to bask in the unfamiliar sensation of being cherished. Lars let her hand go slowly, his fingers lingering as he released her. He stood up, his movements graceful and unhurried, and straightened his slightly disheveled attire.

“You should finish your meal,” he said. “I’m going to head to bed. It’s been a long day.”

Natalie nodded, still reeling from the intensity of their exchange. She watched as he gathered his jacket and began to move toward the door. 

He then paused, turning back to her with a soft smile. “I’d love to have breakfast with you in the morning,” he added, his tone inviting and warm.

“Of course,” she managed to reply, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’d like that.”

With a final, reassuring nod, Lars left the dining room, the soft click of the door echoing in the vast space. Natalie stood there for a moment, her heart pounding in her chest and her mind a mixture of overwhelming emotions. She looked down at her hand, still tingling from the gentle kiss, and felt her cheeks grow warm with a flush she couldn’t quite control.