“So, you want to make a deal? Sure, what are your conditions?” Elizabeth asked without any surprise in her voice. She knew that Lucien would not agree to a loveless marriage without placing conditions.
“One, I will divorce her when the business deal has gone through and the set-up is complete or in two years, whichever comes first. Two, Natalia will become my lover and next marriage partner. You all will acknowledge her immediately as such and treat her so,” Lucien stated the conditions that he had prepared.
Lucien wants Natalia as his wife? Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed as she glanced to the other elders on either of her side. To acknowledge Natalia as Lucien’s lover and future wife would mean that we won’t be able to touch her or arrange any marriage prospects for her. Is this what Lucien is going after? He’s married her mother before and now he wants to marry the daughter, what does he aim to gain?
“Fine. We, the elders, agree to this proposal. You will announce your engagement to Angela as soon as possible. However, if Natalia does not wish to become your lover or marry you, we will not force her in the matter,” Elizabeth agreed to Lucien’s proposal. Future problems can be dealt with later, for now, the business contract comes first. Angela’s father is trying to cover up many of his daughter’s scandals and is willing to invest so much money in the company if that means he can marry his daughter off. The fact that Angela is smitten with Lucien is making this deal much easier for both sides.
The elders got up from their seats, signaling the end of their conversation. Lucien got up and turned to leave the cold hall.
“Wait for me, Natalia…” he whispered under his breath to none other than himself.
… It’s not often that we’re on a cruise, so I am determined to enjoy myself. Zak and I went for a dip in the pool on the ship’s deck. The weather is so nice and sunny today, the wind in my hair feels refreshing, the birds flying up above seemed to be enjoying themselves as well.
“Feeling better? You’ve been feeling down for a while now, right?” Zak asked in a soft tone as he moved to sit even closer to me in the water.
“Might as well enjoy ourselves while we can. Are you ok though? You know, about Annie…” I trial off.
“It doesn’t bother me, to be honest. I’ve always known that I wouldn’t be able to choose who I marry. As you know, I’ve spent most of my life negotiating with my mother and the elders to pursue my career. They wouldn’t let me model outright but I eventually could get involve in fashion, arts, film and I could lead marketing for our family business. If dating Annie is the price that I have to pay to keep those things, I guess it isn’t so bad,” Zak explained his viewpoint passively.
“I guess it’s fine if you’re really ok with it…” I replied. Not knowing what else to say.
Zak squeezed my hand under the water.
“Will you stay with me?” Zak asked while looking deep into my eyes. His hazel eyes with those light blond long lashes are so beautiful like eyes of a golden lion.
“Forever … as long as you still want me around,” I promised. As long as Zak needs me, we will always be together. Our relationship will never fade; just like the scars he bears for me.
… Evening came much faster than I thought. So far, I’ve been able to avoid Angela by sticking to Zak. Angela spent her time sitting around Lucien, who spent most of the day working on his laptop. It was plain as day that this cruise was not Lucien’s idea and he would rather be spending time working this weekend away in his study.
Dinner with the four of us was awkward at best. Angela tried to make small talk but today Lucien was very taciturn and unfriendly. Zak on the other hand didn’t jump in to help and I obviously did not want to talk to her.
“This cruise is simply amazing. Isn’t it? We should spend more of our weekends on holidays like this. Small getaways are good for relaxing too, right?” Angela said encouraging while beaming her best smile.
Lucien didn’t reply not even bothering to look up from his mobile screen. Whatever joy he presented when he first introduced Angela to me at our house was now gone. Did they get into a fight?
“Usually I just go out with Natalia or Natalia with Lucien. We don’t usually go on group gatherings much, unfortunately,” Zak replied before guiding my attention to look at some newly launched fashion collection on his mobile. Ultimately excluding Angela from our conversation entirely.
The atmosphere was so tense that the good food lost all of its flavor. I feel bad for the chef for cooking up all this.
“I think I’m going to excuse myself. The sun was hot so I’m feeling a little tired and dizzy,” I smiled weakly as I excused myself.
“Oh … let me take care of you then. I’ll bring some champagne along too,” Zak quickly picked up on my queue and left with me.
Lucien looked up to watch us leave then returned his gaze back to his mobile.
… I woke up from my nap and it was already night out. I should shower and change for bedtime. Entering into the bathroom, I could see that the maids have prepared the bath with scented aromatic candles and laid out my nightgown. I should thank them when I get the chance, I thought to myself as I slid into the warm bath water.
The warm water feels so relaxing and I was on the verge of dozing off when I heard my bedroom door open. Is it the maid? I should tell her I don’t require her assistance anymore tonight so she can retire for the day.
“Who is it? I won’t be needing your support anymore for today. You can go rest, no need to worry about me,” I called out to her from the bath, my eyes still closed as I continued to enjoy the warm bath. The lavender scented candles doing its job of calming my nerves very well.
I didn’t hear her reply. That’s odd … The next moment, the bathroom door slowly opened. Maybe she didn’t hear me and came to help give my back a wash or to massage me, I thought sleepily. She didn’t need to, although I wouldn’t mind a back scrub, I thought lazily as I turned towards her.
Mesmerizing green eyes met mine.