Chapter 9 Shattered walls, Open doors

Marilyn didn't expect to see Carl again for at least a week. She had convinced herself that this new city, this new café, and her own stubborn resolve were enough to keep her safe from the chaos his world had brought into her life. Yet here he was, waiting outside the café after her shift, leaning casually against his car, as if he belonged there which, in a way, he did.

Her stomach tightened. She didn't want to see him. And yet, a part of her desperately wanted him to explain everything, to fix what had been broken, or at least to try.

"Carl," she said cautiously, keeping her voice flat.

"Marilyn," he replied softly, not taking a step forward. "Thank you for meeting me."

"I didn't agree to meet you," she said, though her feet didn't move away. She was caught somewhere between wanting to leave and wanting answers.

"I'm not here to argue," he said. "I'm here to be honest. Completely honest."

She studied him, arms crossed, bracing for the storm of words she didn't know if she could handle.

He took a slow breath. "I know you feel like I-like I made a fool out of you." His voice cracked slightly, betraying the tension he usually masked behind pride and control. "I know it looks like I pushed you into chaos. I can't change what happened. But I can show you-show you that I didn't betray you."

Marilyn's heart thudded painfully. She wanted to believe him, but the raw edges of recent trauma made her wary. "Show me how, Carl. Because words don't cut it anymore."

He nodded, understanding the weight of her challenge. "I've already started. I removed my father from my company's board. He doesn't have leverage over me, over you. I documented everything he did every attempt to manipulate or intimidate and handed it over to you. Legally, nothing he tries can touch you again. Ever."

Marilyn's hands shook as she reached for the folder he extended toward her. She flipped it open, seeing the proofs: emails, recorded phone messages, legal notices evidence of his father's meddling. And yet, even with it all, her walls didn't crumble immediately.

"This... this doesn't erase the fear," she said quietly. "Or the feeling of being used as some kind of... chess piece in your life."

"I know," Carl said. "I don't want to erase anything. I want to rebuild trust. On your terms, not mine."

Her breath caught at the sincerity in his eyes-the first time she'd truly seen the man behind the billionaire facade. Vulnerable. Willing. Honest.

"I'm scared," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I trusted you. And now..." Her throat tightened. "...I don't even know who I can trust."

Carl stepped closer, but carefully, respecting the space she'd carved for herself. "Then I'll prove it," he said softly. "I'll show up. Not to control you. Not to fix you. Not to rescue you. I'll just... be here, if you let me. When you're ready."

Tears pricked her eyes. She wanted to push him away. She wanted to walk away. But another part, the part that remembered the nights he'd held her, the way he listened, the way he fought quietly for her softened.

"I don't know if I can... fully trust you," she admitted.

"You don't have to today," he replied. "Tomorrow, maybe. Or the day after. I'm patient. I can wait."

She studied his face. For the first time, she saw the man behind the pride, the arrogance, the wealth. A man who feared losing the one thing that mattered more than power her.

"You're asking a lot," she said softly.

"I am," he said. "But love is worth asking for."

Marilyn pressed a hand to her chest, heart pounding. She didn't say anything, just studied him, letting the words settle. For the first time since everything had begun, the fight inside her the battle between fear and hope-felt like it could be settled.

Carl took a gentle step back, giving her the space she needed, but his eyes never left hers. "I'll give you time," he said. "But I won't walk away. Not from you. Not now. Not ever."

She exhaled slowly, the first real exhale in days. And though the hurt and anger were still there, a fragile spark of something else a cautious hope began to grow in its place.

"I'll... think about it," she said, finally letting her shoulders relax slightly.

"That's all I ask," Carl said softly, a small, almost shy smile tugging at his lips. " I love you Marilyn Porters". Marilyn froze. It was the first time she heard him confess his feelings for her. She turned around and smiled before walking into the cafe. For the first time, the distance between them didn't feel like a barrier. It felt like a beginning.

And as Marilyn walked back inside to finish her shift, Carl stood outside, watching her disappear into the café, knowing that proving love was going to be harder than any boardroom battle but infinitely worth it.