Chapter 2 Living Together

Nadine remained blissfully unaware of Margot's discreet presence outside the door.

She believed that everyone was having lunch at the canteen during lunchtime.

Otherwise, she wouldn't give Denis the chance to unleash his torrent of distasteful words on her.

She was furious now.

"Denis, your second child has just graced this world thanks to Margot's sacrifices. Don't you feel guilty? Have you ever wondered why she forgoes makeup and hairstyles? It's not for lack of taste but the ceaseless demands of nurturing your kids and managing your extended familial responsibilities. Her personal time? That's a distant memory for her."

Nadine continued, "She could be a charming and respectful lady if she hadn't chosen to wed you and bear you children. How dare you demean her like that?"

Nadine wished she could beat Denis to death then and there.

"Women are supposed to have children and take care of the family after getting married," Denis, seemingly impervious to guilt, said self-righteously. "Margot's lack of progress is her own doing. Blaming me is absurd."

Unable to control her anger, Nadine gave Denis a forceful smack across the face.

Shocked, Denis remained completely silent for a minute.

Nadine, grappling with her rage, found it challenging to regain composure.

How could he be so despicable about his wife?

"Denis, I refuse to fall in love with an unappreciative guy like you! You're nothing short of a monster to me. Treat Margot with the decency she deserves, or face the consequences!"

Denis, now nursing both a physical and metaphorical blow, harbored newfound animosity towards Nadine.

Meanwhile, Margot, eavesdropping from outside, dissolved into tears.

When the staff returned from their lunch break, Nadine still didn't see Margot.

Nadine distributed wedding candies to her colleagues, announcing her marriage and that there wouldn't be a celebration for the time being.

The workday persisted until the late hours. Nadine busied herself with work until she got a call from Carsten.

"Have you wrapped up for the day?"

Carsten's voice, unmistakable, came from the other end of the line. Recognizing the voice, Nadine responded, "Mr. Fletcher?"

It wasn't because she had a good memory. Rather, it was because of his voice, which was highly recognizable, low and mellow, like the sound of a cello.

"It's me. I'm outside your company. Come out when you're done," said Carsten.

Nadine was heading home anyway. "Okay, just a moment."

Hanging up the phone, Carsten got out of his car. "Elvin, take the car back," he instructed.

"Yes, sir," the driver, Elvin, responded with due respect. "Are you sure you don't need me here, sir?"

"It's alright. You can go now," Carsten replied.

To cut down on expenses, Nadine, Denis, and Margot strategically positioned their business in the urban village of Faysage.

Not far away lay a bustling commercial epicenter, a nature unique to Faysage.

Carsten lingered outside the company for a few moments.

The clamor of vendors and the hustle of people created an uneasy atmosphere, conflicting with his distinctive temperament.

Seeing Nadine coming, he approached her.

"Why the surprise visit?" Nadine, puzzled by his presence, recalled not having informed him of her workplace.

Carsten, skipping pleasantries, got straight to the point. "My company went belly up, and the bank snagged my residence and car. I don't have a place to live now. Any room for me at your place?"

Nadine was momentarily speechless, baffled. "I thought everything was fine this morning. Did something happen?"

With an air of composure, Carsten calmly lied, "This all went down this afternoon."

Nadine struggled to reconcile the sudden turn of events.

Why hadn't he divulged this before they got married?

Adding to the dilemma, Carsten continued, "Moreover, I'm strapped for cash now. Could you lend me a hundred grand?"

He wouldn't have resorted to deception or sought financial aid from her if he hadn't agreed to his father's request before.

In truth, Carsten wasn't interested in testing Nadine. Their impending divorce nullified any need for such examinations.

But it seemed Alfred intended to prove Nadine's virtue.

Resignedly complying, Carsten awaited Nadine's inevitable refusal.

Nadine, a perceptive woman, struggled to digest the reality that her new husband was unexpectedly bankrupt and now soliciting a loan.

She didn't respond immediately.

Her brow furrowed, conveying a sense of feeling duped.

Observing her reaction, Carsten secretly grinned.

He believed she couldn't accept this.

Her inability to accept the situation played to his advantage since he wouldn't have to live with her.

Perhaps she'd claim he deceived her and initiate the divorce immediately.

Carsten was very sure of it.

This approach would expedite his freedom, circumventing the one-year waiting period.

"Why didn't you say this earlier?" Nadine, now composed, asked him.

But on second thought, Nadine acknowledged she willingly entered this marriage, and Carsten hadn't coerced her into anything.

Even if he was genuinely bankrupt with no funds to his name, she couldn't place blame. They were a couple now.

Couples weathered storms together, right?

"Alright. Where's your luggage?" Nadine calmly asked.

Carsten was lost for a moment there.

He furrowed his brow. "You're agreeing to let me stay in your house?"

After an internal struggle, Nadine replied candidly, "You've hit rock bottom with no place to go. How can I turn you away? It's fine. I didn't marry you for your wealth anyway. Since we're married, we're family. I'll take you in. Let's go. I'll drive you to my place."

Carsten was shocked.

He expected rejection.

Moreover, he aimed to prove to his father that Nadine wasn't as virtuous as he believed.

But now, it seemed she genuinely cared, embodying the kindness his dad had spoken of.

Hoping for rejection, Carsten asked, "And what about the hundred grand I asked to borrow?"

"I need some time to think about it," Nadine responded thoughtfully.

A hundred grand wasn't a small sum.

"If you're uncomfortable with it, I won't push you. After all, we've known each other for less than ten hours," Carsten said.

"I'll give you an answer tomorrow morning," Nadine replied.

A thought crossed her mind. "Mr. Fletcher, aside from bankruptcy, you don't have outstanding debts, do you?"

They were now husband and wife.

If Carsten was indebted, she'd be obligated to share that burden.

She was anxious about it.

Carsten noticed her unease.

Lying about his financial state had already been unjust to her, and he didn't want to burden her further, so he clarified, "No. I can settle my debts. It's just that after settling them, I'm left with nothing."

"That's fine." Nadine breathed a sigh of relief and offered encouragement, "You're intelligent. Secure a job first. With hard work, you can stage a comeback."

Carsten remained silent, nodding in acknowledgment.

He had to admit that he didn't find her annoying.

"Did you bring any belongings?" she asked.

"My residence was abruptly sealed off. I had no chance to gather anything," Carsten explained.

"Let's go. I'll purchase some clothes and essentials for you," Nadine suggested, leading him towards a nearby supermarket.

Denis, emerging from an alley, overheard their conversation.

He contemplated mocking Nadine.

Was this the man she chose?

Her husband not only faced financial ruin but also sought financial aid from her.

How could she align herself with such a man?

Denis harbored resentment, having faced rejection and humiliation from Nadine. He couldn't forget that slap she gave him.

He despised her and yearned to embarrass her publicly.

Perhaps, he mused, he could use her husband to subject her to humiliation.