Chapter 2

                                    

                                          
Nathalie watches the clock ticking on the wall of the foyer, feeling her heart beat faster with every passing second. Her face seems almost pale under the dim light of the ceiling, and there's an odd glint to her eyes as she stands there motionless.
She nervously runs her fingers through the soft fabric of the dress she's wearing, feeling her nerves begin to crest. She keeps her eyes focused ahead of her, as she takes a sharp breath, trying to maintain her composure.
She knows her boss wouldn't like to see her acting unprofessional because one thing Gabriel Agreste dislikes is disorder. But her witless thoughts are paused by the fact that Gabriel Agreste will soon be her husband and not just her employer.
That they'll soon be married and she'll become Mrs. Agreste.
Perhaps she's making a terrible mistake, maybe she shouldn't marry Gabriel Agreste. Maybe she can still back down, and pause this madness. But deep down Nathalie knows she can't. She knew from the beginning that she wouldn't be able to say no to him. How could she when he's lost everything he ever lived for and everything he ever loved. Her heart wasn't cruel enough to deny him. Seeing the look of desperation and agony on Gabriel's face was enough to make her accept his proposal. Nathalie didn't have any other option and maybe if she did, she simply wasn't brave enough to decline him.
———
"Nathalie?" She hears someone calling, and she turns around to find Paul approaching her.
"Are you ready?" He asks as soon as he comes near her. His voice is soft and there seems to be an almost regretful expression on his face, and she wonders why if this was all his idea.
"It's time," he says, "The judge has arrived..."
Nathalie only gives him a small nod and begins to walk towards the formal dining room.
As soon as Nathalie enters the room, she finds Gabriel standing in front of a small table, and the judge standing right behind it.
Gabriel's eyes follow her with great intensity as he gives her the most stern look ever. His eyes betray all the anger he's feeling as he finds himself obligated to marry his assistant, and the way he looks at her seems to show how much he despises all of this.
"Hello Miss." The judge greets, extending his hand to her. Nathalie quickly shakes it to then take her place beside Gabriel.
It doesn't seem real to be standing by her boss like this, nothing of what's happening today feels real at all.
Nathalie stares at the documents on the table, as if she were trying to confirm their authenticity. She's aware that once they both sign these papers, they'll be legally married, and she'll be obligated to live in this house.
Nathalie recalls Paul's words from a few days ago. He had informed her that once they married she'd be compelled to live with Gabriel in order to not make anyone suspicious. He told her that once a safe and appropriate time passed, she'd be able to go back to her own home, and live her normal life again.
However, Nathalie gets the feeling that nothing will ever be normal after this.
———
The judge begins to speak, saying all the things that must be said when two individuals are getting married.
Nathalie's mind barely captures what's being said, only responding when needed, as she keeps a neutral expression.
After what seems like an eternity, he finally asks them to sign the papers below them, to then introduce them as Mr. and Mrs. Agreste. He congratulates them, and then he's gone.
"It's all over, Gabriel. You don't have to worry about that woman anymore, your home is safe."
Gabriel only nods to Paul's words, and then he watches as he goes to Nathalie, and immediately leans in to give her a hug.
"Thank you so much, Nathalie."
He whispers, giving her a soft smile. He then takes off, leaving Gabriel and Nathalie alone.