chapter 2
1417 Words
Natalie had barely left her parents' mansion when her phone vibrated.
She glanced at the screen.
It was a message from her father.
Dad: Come to the house tomorrow morning. I have something important to give you now that you're married.
Natalie read it twice.
Her eyes widened.
Lucas glanced at her from the driver's seat.
“What happened?”
Natalie quickly locked her phone.
“Nothing. I'll tell you later.”
Lucas smiled.
“Is everything okay?”
“Yes. It's about my father.”
She looked down at her phone again, unable to hide her excitement.
“He wants to see me tomorrow morning and that he has something to give me.”
Lucas remained focused on the road.
“Oh?”
Natalie nodded.
“Don't worry. When we get home, I'll tell you more about it. I don't want to start talking about it while we're out.”
“Okay.”
He reached over and took her hand.
“Then let's enjoy tonight.”
Natalie smiled.
“That's exactly what I want.”
She squeezed his hand.
“You know, I really missed this.”
“Missed what?”
“Being with you without everyone around us.”
Lucas smiled.
“We've been married for two days, Natalie.”
“And?”
“You already miss me?”
She laughed.
“I married you, didn't I?”
“And I am happy you did.”
“And you love me anyway.”
“I do.”
The simple answer made her smile.
Their dinner reservation was at one of the city's most expensive restaurants.
The moment they walked inside, several people recognized Natalie.
A young woman approached her cautiously.
“Excuse me. Are you Natalie Lancaster?”
Natalie smiled.
“Yes.”
“Oh my God. I'm a huge fan.”
“Thank you.”
“Could I take a picture with you?”
“Of course.”
The woman quickly called her friend over.
Lucas stepped aside while Natalie posed with them.
“Thank you so much,” the woman said.
“You're welcome.”
“And congratulations on your marriage.”
Natalie looked at Lucas and smiled.
“Thank you.”
After the women left, Lucas leaned closer.
“You enjoy this.”
“Of course I do.”
“You didn't even hesitate.”
“Why would I? They were sweet.”
He smiled.
“You're very generous with your fans.”
Natalie lifted her chin.
“See? That's another reason you married me.”
Lucas laughed.
“I married you because you're beautiful.”
She narrowed her eyes playfully.
“That was a better answer.”
Their dinner was filled with laughter.
Natalie told Lucas about her mother's reaction to the dress she had bought earlier.
“She almost had a heart attack when she heard the price.”
Lucas laughed.
“Five hundred thousand dollars is a lot for a dress.”
“You sound like my father.”
“Maybe your father has a point.”
“Don't start.”
He raised his hands.
“I'm not saying anything.”
She smiled and continued eating.
After dinner, Lucas surprised her by taking her to the beach.
Natalie stepped out of the car and stared at him.
“You planned this?”
“I did.”
She smiled.
“I love it.”
They walked along the beach, talking about everything and nothing.
Natalie removed her shoes and carried them in one hand.
Lucas looked at her.
“You're going to complain tomorrow when your feet hurt.”
“I won't.”
“You always do.”
“I do not.”
“You complained after our wedding.”
“That was because my shoes were terrible.”
“You chose them.”
“I know.”
They both laughed.
A wave reached her feet, and Natalie jumped back.
“Lucas!”
He laughed.
“You're scared of water now?”
“I wasn't expecting it.”
She splashed him.
He stared at his wet shirt.
“Natalie.”
She laughed and ran.
“Catch me.”
Lucas chased her until he caught her around the waist.
She laughed as he pulled her closer.
“You're terrible,” she said.
“You started it.”
They stood there, looking at each other.
The laughter slowly faded into smiles.
Lucas touched her cheek.
Natalie looked into his eyes.
“You know what?”
“What?”
“I'm really happy.”
He smiled.
“Me too.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck.
“Promise me something.”
“What?”
“Don't ever let anything change us.”
Lucas looked at her for a moment.
“I promise.”
Natalie smiled.
Then she kissed him.
It was soft and sweet, and neither of them pulled away.
Lucas held her closer, and Natalie smiled against his lips before kissing him again.
For a while, the two of them forgot about everything else.
When they finally pulled apart, Natalie rested her forehead against his.
“You're still staring at me.”
“I married you. I'm allowed.”
She laughed.
“That's not how marriage works.”
“It is in my house.”
“Your house?”
“Our house.”
Natalie smiled.
“That sounds better.”
They stayed at the beach a little longer before returning home.
By the time they reached the house, Natalie was tired but still smiling.
She changed into something comfortable, and Lucas joined her.
They spent the rest of the night together as husband and wife, wrapped in the happiness of their new marriage. Their kisses became slower and more affectionate as the night went on, and eventually the rest of the world disappeared from their minds.
Later, Natalie lay beside Lucas with her head resting against his chest.
She traced a finger over her wedding ring.
“I can't believe we're married.”
Lucas looked down at her.
“Why?”
“Because everything happened so quickly.”
“Do you regret it?”
Natalie immediately looked up.
“Never.”
He smiled.
She kissed his cheek.
“You?”
“Never.”
Natalie settled back against him.
For a few seconds, neither spoke.
Then Lucas remembered something.
“Your father.”
Natalie looked up.
“What about him?”
“He wants to see you tomorrow morning.”
“Yes.”
“Do you think it's about the inheritance?”
Natalie's eyes brightened.
“I think so.”
Lucas turned toward her.
“What did he tell you about it?”
“Not much.”
She smiled.
“But he promised me that once I got married, he'd give me something that would belong entirely to me.”
Lucas nodded.
“I remember you mentioning that.”
“I don't know exactly what he's giving me.”
“Then what do you think it is?”
Natalie laughed.
“With my father? It could be anything.”
“Like?”
“A building. Maybe a house.”
Lucas raised an eyebrow.
“A house?”
“Maybe a mansion.”
She laughed.
“You know my father. He doesn't believe in small gifts.”
Lucas smiled.
Natalie continued.
“He once told me he wanted to settle me properly after marriage. I think he might give me a building and part of the family fortune.”
“How much?”
She thought for a moment.
“I think around a hundred million dollars.”
Lucas went completely still.
Natalie noticed.
“What's wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“You look shocked.”
“I wasn't expecting that much.”
Natalie laughed.
“Why? You already knew about my inheritance.”
“I knew about it.”
He smiled.
“But you never told me the exact amount.”
Natalie stared at him for a second, then smiled.
“I suppose I never did.”
She leaned closer.
“So now you know.”
Lucas nodded.
“Yes.”
Natalie rested her head against his shoulder.
“I'm excited to see what Dad has planned for me tomorrow.”
Lucas gently kissed her forehead.
“I'm happy for you.”
She smiled.
“Thank you.”
Natalie closed her eyes, completely relaxed.
Beside her, Lucas remained awake for a little longer.
He looked at her wedding ring.
Then he looked at Natalie.
A small smile appeared on his face.
A hundred million dollars.
That was far more than he had expected.
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