Marrying her Ex-husband's Uncle

Chapter 6

A few minutes later, Ryan returned to Nathaniel's office with the family lawyer. The lawyer laid several documents neatly across the desk.

"Everything you requested is here, Master Nate," he said respectfully. "The marriage certificate, the prenuptial agreement, and the merger agreement between Stavros Logistics and Oceana Shipping Lines. All that's left are your signatures."

Nathaniel's attention drifted to Barbara. He had expected to see hesitation. Instead, she carefully examined every page with calm, analytical eyes.

"The prenuptial agreement," he began. "I hope you don't mind—"

"I don't." Barbara didn't even look up. "I understand your reasoning, Mr. Stavros."

She had already learned her lesson. When she divorced Luke, she had lost far more than she ever imagined because they had never signed a prenuptial agreement.

She had no interest in Nathaniel's fortune. She wasn't marrying him for love. She was marrying him for war.

"Good." Nathaniel signed the documents without another word.

Barbara followed immediately after.

Once every page had been signed, the lawyer and Ryan quietly excused themselves, leaving the newlyweds alone.

Nathaniel folded his hands on the desk. "Now that we're officially married… It's time to establish the rules of our marriage."

Barbara blinked.

Rules?

Shouldn't they have discussed those before signing?

Then again...

It was already too late to back out.

"All right," she said with a resigned sigh. “Let's hear them."

The corner of Nathaniel's mouth lifted slightly. "Rule number one. Our marriage remains a secret. There will be no public announcement. We're playing a long game, Barbara. You never reveal your strongest card until the perfect moment."

Barbara considered his words before nodding.

She had to admit… Watching Luke discover the truth at exactly the right time would be far more satisfying.

"Rule number two..You don't contact me directly. Everything goes through Ryan. My time is valuable, and I expect you to value yours as well."

"I'll assign you a personal assistant—someone trustworthy who knows how to keep secrets and handle whatever problems arise."

Barbara nodded again.

She had no intention of discussing personal matters with Nathaniel anyway. Their marriage was nothing more than a business arrangement.

Nothing else.

Nathaniel leaned forward slightly. "Rule number three."

"I won't always be there to protect you from Luke." His voice became colder. "You'll have to learn how to fight back. A weak wife reflects poorly on me. And I don't tolerate weakness."

Barbara lifted her chin. "You don't have to worry. I can take care of myself."

The old Barbara had endured everything because she loved Luke. That woman no longer existed. Luke had buried her the day he betrayed her.

Now...

Only revenge remained.

Nathaniel gave a small nod. "Good."

Barbara looked at him expectantly. "Is that everything?"

"There are two more."

She couldn't hide her surprise. "This marriage comes with a lot of rules."

A faint smile crossed Nathaniel's face. "Rule number four. I don't want you having any contact with Luke."

His gaze locked onto hers. "I may only be your husband on paper… But I am still your husband. I despise betrayal more than anything. There is no room for another man in this marriage."

"If you betray me… You won't enjoy the consequences."

Barbara swallowed.

For a brief moment...

He didn't sound like a man discussing a business arrangement.

He sounded...

Possessive.

She quickly pushed the thought aside. She was obviously reading too much into it.

"I understand. You don't have to worry. I won't go back to Luke. Or to any other man."

Nathaniel held her gaze for several seconds. "You'd better not." His tone remained calm. "But I'm not a forgiving man when someone makes a fool of me."

He paused before adding, "And one more thing."Mr. Stavros' is far too formal. I'm your husband now. Call me by my name."

Barbara hesitated. "Do I really have to?"

"Yes."

She let out a quiet sigh. "...Nathaniel."

Her pronunciation sounded awkward. The name still felt unfamiliar on her tongue.

Nathaniel shook his head. "It's Nate."

Barbara met his eyes again. "Nate."

"There." A satisfied smile finally appeared on his face. "Much better."

He leaned back comfortably. "And lastly… This is a business marriage. I expect professionalism from both of us."

He held her gaze as though daring her to challenge him. "So don't you ever fall in love with me…”