The Confrontation II
1205 Words
Nathan had received a clear warning to treat Marie like a queen, with the promise that after their wedding, his full salary would be released to him every month. However, this seemingly advantageous arrangement became a double-edged sword. Nathan found himself unable to pay off the debt as he had to adhere to treating her like royalty. Any report of negligence could result in the offer being rescinded, and the six million dollars deducted from the debt might be reclaimed.
Marie, proving to be a formidable force, made substantial requests that took a heavy toll on Nathan's salary, leaving him with little room for personal spending or saving. This challenging dynamic persisted for three years until the unexpected bombshell of a divorce was suddenly presented to him. The intricate web of obligations, emotions, and unforeseen consequences had led Nathan to a crossroads in his life.
Furious and unable to cause a scene within the family head's office, Nathan stormed out. He didn't need confirmation; he knew who the culprit was.
There was only one person with the motive and influence to present such a proposal to the family head. Someone harboring enough hatred toward him that she had come close to orchestrating his demise on multiple occasions. The realization struck him with the weight of betrayal as he connected the dots to the one person capable of such a deceitful act.
Determined to get to the bottom of the sudden divorce proposal, Nathan decided to have a serious discussion with Marie's mother, Lady Bell. His conviction was unwavering; he was a thousand percent certain that she was the source of this trouble. There could only be one reason for her to instigate such chaos, a reason known only to her, the family head, and Nathan.
As he stormed out of the office, Nathan wasn't so surprised to find Lady Bell at the bottom floor of the building. The confrontation that awaited held the promise of unraveling the hidden motives behind the turmoil in his life.
"Hey, useless live-in son-in-law of mine, how was the news?" Lady Bell's words dripped with a toxic blend of excitement and disgust as she directed her glare at Nathan. Her disdain was palpable, as if he had personally offended her lineage.
Surrounded by various men of prominence within the family, some being sons while others were fellow son-in-laws like Nathan, the atmosphere was charged. There were also suitors seeking to win the hearts of the few fair maidens present, creating a tableau of intricate family dynamics and alliances.
Choosing the stairs for a moment of respite, Nathan hoped to cool off his anger before confronting Lady Bell. However, her words upon seeing him only added more fuel to the dwindling fire in his heart.
His suspicions were confirmed. The rapid dissemination of news about the divorce couldn't have originated solely from the family head; someone else had been involved in the scheme.
Nathan pressed on towards the door, uncertain of how he would respond to Lady Bell's taunts. As he walked away in his modest attire, the men surrounding him shook their heads, expressing a mix of shame and disappointment.
Among them, some were disappointed by the acceptance of such a seemingly wretched figure into their family. Others expressed dismay at the fact that a woman as beautiful as Marie had ended up with someone they perceived as unworthy. The judgmental glances and silent disapproval lingered in the air as Nathan navigated through the sea of disdain.
Above all others, Lady Bell harbored both shame and disappointment at having a son-in-law she perceived as incapable as Nathan. The stark contrast with his fellow son-in-laws only intensified her feelings.
These men, with their affluence and polished appearances, arrived in impressive cars and hailed from wealthy and prominent families. In some cases, their familial standing surpassed even that of the Nashville family. Lady Bell's dissatisfaction loomed over Nathan, a stark reminder of the stark disparity she saw between him and the other men associated with her family.
Lady Bell acknowledged that her daughter, Marie, had been drawn to Nathan for his looks and physique. Undoubtedly the most handsome and well-built son-in-law in the family, Nathan's physical appeal had won Marie's heart. However, Lady Bell couldn't overlook the practicality of financial stability.
Upon discovering a wealthy suitor eager to marry Marie, Lady Bell wasted no time presenting the idea of divorce to Winston. The family head promptly accepted upon learning of the wealth associated with the prospective son-in-law's family. The clash of priorities between love and financial stability had set the stage for the sudden upheaval in Nathan's life.
As Lady Bell lingered, attempting to rub the news of the impending divorce in Nathan's face, she grew increasingly frustrated at his apparent lack of reaction.
However, a realization dawned on her – no one else knew about the divorce yet. The thought of revealing it to everyone, especially with Nathan present, amused her. Anticipating the mockery that would ensue, Lady Bell relished the idea of making the revelation a spectacle for all to witness.
"Now that you'll soon be divorced from my daughter, I better find her a better husband. I know you only married my daughter to clear the debt your father left behind for you and that sister of yours," Lady Bell's voice echoed through the floor, drawing the attention of everyone present. All eyes turned toward Nathan, seeking either verbal or nonverbal confirmation.
The unspoken knowledge of Nathan's father's demise, coupled with the inherited debt to the Nashville family, hung heavy in the air. With the deed done, Lady Bell ceased her smiling, observing Nathan's pause. Surrounded by a multitude of onlookers, there was little he could do, even if he desired to confront the situation.
In one swift motion, Nathan turned back, his eyes ablaze with anger. Lady Bell flinched the moment she saw his reddened eyes, and he dashed toward her, roaring, "I'll rip out that mouth of yours, you w***e!"
A stunned silence enveloped the surroundings as Nathan's words hung in the air. The audacity of openly calling his mother-in-law a w***e left everyone present in a state of shock, their collective gaze fixed on the unfolding confrontation.
The sons of the family were quick to react, intercepting Nathan before he could reach Lady Bell, and they began to beat him. The bond they shared with her, akin to a mother figure, fueled their protective instincts, preventing them from tolerating Nathan's insults and aggression.
Soon, Nathan's fellow son-in-laws joined the fray, and, unexpectedly, even some suitors became involved. Eager to curry favor with Lady Bell and seize the opportunity to marry her soon-to-be-single daughter, they saw this as a chance to showcase their wealth and act in her defense.
Bang!
Thud!
Bang!
Blows rained down on every part of Nathan's body from directions his eyes couldn't trace. Pain surged through him, an intensity he had never experienced before, and soon, he began to zone out.
"Lock him up!" The command echoed through his battered ears, the last words he heard before succumbing to unconsciousness. The chaotic confrontation had reached its brutal c****x, leaving Nathan incapacitated and confined, his fate uncertain within the confines of his newfound confinement.
- Writer
