"There we go! This is like our first date. Let's enjoy the meal together." Louis narrowed his eyes so she don't argue and to be honest she didn't. She just looks at him slightly
amused.
Verena pressed her lips but said nothing. "Start the meal." The man smiled that same dimpled smile and stuffed his hands in his pockets, that's when a glint caught her eye and she noticed a gold watch. It certainly finished off his look for him.
This hot, player next-chair who dressed smartly vibe he was giving her, those muscles that were not meant to be hidden.
After Louis said to start the meal, he picked up his fork and knife. Verena reluctantly followed suit, unsure of what to expect from this unexpected first date.
"The reason you tell me makes sense. We really don't know each other, but don't you think we have much time to get to know each other?" Verena contemplated Louis' words as she took a hesitant bite of her food.
She realised that perhaps this unexpected first date could be an opportunity for them to truly get to know each other.
"I appreciate your feelings, but I'm afraid I don't share the same sentiment. We barely know each other, and it would take time to know each other since we don't have feelings for each other."
It made her feel like a cruel woman seeing his face scrunch into a frown because of her harsh words but nothing stopped her words from flowing out of her mouth. Often, they were bitter and Verena could never help it
Louis gaze was not soft; he was glaring at her with a mix of disappointment and frustration. She didn't want to be rude, but she also didn't want to encourage any further advances. He then sighed and said,
"Fair enough. I can be patient. Let's use this time to get to know each other better."
Verena was shocked to hear how easily he was getting the upper hand by agreeing with everything she said. "Alright, but please understand that I'm not promising anything."
Louis winked at her and she trying to keep her cool before she shove him or slap that smile off his face. It's already getting annoying and it hadn't even been 24 hours yet, they met today and a week ago.
With a tight-lipped smile, she turned her gaze away from him. He said, "No problem; you have time to get to know me. How? I don't know. Use your resources and understand me. We'll acquire our marriage certificate within the next week."
Verena was incensed as a result of her shock.
How dare he assume that I will just go along with his plans so easily? I have made it clear that I am not promising anything, yet he seemed to ignore my concerns. She thought bitterly.
"I'm sorry, but I can't agree to that. Getting to know someone takes time and can't be rushed into a week. Besides, as I mentioned before, I'm not ready for any commitments right now."
Louis rolled his eyes and said, "It's not that we are going to live a life like the best couple. It's a contract marriage, so don't hope much about this marriage."
Verena's shock and frustration intensified as he revealed his true intentions. The idea of marrying just to be divorced in six months was absurd and entirely against her principles. His callous demeanour and manipulative approach left her feeling even more outraged.
Verena angrily replied, "I cannot believe you would suggest such a deceitful plan! Marrying someone just for the sake of revenge is unethical and cruel. I will never agree to something so dishonest and hurtful."
Louis looked coldly at her. His green siren eyes were focused on her. "We have got marriage ceretificate. There's no going back now."
Verena snorted and remarked.
His lack of empathy and willingness to exploit her past trauma infuriated Verena even more. She had faced hardships in her life, but she was determined to move forward with integrity and dignity.
"Think about it. It's the perfect plan. Once the divorce is done, you'll be free, and you'll have avenged the one who betrayed you."
"No, I won't allow myself to stoop to such levels."
Louis was frustrated now. This woman thought that she had the upper hand since he proposed to her.
Louis Heisenberg has never dated a girl before.
"You're being too sentimental about this. Emotions won't get you anywhere in the real world. This is a pragmatic decision."
Verena didn't give him a face, glared at him emotionlessly, and said, "Real world or not, I won't compromise my integrity and self-respect for a shallow and heartless plan. I have no interest in playing games with someone's emotions, including my own."
As Verena stood her ground, she realised that this man's cold and calculating nature was not something she wanted to be associated with. His willingness to use people for personal gain went against everything she believed in.
He replied with a hint of annoyance. "Fine, have it your way. But you'll regret passing up this opportunity." He paused and narrowed his eyes on her. His cold gaze sent a shiver down Verena's spine, but she remained steadfast in her decision.
Verena smiled, since she felt proud of herself. "I highly doubt that. I'll find my own path, one that is honest and true to who I am."
"I'll give you a week to come or contact me; if you don't, the offer won't be available anymore." Louis stated firmly, his eyes narrowing. Verena's resolve only grew stronger after his ultimatum.
"Thank you for the dinner. I should get back to my duties now."