The words were meant to be reassuring, but they sent a shiver down Marie's spine. She couldn't help but wonder how true they were. They were in this together, yes, but for very different reasons. For Welder, this was a calculated move to save the company. For Marie, it was a leap into the unknown, with no guarantee of what would happen on the other side.
"Have you thought about how we're going to handle telling people?" Marie asked, trying to keep the conversation focused on the practicalities. Welder nodded. "I have. We'll need to be strategic about it. I think it's best if we start by informing the board. They need to know first, and we can control the narrative from there. As for the rest of the company… I think we can let it spread organically. People will talk, but as long as we maintain a united front, we should be able to manage it."
Marie swallowed, thinking of the inevitable gossip that would spread through the office like wildfire. "And what about our families?"
Welder paused, considering her question. "I haven't told my parents yet. They're very traditional, and I'm not sure how they'll react to a sudden marriage, especially under these circumstances. But I'll handle it."
"What about your sister?" Marie asked, remembering the few times Welder had mentioned her in passing. Welder's expression softened. "Lena will be supportive, I think. She knows how much the company means to me. I'll talk to her as soon as possible."
Marie nodded, feeling a pang of envy. Welder had family he could turn to, people who would stand by him no matter what. Marie had Emily, of course, but their relationship had always been complicated. Emily would be shocked, no doubt, and probably disappointed that Marie was getting married under such unusual circumstances.
But there was no turning back now. They had made their decision, and they had to move forward."We should also talk about how we're going to handle the living arrangements," Welder said, breaking the silence.
Marie's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't even thought about that. "Living arrangements?"
"Yes. If we're going to convince people that this is a real marriage, we'll need to at least appear to be living together. I know it's a big ask, but it's something we should consider." The thought of sharing a space with Welder was daunting. They had always maintained a professional distance, and now they were about to blur the lines in the most significant way possible. But Marie knew he was right—living separately would raise too many questions.
"I suppose you're right," Marie said slowly. "But I'd like to keep my apartment, at least for now. I'll need a place to retreat to if things get overwhelming." "Of course," Welder agreed. "I wouldn't ask you to give up your independence. We can work out a schedule that allows us to maintain our own space while still fulfilling the public expectations."
Marie appreciated his understanding, but it didn't make the situation any less surreal. They were talking about living arrangements as if they were a real couple, discussing how to balance their personal and professional lives. It was all so bizarre, and yet, it was happening.
"I think that's a good idea," Marie said, trying to keep her voice even. "We should set some boundaries, too. This is a business arrangement, after all, and we need to make sure we don't let it interfere with our work."
"Agreed," Welder said. "We'll keep things professional during the workday, and we'll only be seen together in public when necessary. Our private lives can remain separate, for the most part." Marie nodded, relieved that Welder seemed to be on the same page. "Okay. I think we have a plan."
Welder stood up, walking around his desk to stand beside her. He extended his hand, and Marie hesitated for a moment before taking it. His grip was firm, reassuring, and she felt a strange sense of solidarity in that moment. They were about to embark on something completely unprecedented, and they would have to rely on each other to navigate the challenges ahead.
"We're in this together," Welder repeated, his voice low and serious. "No matter what happens, we'll make it work." Marie looked up at him, searching his eyes for any hint of doubt. But all she saw was determination. Welder was committed to this plan, just as she was. They had made their decision, and now they had to see it through.
"Together," Marie echoed, letting go of his hand and stepping back. "I'll be ready whenever you are."
Welder nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "We'll set up a meeting with the board for tomorrow. Once they're on board, we can move forward with the rest of the plan."
Marie left Welder's office with a mixture of relief and apprehension. The contract was signed, the details were in place, and now it was just a matter of execution. But as she walked back to her own office, she couldn't shake the feeling that they were standing on the edge of something much bigger than either of them had anticipated.
The following day was a blur of activity. The board meeting was scheduled for the afternoon, giving Marie just enough time to prepare herself mentally for what was about to happen. She and Welder had rehearsed their talking points, going over every possible question the board might throw at them. They needed to be a united front, to convince the board that this marriage was the best course of action for the company.
As the time for the meeting approached, Marie felt her nerves intensify. She stood in front of the mirror in the restroom, adjusting her blazer and smoothing down her hair. She had dressed carefully, choosing a tailored suit that conveyed both professionalism and confidence. This was the biggest performance of her life, and she needed to look the part.
When she walked into the boardroom, Welder was already there, seated at the head of the table. He gave her a reassuring nod as she took her place beside him. The board members filtered in, each of them taking their seats with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism.
Once everyone was settled, Welder cleared his throat and began to speak. "Thank you all for coming on such short notice. I know you're all wondering why we've called this meeting, and I want to get straight to the point."