Inside the tent, Natalie zipped up the entrance, completely sealing off the view from the outside. The tent was spacious and was made with top-tier materials and equipment.
Marcus lay on the thick mattress. With a simple tug, he pulled Natalie into his arms.
This wasn't the first time they had shared a bed, but this time, it was different from the others.
This time, both of them were fully conscious.
And this time, they were legally married.
Natalie nestled comfortably in Marcus' arms, listening to his strong heartbeat. After a while, she slowly sat up and checked the latest trending topics on her phone.
"Marcus."
"Hmm?"
"Now that we're married…" Natalie waved her phone slightly. "I just posted it on Facebook, but it's only visible to certain people."
Marcus sat up and took out his phone to post something on his Facebook as well.
Natalie leaned over. "Do you know who I made it visible to?"
"I can guess." Marcus smirked. "Nat, I know exactly what you're trying to do."
"Good."
Soon, Marcus made a post announcing their marriage, attaching a picture of their marriage certificate and wedding photo.
Only a select few could see it. Now, they just had to wait.
After posting, Marcus made a call to Ethan. "Ethan, spread the news that there's going to be a shareholding change in Holden Group."
"Mr. Holden, may I ask what kind of change it is?" Ethan asked carefully.
Holden Group had been running smoothly, with all its major projects stable and no issues across its branches nationwide. A sudden change in shares could cause quite a stir.
"Just say that I'm transferring all my shares to Ms. Walker—Natalie Walker."
Ethan gasped on the other end. Was Marcus serious about transferring all his shares to Natalie?
Marcus added, "Just do it."
"Yes, Mr. Holden," Ethan answered respectfully before immediately executing the order.
Marcus tossed his phone aside, pulled Natalie into his arms, and lay down. He simply held her tightly and did nothing else.
Just like that, the emptiness and grief from Charles' passing were instantly filled.
"Nat, do you think that person will show up?"
With her in his arms, he didn't say anything sweet, nor anything about the wedding. Instead, he brought up that person.
Such a major transfer wouldn't just provoke Cassie. The other shareholders would never agree to it, either. But Marcus was never the type to seek other people's approval.
"Nat, you're distracted."
After kissing for a while, he gently bit her lower lip. The sudden sting snapped Natalie back to reality.
"Marcus, I won't let you do that." Natalie shoved him away and stared at him seriously. "I won't take your shares."
"You're my wife. What's mine is yours, and what's yours is still yours." Marcus met her gaze just as firmly. "Nat, from the moment you agreed to marry me and got the marriage certificate, I had already made up my mind."
Both of them stared straight at each other, not willing to back down.
"Nat, I didn't propose, and we haven't had a wedding. But you've already gotten the marriage certificate with me. I've already done you wrong," Marcus said softly.
Still, he stood firm. "I know you don't care about the Holden Group shares, but this is all I have to give you. Words and promises can change, people do too. But money will never betray you. So, take it."
"Marcus, do you know—"
Before Natalie could finish her words, Marcus silenced her with a forceful kiss. He held her tightly and kissed her fiercely. He didn't want to hear her explanation, nor her refusal.
He knew that she was capable and not lacking any material things. She was rational, calm and resolute. Even when marrying him, she was thinking about using it to lure Cassie out.
As a man, Marcus wanted to marry her so, so much. He wanted to give her the best of everything, including all he had, even if it meant cutting off all his escape routes.
He was willing to do that, yet Natalie's clear, rational gaze was telling him that he couldn't.
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