The Confrontation

Nathan Hunt entered into matrimony with the Nashville family for a singular reason—the alluring offer encapsulated within the marriage contract.

Originating from a modest family of four, Nathan's roots lay in the realm of the lower class. His immediate family consisted of himself, his father, mother, and a younger sister.

Despite their financial struggles, Nathan's family managed to afford the basic necessities such as food, clothing, and even education. Their living situation offered some stability, as they owned the five-bedroom apartment where they resided, eliminating the burden of rent.

The pivotal moment in Nathan's life came with a proposition from his father-in-law, Haden. "Marry my daughter, and two-thirds of your father's debt would be cleared. In return, treat her like a queen and grant whatever she requests." These words had marked the inception of a significant chapter in Nathan's journey, intertwining his fate with the Nashville family.

The same man who falsely accused his father of indebtedness, a false claim that ultimately contributed to Nathan's father's demise.

In a society that revealed its extreme cruelty, the situation escalated when the case reached the courtroom. Smith Hunt, Nathan's father, found himself at a disadvantage against the heir of a prominent and powerful family. Succumbing to the pressure, he was compelled to sign a statement admitting to the alleged ten million dollar debt accused by Haden Nashville. This unjust turn of events marked a dark chapter in Nathan's family history, setting the stage for the subsequent challenges he would face.

In the face of an insurmountable debt, Smith Hunt faced an ominous ultimatum – if he couldn't settle the ten million dollars, his children would be obligated to work under Haden's family until the debt was entirely paid off.

With no other viable options and the hope that fortune might favor him, Smith reluctantly succumbed to the pressure. He was forced to sign the statement, sealing the fate of his family and setting them on a path dictated by the crushing weight of a debt they could scarcely comprehend.

For Smith's family, the staggering sum of ten million dollars stood as an exorbitant and insurmountable burden, especially given their modest financial background.

In the remaining years of his life, Smith dedicated himself to the arduous task, managing to pay off a mere fraction – a tenth of the total amount, equivalent to a million dollars. Unfortunately, his efforts came to an untimely end as he succumbed to illness, leaving behind a legacy overshadowed by the weight of the remaining debt.

Shortly after Smith's death, Stacy, their mother, found solace in her smoking addiction, a coping mechanism intertwined with the weight of ceaseless overthinking.

As the stipulations of the signed statement unfolded, Sera, Nathan's younger sister, became a casualty of the family's dire circumstances. The Nashville family took her under their wing, and despite Nathan and their mother's helplessness, the predetermined fate left them with no recourse to prevent her from being taken away. The Hunt family faced the harsh aftermath of their father's passing, the tendrils of debt entwining their lives in a relentless grip.

Sera found herself absorbed into the Nashville family, relegated to the role of a maid. Despite being promised a monthly salary of ten thousand dollars, only ten percent of that amount found its way into her hands. The rest was cruelly withheld, serving as an installment towards their father's lingering debt.

Nathan, too, wasn't exempt from the relentless grasp of the Nashville family. Even as a student, he was compelled to take on part-time work for one of the family's companies. The stipulation was clear – he would only be taken in fully after completing his studies. The shadow of indebted servitude loomed over the Hunt family, each member ensnared in a web of obligations dictated by a debt they never willingly incurred.

Nathan knew what lay ahead, so he agreed to work for one of the companies owned by the Nashville family. They offered him a position as a small-time manager with a salary twice as much as his sister's.

Yet, just like Sera, Nathan received only ten percent of his salary, and the remaining ninety percent went back to the family to settle his father's debt. The financial struggle continued, each paycheck a constant reminder of the burden they carried.

Their mother swiftly succumbed to lung cancer, a consequence of her smoking habit. The lack of funds for her treatment hastened her passing, leaving the siblings to navigate the challenges on their own.

In the midst of these trials, it was within the confines of the same company that Nathan encountered Marie. She became a beacon of light in his life, her beauty and captivating presence capturing his heart from the very first day. Love blossomed in the midst of adversity, offering a glimmer of hope amid the hardships the siblings faced.

There was a significant hurdle in Nathan's love story – Marie, his romantic interest, held the position of general manager in the same company where he worked, making her seemingly out of his reach.

Understanding the disparity in their professional standings, Nathan wisely restrained his feelings for her. Instead, he redirected his focus towards excelling in his job. This dedication did not go unnoticed, earning him a reputation as the most hardworking manager within the company. Despite the unspoken boundaries, Nathan found solace and purpose in his professional achievements.

It didn't take long before the man who had taken everything from Nathan's father approached him. Surprisingly, this man turned out to be the father of the beauty he had been admiring for the past few months.

Caught off guard, Nathan felt his world unraveling as his thoughts spiraled into chaos. For a moment, he struggled to think clearly until the purpose behind the man's approach was finally revealed to him. The impending revelation hung in the air, intensifying the suspense surrounding their interaction.

Marie was the catalyst for Haden's unexpected appearance, driven by her own awareness of Nathan, fondly referred to by his colleagues as Nate.

Nathan's presence had captured Marie's heart, leading her to fall in love with him, all without the need for a direct conversation between them.

Conducting thorough research, Marie uncovered the conditions under which Nathan worked for her family. She mustered the courage to address the matter with her father, who initially advised her to relax.

As this unfolded, a female coworker was growing close to Nathan, a development that didn't escape Marie's notice. The prospect of Nathan being drawn away by someone else became unbearable for her, adding a layer of tension to the already intricate web of emotions surrounding them.

Marie persistently approached her father, undeterred by the troubles she caused him. After much persistence, Haden relented and accepted her request.

Subsequently, Nathan found himself presented with an offer that would instantaneously alleviate six million dollars from their father's debt, leaving him and his sister with the obligation to settle only the remaining three million dollars. The weight of this offer hung in the air, introducing a pivotal turning point in their family's tumultuous journey.

Considering their current trajectory, Nathan and his sister would need approximately ten years to pay off the remaining balance.

Motivated by the prospect of both financial relief and his growing affection for Marie, Nathan accepted the offer without hesitation. What seemed like a stroke of fortune to many became a turning point that ultimately led to a disaster in Nathan's life. The unfolding consequences marked the intersection of love, family obligations, and unforeseen challenges.

Regret swiftly crept into Nathan's heart after accepting the offer, and he found himself lamenting the decision he once thought was a solution.

Initially disregarding a crucial aspect of the offer, Nathan now fully comprehended its implications, learning the harsh reality the hard way. The repercussions of his choice began to unfold, shaping an unforeseen narrative laden with challenges and consequences.

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 whore!"

A stunned silence enveloped the surroundings as Nathan's words hung in the air. The audacity of openly calling his mother-in-law a whore 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 climax, leaving Nathan incapacitated and confined, his fate uncertain within the confines of his newfound confinement.