Beyond The Contract

Chapter4

That morning, Laura Lambert sat in her office, accompanied by her assistant, Vivian, who was always dexterous. On Laura's desk, there was a large gift box worth tens of millions, ready to be sent back to Nathan Carter as a token of gratitude.

However, a few hours later, Vivian returned with a grim face. "Miss Lambert, he refused this gift."

Laura stared at her assistant expressionlessly. "What did he say?”

“Helping you was spontaneous, not because he expected anything in return. She can't accept something this expensive just because of that."

Laura smiled a little, a mixture of amusement and frustration. "He's quite stubborn."

Vivian continued with some hesitation. "I recorded his reaction and sent it to Mr. Lambert."

Laura looked up, slightly surprised. "My Grandpa?"

Vivian nodded. "I think he needs to know. And... he wants to meet with Nathan Carter as soon as possible.”

***

Mr. Edward Lambert watched the video thoughtfully at the Lambert family's palatial residence. His ordinarily stern face now seemed to soften. He even displayed a faint smile, seeing that Nathan had not opened the expensive gifts in the slightest.

There was no look of regret as the driver brought back all the expensive items.

"He refused such a large gift?" muttered Edward, more to himself.

Vivian, who was in the room, answered quietly, "He refused flatly, sir. He said he was only doing what he thought was right."

Edward was silent for a moment, then nodded in satisfaction. "There are rarely people like that in this age. Most only think of profit. But he... he's different. I strongly feel that Nathan Carter is not a man who likes to take advantage, and the most interesting thing is, he put up with Laura's attitude."

Edward then looked at Vivian. "Call my Laura. Tell him to bring Nathan Carter to City Hall tomorrow morning. I've already made my decision. I'll also contact Nathan personally. He should come.”

***

Manhattan Municipal Building, New York.

Nathan stood near the entrance to City Hall, feeling awkward and confused. He had no idea why he had been summoned to this place. Mr. Lambert had asked him to come and see someone important. However, his doubts grew even more upon seeing Laura in her elegant attire.

"Laura," Nathan called in a flat tone. "What the hell is going on? Why was I called here?"

Laura sighed. "My grandfather wants us to get married."

Nathan looked at her as if he had just heard something impossible. "What, get married? This has to be a joke."

Laura approached him calmly, her eyes full of determination. "It's not a joke, Nathan. My grandpa believes that you are the right person for me."

Nathan gave a short laugh, full of disbelief. "I'm just an ordinary person. You're a Lambert. What makes you or your family think this is a good idea?"

Laura shrugged. "You turned down an expensive gift from me and saved my life. It was enough to make my grandfather believe that you had integrity. That's something he appreciates."

Nathan shook his head, feeling unreasonable. "I don't understand. Why did you agree? And why did you believe I would follow your wishes?"

Laura looked at Nathan with a cold but honest gaze. "Because I respect my Grandpa’s wishes. And because I need a partner to fulfill my family's expectations. And I believe you will help me because you are good."

Nathan laughed at Laura's reasoning about him.

"Can doing good have such a long-lasting effect? Laura, I'm not the right person. Our social lives are so much different."

"I used to think that way. I know that you're kind and not materialistic. I hope you can help me with the family's plan to kick me out if I don't get married. Besides, Nathan, I know you have a big medical bill for your mother. Don't you need to get your mother into a better hospital than the one in Queens? I have plenty of contacts to make that happen."

Nathan paused, his smile disappearing. He looked at Laura skeptically. Marrying a woman like Laura Lambert was not something he had ever imagined. However, the thought of his mother being sick and that her condition could turn bad at any time suddenly flashed through his head.

If this marriage could give him time to stabilize financially or even a chance to take better care of his mother, it might not be a bad idea. However, he also realized his pride and principles were not for sale.

"Laura," Nathan finally said, "I can't go through with this marriage if it's just a game to you. I have a family to care for, and I don't want this to be a joke."

Laura gave him a sharp look. "I'm not playing games, Nathan. If you accept, I'll ensure your mother gets the best care possible. It's not part of the deal, but you want it. I owe you a lot."

Nathan paused, trying to read the sincerity behind Laura's words. He knew the offer was too tempting to refuse, but he also realized that accepting would mean entering a world of stress and uncertainty.

"All right," Nathan said in a quiet but firm voice. "I'll do it. But there are a few things we have to agree on.”

“Alright, what is it?"

Before they signed up, Nathan had a serious talk with Laura. "I have three requests. First, we need to keep each other's phone numbers. If my mom asks, I need to be able to explain everything."

Laura nodded without protest, handing over her cell phone to save each other's contacts.

"Second," Nathan continued, "I will give you three thousand dollars monthly for our living expenses together."

Laura gave a small chuckle. "Are you serious? With that amount, I can't even buy my favorite shoes. But fine, I won't refuse your money."

Nathan gave her a sharp look. "And lastly, I want to know how you see this relationship. Will we do this as a real couple or just on paper?”

Laura looked at Nathan with an unreadable expression. "You want clarity? Okay. This is just a formality. I won't interfere in your life; I expect you to stay out of mine. If you want to be with another woman, I don't care."

That answer made Nathan pause. He was annoyed, but he knew his place. "All right. At least I know where we stand. And I won't touch or come near you without your request, Laura."

Hearing Nathan's words made Laura flinch. She wanted to listen to it, but unease immediately came over her.

Then they entered the town hall together.

After completing the registration, Nathan held the marriage document in his hand. His life had changed drastically in one day, but he wasn't sure where it would take him.

As he walked home, his cell phone rang. A message came in from an unknown number.

"Welcome to the Lambert family, Mr. Carter. But remember, life in our world is never simple."

Nathan read the message with a hardened jaw. Behind this marriage, he knew, was a much bigger game, and he was determined not to be an easily manipulated pawn