"There we go! This is like our first date. Let's enjoy the meal together." He said and looked at her.
Louis narrowed his eyes so she doesn't argue and to be honest, she didn't.
She just looked at him slightly amused. Verena pressed her lips but said nothing.
"Start the meal." The man said expressionlessly.
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 enough 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 way. 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 smirked at her and she trying to keep her cool before she shove him or slap that smile off his face.
It's already getting frustrating, and they've only just met —twice, in fact, with today's encounter being the second time in just one week.
With a tight-lipped smile, she turned her gaze away from him.
She heard him say, "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 speechless!
'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.
Verena angrily replied, "I don't need anyone's help to take revenge. Especially not from someone who thinks they can trap me into marriage as payback."
Louis looked coldly at her. His green siren eyes were focused on her.
"There's no going back now. We will get marriage certificate."
Verena snorted.
In fact, he was as cold-blooded, heartless, and vicious as rumored.
He wasn't done pursuing her yet. "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 thanks…" The gripped on the glass tightened as she muttered.
Louis was frustrated now. This woman thought that she had the upper hand since he proposed to her.
Louis Heisenberg had never dated a girl before.
And here he is.
"You're being too sentimental," Louis said coolly, his gaze sharp as a blade. "Emotions won't get you far in this world. This is about strategy—about survival."
Verena met his eyes without flinching, her voice calm but firm. "And revenge?" she asked. "You think that's strategy too?"
"If done right, yes." He leaned back in his chair, studying her. "Marry me, and I'll help you get what you want. Justice. Payback. Closure. Whatever name you want to give it."
Verena exhaled through her nose, slow and controlled.
"I don't want to be like you—using people like pawns. I'd rather crawl forward alone than sell my dignity for a hollow victory."
She stood slowly, brushing her hair behind her shoulder.
Louis's expression darkened and the light in his eyes dimmed. The cold aura around him gradually intensified.
"You're making a mistake."
"Maybe," she said, lifting her chin. "But it'll be my mistake."
A tense silence hung between them.
"I'll give you one week," he said finally. His voice was soft, but there was steel underneath. "Think it through. After that, the door closes. No more offers."
"Thank you for dinner," she said simply, turning away. "I have things to do."
Verena gave him a polite smile, masking the flicker of emotion in her chest.
As she walked off, she felt the heat of his stare on her back—but her steps didn't waver.