I watched from a distance as Nathan unleashed his never-ending rage on the poor servant who had dared to walk in on us. The look on the poor man's face made me feel awful. He could be new or someone who enjoyed playing with fire.
Nathan was so furious that I feared he would soon slam the door in his face. Nervously, I chewed on my nails. Did I have the right to intervene and tell Nathan to stop as his new fiancé? Or was it so too soon to teach him kindness?
As I took too long to decide, Nathan kicked out the servant before I could open my mouth.
“They have no shame, do they?” said Nathan, returning to me with a slight smile. “The moment I become soft, they purposely try to get on my nerves again. Someone needs to teach them basic manners.”
“Um, uh!” I pursed my lips, anxiously swinging my arms at my sides. “Can I say something about what happened just now?”
“What do you want to say?” Nathan gave me a look of confusion. “If you are about to say I was wrong to scold him, I can’t agree. He crossed a limit by entering his employer’s bedroom without permission.”
My new fiance could read my mind. I quickly rephrased the words in my head. Nathan wasn’t used to being called wrong. It would take me a while, or even a lifetime, to make him understand his behavioral problems and turn him towards peace and politeness.
“That’s not what I was about to say,” I lied. “I saw what he did. But had he done that before?”
Nathan took a while before answering. “There are so many of them. They all complain about injustice even though they can’t perform their duties properly. I can’t remember correctly, but I suppose not. His face is not that familiar.”
Nathan’s answer showed how he blamed others for his anger. I needed to practice tremendous patience with him.
“Okay,” I began again in a more patient voice. “So, if you don’t remember him making this mistake before. Why can’t you give him a chance? You gave me one. All I am saying is that you can politely or firmly remind them of your rules before lashing out at them. Also, firing him was a bit too much. Who knows how much he needs this job?”
“Why?” Nathan narrowed his eyes at me. He wasn’t mad at me, but he also didn't like what was coming from my mouth. “What will come of it?” I stepped back, almost dropping my plan to teach him anything. Although he had revealed his good side to me, he was still a scary man. “Why did you stop, Amelia?” he started. “Why do you want me to take all that unnecessary action? Don’t leave me confused. Speak up!”
“Because these poor souls deserve to be treated correctly,” I said aloud. Nathan’s expression made me regret them immediately. As it was too late to take them back, I continued anyway. “You shouldn’t yell at them for minor inconveniences. Initially, I hated you for attempting to make my life hell. If you change yourself a little, they’ll think better about you. Don’t you want not to be hated by every employee on this property?”
Nathan went silent. According to Frank, it was the worst reaction one could receive from him, as he was usually then imagining ways to torture you. Would Nathan treat his fiancé the same as everyone else?
“I am sorry. Let me take my words back if I have offended you,” I apologized, not wanting to make things worse. “Can you forgive me?”
“Let me make one thing clear, Amelia,” Nathan spoke with a straight face. “I don’t care what others think about me. My purpose on this planet is not to please others. I speak my mind, and I will continue to do so. Anyone who has a problem with how I am is free to leave.”
“Okay. Pardon me for overstepping my limits.” I joined my hands apologetically. “You may speak however you wish, but you can at least not fire him? I am requesting you as an engagement present.”
“An engagement present?” Nathan repeated, shocked. “This is what you want for it? You could have asked me for jewels, cash, and property, yet this is what you choose. Why do you care so much about others, Amelia? That man doesn’t even know your name. He is not worth sacrificing your happiness.”
“I am not sacrificing anything. It gives me joy to help others,” I explained. “Nathan, I have been through so much in life. I know what it feels like not to have a stable home and income. I feel for him. What if he is going through a hard time? Happiness only multiplies when we share it. Even though I am not in a place to turn down money, it will bring me more joy to put a smile on someone else’s face.”
Nathan silently stared at my face. A smile played on his lips. What was he thinking? Did he see me as a fool for not seizing every chance to make my life better? Perhaps I was an idiot. In less than half an hour, I was already risking my engagement to a billionaire for someone I didn’t know.
“You are stupidly generous,” he said, laughing. “Have you considered that your trusting and kind nature is what led you into the arms of a lying criminal? He broke your heart, yet you still want to repeat your mistakes.” I looked away. Too ashamed to meet his gaze. I wasn’t as selfless as I used to be. My engagement to Nathan was nothing but an attempt to have a better future. I didn’t love him. I was with him for money and protection. After all that, did I truly deserve to be seen as a good person?
“I am not as good as you think,” I replied.
“Maybe.” Nathan shrugged. “For now, why don’t you go after the servant and tell him he has been rehired with a generous raise? My fiancé has asked for an engagement present, so I better make it better than she asked for.”
My face lit up. I never expected a yes from him. There was hope to change him. I couldn’t wait to share all that with Frank. “Thank you!” I jumped with joy. I wanted to kiss and hug him to show my gratitude, but I stopped myself.
“There is no need for that. As my fiancé, you can demand things. However, I have some rules for you, too,” Nathan spoke. “Why don’t we start writing them down before the engagement party? I want to make you understand your new responsibilities as my fiance and caretaker. I can give the job to someone else, but I want it to be you. There are things I expect both outside and in the bedroom. Will you be able to do it all?