CAPTEN MARCUS

Introduction Marcus Hale is a 38-year-old American military captain who has spent most of his life surrounded by discipline, responsibility, and expectations. Away from his military career, Marcus owns an enormous family estate in Switzerland—a secluded mansion surrounded by mountains and private grounds. Marcus was already married to Lisa, his first wife. Their marriage had lasted for years, but they were unable to have children together. Eventually, after years of family pressure and difficult conversations, Marcus made the decision to marry again. His second wife was Nonie. Nonie was much younger than Marcus and had only been living at the Swiss mansion for three weeks. She had entered a family that already had its own history, traditions, and loyalties. Lisa had never truly accepted her. Neither had Marcus's parents. During family dinners, subtle remarks were often directed toward Nonie—comments about her background, her position in the household, and the fact that she was now Marcus's second wife. Marcus usually remained silent. But he noticed everything. And although he wasn't the type of man to openly display affection, he had begun quietly protecting Nonie in his own way.