The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)

After Natalie spoke, she and Marcus exchanged a smile. Both of them were relaxed and happy. It was the most carefree day they had since Charles passed away.

Marcus took Natalie to Laura's Helianese restaurant. They had dined there a few times before, and he knew she liked Helianese cuisine. Once they arrived, Marcus ordered all of Natalie's favorite dishes. He didn't order any alcohol, of course, only juice and milk.

"Do you remember when we used to eat here?" Marcus poured Natalie some juice. His voice was gentle, his expression soft with a smile lingering at the corners of his eyes. "Back then, you tried so hard to avoid me but had no choice but to deal with me."

"You noticed that?" Natalie chuckled. "At first, I thought it was strange. I never offended you, but your attitude toward me was hard to describe. Because of what Mrs. Langley Senior said, I was really careful to keep my distance. I wasn't about to throw myself at someone who clearly didn't care."

"It was my fault," Marcus admitted again, not for the first time. "All of it was my fault."

If Marcus hadn't overheard Grace's words and assumed Natalie was someone clinging to power to get back at Tyler and Selena, he wouldn't have treated her so coldly.

"Let's not talk about the past," Natalie said with a smile. "Let's think about where we want to go for our honeymoon after the wedding."

"Is there anywhere you'd like to go?"

Natalie thought for a moment. "A lot of places, actually, but none of them are popular cities. You could even call them obscure. You might not have even heard of them."

"Say it, and I'll know."

"They're mostly small mountain villages," Natalie said as she handed her phone to Marcus. "This one is called Brindlewood, a historic little town. It's misty and rainy all year round, making it look like something straight out of a countryside postcard. "I'd like to spend a few days there."

Marcus looked at it and agreed without hesitation. "Alright. After the wedding, we'll go there."

"Really?"

"Of course. When have I ever lied to you?" Marcus laughed. "Now that Father's back, he'll stay at Holden Residence for Laura. If I bring it up with Mom, she will definitely agree, and if Mom agrees, Father will, too.

"He's been by her side all these years while she received treatment. Now that she's better, they ended up divorced, but they still love each other. As long as they stay together every day, their relationship won't fade. Whether they remarry or not doesn't matter anymore. They only have eyes for each other.

"Mom is constantly on edge. Father can't bear to put her through any more hardships. I think they'll go on living like they always have just without the marriage certificate."

"That works. As long as they're happy."

They chatted casually. Once the food arrived, they ate while continuing their conversation. Marcus listened carefully as Natalie spoke about Brindlewood.

"There's a famous mountain in Brindlewood," she told him. "It's said to be filled with rare plants no one can recognize. Some are protected species and can't be touched, but some are precious herbs."

At the mention of herbs, Natalie glanced at Marcus. "You used herbs to tempt me before. Remember that?"

Marcus nodded. "Yes, I remember. At Goodwill Pharmacy."

Natalie smiled. "Your memory's pretty good. That illustrated book I copied from The Book Sanctum at your family's place the plants in it, you still remember them, right? Mr. Langton wanted every single one of those rare plants. Even now, he hasn't managed to collect them all. That mountain in Brindlewood might have some.

"I've wanted to visit Brindlewood for a long time. I just never had the chance." "We'll go there for our honeymoon," Marcus said without hesitation. "Once we get there, I'll do whatever you want to do."

"Great!" Natalie grinned. "Then, it's settled. But while Brindlewood is a tourist area; the mountain itself hasn't been developed. We'll need permits to go up, and we'll have to bring a rescue team-just in case anything happens."

"Leave that to me. Now, eat."

They ate and chatted, the atmosphere light and cheerful.

After they finished dinner and returned to Holden Residence, they saw Wesley

sitting tiredly on the couch as Laura massaged his temples.

Natalie and Marcus exchanged a look but said nothing. They quietly walked around to the other side and went upstairs.

Once on the second floor, they didn't return to their bedroom right away. Instead, they stood by the railing at the top of the stairs, looking down.

Laura leaned against Wesley, occasionally pouring a bit of essential oil into her hands and gently rubbing it onto his temples. Wesley kept glancing at her. His gaze was so tender, it could melt.

"Laura, stop. That's enough," Wesley suddenly said, reaching out to hold her hand. "You're tired too. You need to rest."

Laura shook her head. "I'm just staying at home and tending to the flowers. I'm not tired."

"If you get bored, you can go out with Charlotte. Do some shopping, have afternoon tea."

"Charlotte's busy helping with Marcus and Nat's wedding. I've been out of touch with the world for so long that I can't keep up. I don't want to drag her down."

"Don't say that. Your taste has always been impeccable." Wesley gently held her hand. "Laura, why don't you come to the company with me tomorrow?"

Laura froze. Then, as if realizing something, she immediately shook her head. "No, I don't think I will. But I do want Sheldon to go with me to check the renovation progress at the flower shop. We could go out together."

"Alright," Wesley agreed easily. He didn't push her. He knew Laura hadn't fully let go of the past yet.

After two decades of illness, her current recovery was already a miracle.

"I've already talked to Charlotte

about the flowers for Nat's wedding. I'll be in charge of that," Laura said her face fighting up at the mention of Marcus and Natalie's wedding. "I'm going to design it carefully. I want both Nat and Marcus to love it."

Wesley smiled warmly. "You can do it. I believe in you."

"Okay, I'm going to rest now." Laura looked a little self-conscious. Over the years, she had been sick for so long and afraid of infecting Wesley that they hadn't had any intimacy in a long time.

Whenever she had a flare-up, Wesleynoveldrama

would hold her tight, completely unafraid of infection. But once the

worst was over, she would be filled

with fear. She didn't want the person she loved to ever endure that kind of suffering.

५

Laura stood up and returned to her room. Upstairs, Natalie and Marcus looked

away and went to their own bedroom.

As soon as they walked in, Marcus pulled Natalie into his arms.

"Nat, I suddenly can't wait to have our wedding."