The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)

Laura froze in shock.

Marcus furrowed his brows. "Didn't you see the trending news, Mom?"

She shook her head and uttered, "I've been unwell for so long. I never had the strength to concern myself with those things. Your father would bring things up now and then, but not often.

"That's why I don't really know what's been happening with the Walkers. And since I haven't seen much of Mrs. Walker over the years, there's a lot I don't know.

It didn't matter at the time. I just want to apologize, Marcus."

Laura let out a sigh. "I'm really sorry, Marcus. Will you forgive me?"

"It's okay. I don't blame you," Marcus said without hesitation. "Once you're feeling better, I'll tell you everything you want to know. What matters most now is following Nat's treatment.

"You've been through so much, Mom."

"Thank you for forgiving me, Marcus." Laura gently grasped Marcus' hand as she added, "I thought you'd never forgive me... that you'd resent me forever.

"But now, seeing how well you've turned out and how you have Nat by your side, I feel relieved."

"Yes, Nat is incredible. I misunderstood her before, and I regret it. But that's in the past. Now, we're happy together, and the future is ours to build."

The two talked for a while, their bond quietly mending, until Natalie came back with the water.

"Laura, let me help you freshen up first. Once you're feeling better, you'll need a herbal bath."

As Natalie wiped Laura's face and hands, she couldn't help but ask curiously, "What kind of hallucinations did you have?"

At her question, Laura's complexion paled. She remained silent for a while before finally speaking.

"It felt like I was reliving the time before Marcus' father and I were together. Nat, Marcus, do you want to hear the story?"

"Yes."

Marcus and Natalie answered in unison. For Natalie, it was about gaining knowledge in an area she wasn't proficient in. For Marcus, it was about finding potential leads.

Laura bit her bottom lip lightly, collecting herself as she sorted through her memories, then slowly began to speak.

Laura found herself back in the past-the day Wesley first took her home to Holden Residence. Since he had mentioned it beforehand, Charles and Cassie were there to see her.

However, Cassie's face was clouded with displeasure, and Charles didn't look much better. It seemed as though they had just quarreled.

The tension melted away when Charles saw Wesley walk in with Laura. A warm smile spread across his face as he stood up, affectionately inviting Laura to take a seat.

Cassie, on the other hand, scoffed.

Wesley frowned almost immediately. He snapped, "What's your problem, Cassie? I bring my girlfriend home, and you can't even be polite?"

Cassie sprang to her feet, her voice rising in anger. "I'm your sister, Wesley! And you're yelling at me because of some outsider? What kind of person does that?"

"Enough!" Charles retorted. "Sheldon, take Cassie somewhere else." "Yes, Mr. Holden Senior."

Sheldon immediately stepped forward and brought Cassie away.

After Cassie had left, an awkward silence settled over the room. Laura felt out of place, her unease growing. She shot Wesley a pleading look, and he quickly offered her a warm smile in reassurance.

"She's been spoiled since she was a kid. Don't let her get to you."

"Exactly!" Charles joined in. "Cassie and I just had a fight before you got here. She's just venting her anger on you. Don't let it get to you. She cools off as fast as she flares up, Laura. Give her a little time."

Laura managed an awkward smile, unsure how to react.

Seeing that, Charles spoke up. "Laura, Wesley and I have discussed it, and we wanted to ask-when do you think would be the right time for the wedding? Oh, and if your parents have any requests, just let us know. Our family is happy to oblige."

"Mr. Holden, I... I don't have a family," Laura replied.

II

She bit her lip and glanced at Wesley. She thought he had already told his family about it.

In hindsight, Laura still found it hard to believe. A child raised in an orphanage should never have had the chance to enter a world like Wesley's, much less become part of it.

Wesley, against all odds, had met her at a car exhibition, and he had been smitten at first glance. From that moment on, he made her his ultimate pursuit.

Laura had turned Wesley down at first because she understood the divide between them all too well. To him, she might have been a

Vl.not

momentary thrill-something that would lose its shine once someone more fitting came along.

Yet, Wesley persisted, and his pursuit was never forceful. He was thoughtful, patient, and deeply sincere. Over time, without realizing it, Laura found herself falling for him.

Eventually, Laura said yes to Wesley, but uncertainty gnawed at her. Falling in love was easy, but marriage was a whole different story.

In elite families like Wesley's, marriage wasn't just about feelings; it was a strategic alliance between equals.

And the idea of joining the prestigious Holden family had always seemed impossible to her.

However, Wesley never wavered. His love was built on the promise of a lifelong commitment.

"Love isn't a game," he had said. "I'll show you, with time and actions, that nothing can stand in the way of real love."

Laura's heart softened at that. Bit by bit, she let down her guard and embraced the relationship wholeheartedly.

Every moment they spent together was pure happiness.

Wesley made sure his family knew about his relationship with Laura from the very beginning.

Upon hearing about their relationship, Charles gave them his full support and blessings. He also shared that although his marriage to Wesley's mother was arranged, it was built on real love.

The Holdens had long established their status, so Wesley had the freedom to marry for love.

His happiness was all that mattered.

Laura realized that Wesley had not yet told Charles about her background as an orphan when Charles brought up the marriage plans.

"Father, Laura spent her childhood in an orphanage, but it shut down two years ago, and the woman who ran it passed away three years ago," Wesley explained. "Sorry, I should've mentioned it earlier."

"Oh, I see," Charles said gently, his eyes filled with warmth. "Laura, you're not alone anymore. From today, consider me your father, and I'll cherish you as my

own daughter.

"Whatever Cassie has, you'll have, too. And anything she never had, I'll make sure you do."

With that, Laura's eyes welled up with tears.noveldrama