The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)

As Sophia spoke, her voice cracked. She reached up to cover her eyes, letting the darkness behind her palms give her a momentary sense of safety.

"Mom, if it weren't for Natalie and Marcus, I might have already died. And maybe you would've died too, trapped in that convent of the Sinclair family.

"Anyone else can comment about me, but not Samuel.noveldrama

"Back then, what Julia feared most was Samuel returning when he grew up and fighting for power in the Sinclair family, threatening her and her daughter.

"But even knowing we weren't doing well in Dithoria, Samuel never once thought to come back and help us. Even if not to help, just coming back to see you would have been enough.

"I'm his sister. I don't expect anything for myself, but you're his mother. He and Sierra left for abroad under your protection, with money you gave them. They had caretakers and never lacked anything. So tell me, what part of his life was so hard?

"Oh right, Sierra's a Remington now. She found her biological parents, wealthy people from Amberton. So the first thing Samuel did was take Sierra to Amberton. He didn't care about you or me for a second.

"And now their whole family shows up in Dithoria for Natalie and Marcus' wedding, suddenly wanting to find me to settle accounts.

Sophia laughed bitterly. "Who does Samuel think he is? A brother? What kind of brother?"

"Sophia, Ms. Blair, The chamomile tea is ready."

Zachary came out holding the freshly brewed tea. His recipe was different from anything sold outside. It smelled rich and fragrant, with steam swirling up and blurring Sophia's vision.

Although he had been in the kitchen, Zachary had heard the entire exchange between Sophia and Samantha.

Samuel, huh? He would remember that name.

"Have some chamomile tea. You still have to work overtime at Ms. Walker's company later. Try not to worry about other things."

"Zachary, I want to see Natalie." Sophia lowered the hand covering her eyes. They were already rimmed red, and as she looked at Zachary, she suddenly felt like crying.

Zachary had been by her side since the very beginning. He had even given up his work as a therapist for her. She knew how he felt, what he had done for her, and how persistent he had been. But she still couldn't get past the barrier in her own heart.

She could be his friend. But she didn't think she deserved anything beyond that.

He was the eldest son of the Holt family, their most outstanding heir. He was handsome, capable, gentle, and sincere. There was nothing not to like about him.

So how could she ever be worthy of him?

"Alright. I'll go with you." Zachary poured her a cup of tea. "Drink this first, then we'll go. I'll get in touch with Ms. Walker. You know that she and Mr. Holden are currently preparing for their wedding. They may not have time to meet."

Sophia nodded. She didn't have many friends. Natalie had saved her, becoming a light in her life. Whenever she felt lost or overwhelmed, she would meet with and talk to Natalie. It helped her immensely.

Zachary took out his phone and stepped to the side. But instead of calling Natalie, he dialed for Marcus.

Others might not know, but he did. Marcus had a strong sense of possession and was extremely jealous. Even though he was reaching out to Natalie for Sophia's sake, as a man, Zachary knew better than to go around Marcus. If he didn't let Marcus know, the latter would definitely get possessive.

Soon, Marcus picked up.

"Hello, Mr. Holt."

"Hello, Mr. Holden." Zachary spoke with calm politeness. "Here's the thing. Sophia would like to meet with Mrs. Holden. I was wondering if she has time."

"Mrs. Holden?"

"Natalie. Ms. Walker," Zachary clarified. "I saw your marriage certificate and the proposal photos, so I took the liberty of changing how I address her. I hope you don't mind helping pass the message along."

"I don't mind," Marcus answered directly. "Time and place you tell me. I'll bring my wife."

Hearing the words "my wife" from Marcus, Zachary immediately knew he had done the right thing by calling Marcus.

"Alright. I'll send the time and location to you right away."

"Alright."

After ending the call, Zachary returned to Sophia's side. "Sophia, how about I set the meeting with Ms. Walker for one hour from now, at the beach? Is that alright?"

Sophia had no objections, so she nodded. "Okay."

"Great. Then, I'll message Mr. Holden now."

Zachary sent the time and location to Marcus. After Marcus replied, the meeting was officially confirmed.

"Sophia, we should get ready," Zachary said as he took Sophia's hand. "Mr Holden and Ms. Walker are newly married. Even though the wedding hasn't taken place yet, Mr. Holden will appreciate hearing words of congratulations."

"Hmm?" Sophia looked up at Zachary in a daze. "What did you say?"

"Come on, let's go pick out a gift," Zachary said simply as he gently pulled her along. He didn't elaborate further and instead led her to choose a wedding gift for Marcus and Natalie.

Marcus and Natalie lacked nothing, but Marcus loved hearing others call Natalie "Mrs. Holden". The gift didn't have to be expensive or special-just something that would warm his heart.

Zachary took Sophia to pick out an interlocking circle sculpture and a love lock. He also selected a

uniquely designed set of jewelry net

The woman's piece was a bracelet, while the man's was a necklace. The bracelet could only be opened with the necklace-an intimate, symbolic gift for couples.

Once the gifts were ready, Zachary and Sophia set off for the beach.

Back when Zachary had still been Sophia's therapist, he often brought her to the ocean for her sessions. The sea had a natural power to heal. Even without doing anything, just walking along the coast and dooking out into the vast blue could ease the heart.

When they arrived, Sophia suddenly said, "Zachary, invite Samuel too." "Sophia, are you sure you want to invite Samuel?" Zachary parked the car and looked at her with a gentle gaze.

"If there's someone I don't want to see, I can choose not to see them. But it's better to get it over with," Sophia said, forcing a smile. "I'll have to see him eventually."

"Alright. I'll arrange it. Send me his contact information."

"Okay."

Sophia sent Samuel's contact information to Zachary, then opened the car door

and stepped out.

Just as she got out, her phone rang. She looked down and saw that it was Natalie calling,

She swiped to answer. "Hey, Nat. We're here. Where are you?"

The moment she heard Natalie's voice, Sophia's eyes suddenly filled with tears.