The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)

Natalie's voice was calm and gentle, yet there was a quiet strength in it that left no room for doubt. When she said she was doing well, it was her way of telling

Marcus not to pity her for the pain she had once endured.

Everyone has their share of good memories or hardships. The good ones are worth remembering. The painful ones are not something to glorify. If people had a choice, no one would willingly pick suffering over happiness.

"Marcus, I'm fine. Maybe those earlier experiences were difficult, but when I think about it differently, if the Langley family hadn't mistreated me, I never would have met Mr. Langton. And without him, I wouldn't have gained so many skills or found a life with so much meaning."

To Natalie, everything she did felt meaningful. She healed the sick, accepted compensation, and gave back to society.

She designed beautiful clothes that allowed girls to embrace their love for beauty, then used the profits to help those in need.noveldrama

The Herbalist's Sanctuary grew medicinal herbs, and the Goodwill Pharmacy sold them to heal others. They had built their own self-sustaining system, allowing their charitable work to flourish without end.

Natalie thought it was a good life. In fact, it felt fulfilling. It was busy and sometimes exhausting, but to her, that was still far better than wasting time in idleness.

She stayed in Marcus' arms for a while, then gently pulled away.

"Mr. Langton saw our wedding announcement. He gave me time off so I can focus on preparing for the ceremony. Once the wedding is over, he's even arranged a honeymoon trip for us. And he's also sending you a gift, which Joshua will deliver to Dithoria."

"Mr. Langton still thinks of me. I'm really lucky," he replied.

She nodded. Just the mention of Federrick brought a bright smile to her face. "Once you're in his circle, there will always be more surprises waiting for you. Marcus, meeting Mr. Langton has been the greatest blessing of my life."

"And for me, the greatest blessing has been meeting you," Marcus replied.

The two of them sat together on the couch, chatting as they took turns replying to the flood of messages they were still receiving.

For the next few days, the trending headlines in Dithoria would be dominated by the powerful union between the Holden and Walker families. The special offers and giveaways from both companies would continue for a month. The city was going to be lively for a while.

After a while, Marcus received a phone call. He leaned down and kissed Natalie lightly on the forehead. "Nat, I need to head to the office for a bit."

"Alright. I'm going home too. My parents and brothers are still waiting for me," she replied, reaching for her bag.

The Walker family had always given her plenty of freedom and treated her wishes with respect. Even though she didn't spend much time living at the Walker residence, William and Charlotte never once scolded her.

In fact, because she was always busy, Charlotte had arranged for a professional manager to oversee the company the Walker family had given her. On occasion, Lincoln or Hector would check in on the business as well.

Her life with the Walker family had been smooth and peaceful, aside from the brief discruption caused by Emma early on.

"Let's go, I'll take you home. And while I'm at it, I should also apologize to your parents for taking you to register our marriage without their permission," Marcus said, standing and taking her hand.

"My parents and brothers already know. But it's a good idea to go see them anyway." Natalie smiled.

"Then let's go."

"Alright."

"Let's say goodbye to Mom and Dad first."

"Okay."

The two of them went to say their goodbyes to Wesley and Laura before leaving Holden Residence together.

Marcus first drove Natalie back to the Walker residence, where he met with her parents and sincerely apologized for handling things without notifying them in advance. He also expressed deep gratitude for their acceptance and understanding.

William and Charlotte had also watched him grow up. Back then, because they had favored Emma and arranged the engagement, they had come to see Marcus as almost a son.

They didn't scold him. They simply asked him to take good care of Natalie, and to cherish a joyful life together.

After confirming Natalie's approval, Charlotte even had many of Marcus' belongings moved into her daughter's room.

Whenever they returned, the two of them would stay in that room. The room was spacious and beautifully designed, and Natalie saw no need to set up a separate bridal suite.

After Marcus left, Charlotte pulled Natalie into the living room. "Nat, let me see your marriage certificate."

"Of course."

Natalie took it out of her bag. "Originally, Marcus said he would keep it, but since I was coming

home today, I brought it with met

Mom I'm sorry. I didn't ask for your permission before registering for our marriage."

She leaned into Charlotte's embrace, her voice soft with a hint of playful affection.

After spending so much time with Charlotte, she finally felt comfortable enough to relax and act a little spoiled around her.

Charlotte wrapped her arms around

Natalie and smiled. "Silly goose. I know you've always had a strong mind of your own. And Marcus, well, your father and I watched him grow up. We know his character very well. Nat, you're married now. Your father and I are truly happy for you."

"Thank you, Mom."

"Would you like to take a long break?"

Natalie nodded. "Yes, I was already planning to take some time off and focus on the wedding. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event. I don't want to leave everything to you and Dad. I'd still like to be part of the planning."

She wanted to take part not just because it was her wedding, but also to avoid letting their parents spend too much or make things overly complicated. She hoped to keep it simple, and allow herself some time to rest.

But she could never say that out loud. She didn't have the heart to reject the love

and excitement her parents poured into this occasion.

"Alright. Then we'll make it special. Something you'll never forget."

Natalie smiled. "Okay, Mom."

"But first things first. You and Marcus need to take your wedding photos."

"You already have the marriage certificate. We won't insist on a formal proposal anymore, but you cannot skip the wedding itself."

"Got it." Natalie pulled out her phone and sent Marcus a message.

"Marcus, let's pick a day and take our wedding photos."

He replied almost instantly. "Alright. Let's do it three days from now."

"Okay."

"Nat, I've arranged for a massage therapist and beautician to come to the house," Charlotte said. "Let them pamper you for a bit."

"Sounds wonderful." Natalie agreed at once and followed Charlotte into the dining

room.

Charlotte had already asked the kitchen to prepare a variety of delicious dishes

for her.

"Nat, eat a little first. Once the massage and beauty treatments start, you'll need

to lie down and relax."

"Okay. Thank you, Mom."