The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)

Natalie's heart ached as she watched Sheldon shedding tears. But before she could say anything, Marcus spoke up.

"Sheldon, thank you for preparing all of this for Nat and me. Go get some rest. The rest of you can leave as well."

"Yes, Mr. Holden."

Sheldon waved his hand at the helpers, and they quickly walked away. Sheldon nodded at Marcus and Natalie before following suit.

Marcus held Natalie's hand as they walked through the rose petals scattered across the floor. Then, they sat down at the dining table.

Looking at the beautiful cake, fresh flowers, and the lavish food and wine, Natalie said softly, "Sheldon really put his heart into this."

"Yes. Ever since Grandpa passed away, he hasn't been himself," Marcus replied in a husky voice. "Nat, I'm worried about Sheldon's mental state. I had a deep conversation with him, but I didn't notice anything abnormal."

"Sheldon has been with Grandpa for a long time, so he's no ordinary man." She raised her glass toward him. "Let's not waste his kind gesture."

"Cheers."

"Cheers."

Marcus raised his glass and clinked it against Natalie's lightly. "In a way, Sheldon is like my other grandfather. He's always cared for me, no less than Grandpa did. But still, his loyalty has always belonged to Grandpa."

As Marcus spoke, he picked up the fork and knife, then started slicing his steak. "Nat, I'm just worried he might end up on the same path as Grandpa."

"He won't. Sheldon will take Grandpa's place and watch us get married and have kids. He will even help take care of our children," Natalie reassured him. However, she wasn't fully convinced of herself.

Marcus' premonition had always been accurate. That was because he understood Sheldon far better than she did.

"Let's hope so." Marcus took a sip of the wine. "Today is a special day for us. Let's not talk about such unpleasant things."

"Mm." Natalie nodded. "Let's drink!"

"Okay."

Both of them accepted Sheldon's thoughtful gesture and happily enjoyed the candlelit dinner.

After dinner, Marcus and Natalie followed the path covered by rose petals. They went upstairs and entered Marcus' bedroom.

The moment they opened the door, they were greeted by the floor that was blanketed with rose petals.

The bed was dressed in a new bedding set, with a heart arrangement of roses placed on top. Other than the petals, there were two wine glasses on the small table near the bed.

There were also two sets of matching slippers by the bed, one in Marcus' size and the other in Natalie's.

"Sheldon really went all out preparing these," Natalie chuckled as she glanced at the decorations. "With all these, it really feels like we just got married."

"It's my bad. I should've prepared better," Marcus said, his voice filled with guilt. "It's on me."

"You didn't do anything wrong. Sheldon had them prepared for you. Isn't that the same?" Natalie smiled as she picked up a wine glass. "Marcus, shall we drink a wedding toast?"

A smirk appeared on Marcus' face. He stepped forward and grabbed the other wine glass. He raised his hand and intertwined his wrist with hers. Together, they drank the wine.

"I'm going to take a shower first," Natalie said. She grabbed the nightgown on the bed and headed into the bathroom.

Marcus walked closer to the bed. When he saw the roses, he let out a chuckle. Sheldon had really put his heart into this.

If Charles were around, he might have prepared something even grander.

The thought of Charles made

Marcus' eyes, turn red. Soon, tears

welled up in his eyes. He turned away, not wanting to look at the decorations or to think about ite further. So, he walked toward the window.

From there, he could see the largest maple tree in Holden Residence. Beneath, it stood Wesley and Laura. He couldn't tell what they were talking about, but all of a sudden, Laura started crying.

Marcus' gaze darkened, focusing on Wesley's lips. After watching for a while, he could make out what Wesley was saying.

"As long as she's missing, I won't be at ease. Laura, I must find Cassie. I can't just let this go."

Since Laura's back was facing the window, Marcus couldn't see what she said. But based on Wesley's lips, he could guess.

"Laura, William tried to talk me out of this. Charlotte probably tried that on you too, right?"

He pulled her into his arms. "I won't do something I'll regret or make you sad.

Trust me, okay? If I still haven't found her by the time of Marcus' wedding, I'll let it

go."

Laura said something in response, causing Wesley's gaze toward her to turn sad. "Sheldon arranged something for Marcus and Nat tonight Let's go somewhere else. It's been a while since we've done that."

Laura shook her head. Wesley tightened his embrace.

"Laura, all these years, I was wrong. I made you suffer for too long." "Darling, I don't want you to do anything dangerous. Let's get back together!" Laura was crying when she shouted the words, so Marcus heard every word. "Marcus, I'm done showering."

Just as Marcus was lost in thought, Natalie's soft voice called from behind him.noveldrama

He closed the curtains and turned, only to see Natalie wearing a white nightgown with spaghetti straps.

"Laura prepared this," Natalie said with a smile. "I saw a note from her inside."

Marcus didn't respond. His gaze was glued to her. The nightgown was short, barely covering her thighs. The spaghetti straps left her collarbone and fair skin completely exposed.

Natalie had always had a slender waist and long legs, with flawless proportions. Before, when she wore loose jackets and cargo pants, he couldn't tell what she looked like underneath.

Now, he was utterly stunned.

Seeing her dressed like this, only one thought came to mind-she was an absolute goddess.

"Marcus, it's your turn to shower."

Natalie tilted her head slightly. Compared to Marcus' gradually burning gaze, she remained completely calm.

"It's our special night. I hope you'll make it memorable for me," she said softly.

Marcus froze. After a while, his ears turned red. Slowly, it spread from his ears to his face, then down his neck...

Natalie's lips curled up. She stepped forward and stood right in front of him.

"Marcus, you're blushing," she teased.

"I'm not." Marcus swallowed and gazed at her delicate face. "Sweetheart, wait for

me."