Nat, I'm sorry. I got your clothes wet." Sophia apologized, embarrassed. "I'm really sorry. You and Marcus just got married. It's supposed to be a happy occasion, but I—"
Her voice caught again. After a while, she managed to continue, "I shouldn't have disturbed you, but besides you, I really didn't know who else to turn to."
"Tell me everything," Natalie said gently, pulling a tissue from her bag and carefully wiping Sophia's tears.
"I've heard about Samuel from Marcus. Your biological older brother was sent abroad by Samantha when he was young, along with his future bride, Sierra Sinclair.
"A while back, when we were in Amberton, Marcus was looking everywhere for Laura's medicine. Sierra's birth father, Jonathan Remington, reached out and arranged to meet Marcus."
Natalie's voice was soft and gentle as she continued, "Marcus didn't get Mr. Remington's medicine for free. Mr. Remington asked him to help find his long-lost daughter. He showed Marcus a photo, and Marcus recognized her as Sierra.
"Marcus then contacted Samuel, and the latter immediately brought Sierra back to the country. They flew straight to Amberton and did a DNA test with Mr. and Mrs. Remington, confirming that Sierra was indeed their biological daughter.
"Sierra Sinclair then changed her name to Sierra Remington, and now she's set to inherit everything from the Remington family.
"For our wedding, Mr. Remington is coming to Dithoria with his wife, daughter, and son-in-law. And that son-in-law—your biological brother—is Samuel, right?
"Sierra used to be the adopted daughter of the Sinclair family. After going abroad with Samuel, the two of them grew up depending on each other as childhood sweethearts, naturally becoming husband and wife.
"She went from being your adopted sister to your sister-in-law, but you never held it against her. In fact, when she first arrived at the Sinclair family, you treated her very well. Sophia, am I right so far?"
By the time Natalie finished, Sophia had forgotten how to cry. She stared blankly at her, then slowly nodded. "Yes, you're right about everything."
"Then, let me guess again. When Samuel returned to Dithoria, he didn't visit you or Ms. Blair right away. In fact, things between you probably turned unpleasant. He must've said a lot of harsh things to hurt you. He most likely used your most painful past against you. Am I right?"
Sophia's eyes reddened again. She choked and covered her face. "Nat, you're right."
"As your brother, Samuel never helped you when you were suffering the most. Now that he's back, he's full of complaints and uses your deepest trauma as a weapon.
"He knows exactly how to stab where it hurts," Natalie said, her expression darkening. "A man like that doesn't deserve to be called your brother.
"For my wedding with Marcus, I want you to be one of my bridesmaids. His name will be removed from the guest list. Jonathan, his wife, and Sierra can come. But Samuel? He doesn't deserve it.
"Sophia, remember this. You're the one I saved. You're also the one Marcus protected since childhood. Whatever happened before, we're done with it.
"If Samuel bullies you, then you fight back as hard as you can. Don't be afraid. You still have me and Marcus behind you."
Hearing Natalie's words and seeing her cold, sharp expression, Sophia once again couldn't hold back her tears. She crouched down, hugging her knees, sobbing uncontrollably.
"What kind of brother is Samuel? He has no right to lecture you with that title! If he dares attack you again, slap him hard!"
Natalie didn't crouch to comfort Sophia. She just glanced down at the woman crying.
"You should thank me indeed," Natalie said with a faint smile. "But since you gave me a wedding gift, I should thank you too."
"Nat, are you happy with Marcus?" Sophia asked.
Natalie nodded. "I'm very happy. Why do you ask?"
Sophia broke into a smile through her tears. "Nothing. As long as you're happy. I don't have many wishes in this life. I just hope that the people I've wronged can live well and be happy. That's enough."
"You should think about yourself too," Natalie said, patting Sophia's head. Even though Sophia was older than her, Natalie couldn't help but feel protective.
Sophia's experiences had turned her into someone who evoked sympathy—a vulnerable soul Natalie instinctively wanted to shield.
"Sweetheart, Ms. Sinclair, Samuel's here." Marcus suddenly walked over to them.
Before Natalie could even react, Marcus reached out and intertwined their fingers. "What did you and Ms. Sinclair talk about? You've got her crying."
"Nothing," Natalie replied. Then, she looked at Marcus. "If I get into a fight with Samuel later, whose side will you take?"
"Yours, of course," Marcus answered without hesitation. "Who does Samuel think he is—daring to argue with my wife? I'll fight him for you."
She replied, "In that case, you'll help Sophia argue with Samuel. I already don't like the guy."
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)
This one gets us readers asking for more! Excellent story, great twists......
Hope Grandpa Charles lives long enough to see Marcus and Nat's children, please. It will make him happy to see life is still worth living and that he didn't fail raising Marcus at least. Let him be happy at least in this aspect. Thanks...
Finished till 538....Waiting for more...
This really hurts. I am confused if Yvette sent a msg saying old love to Charles through Charlene. Why isnt it in her confession. Or did she actually set vivian up into sleeping with that man? And later blackmailed vivian with it till vivian commited suicide? Did Yvetty yhinks Charles would marry her after vivians death but he remained loyal. Hence her anger?...
Hope Nat can cure Marcus' mom. Looking forward to new updates. Thank you...
When will other chapters be updated...
Every chapter gets sweeter..and oh! I'm sure Nat's new patient is Marcus' mom - though the illness is quite intriguing....anyway, looking forward for the next updates! Thank you...
What an ending to the chapter...nice one..hoping for more updates...thank you...
OMG, OMG, OMG, this is getting better and better. Nat and Marcus are getting married!!!!! Yehey! Please update more..after a big drama ot is really nice to have love and a little happy events in between. Pretty please, update more. Can't wait!! Thank you so much!...
Recent updates are so good. Natalie's and Marcus' love story is also progressing...so, so good and exciting. Please update more. Thank you...