The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 699

Zachary's embrace was warm. Still groggy from his nap, his voice was low and husky with a magnetic undertone. Sophia leaned into his arms, finding a rare sense of peace there.

To be honest, she wasn't sure if she was truly ready to see Sky again. But with Zachary by her side, she wasn't afraid.

"Zachary, I don't know if I've fully healed, I don't know if I'll have some kind of trauma response when I see him. But as long as you're with me, I'll be okay," she whispered.

Just hearing Sky's name brought back painful memories, stirring the self-doubts she had spent so long trying to bury. There was a time when the darkness of her past had wrapped around her like a noose, dragging her deeper into despair, making her believe she didn't deserve to be loved.

It was Zachary who pulled her out of that darkness, slowly and steadily, without asking for anything in return. He had stood by her, even when she was at her lowest.

It had taken every ounce of courage she possessed to accept his love. And sometimes, a part of her still feared it was only a dream. If she woke up, she might find herself lost once more in the dark.

"Don't be afraid," Zachary murmured as he gently stroked her back, feeling the slight tremble in her body.

"Whether it's facing Sky or anyone else, I'll be with you. You've done nothing wrong. You have no reason to feel ashamed or unworthy. You're already incredible, Sophia."

His voice was calm and soothing, wrapping around her like a protective cocoon. Slowly, she began to relax.

She exhaled softly and changed the subject. "You must be hungry. Zane ordered food already. Let's go eat."

"Alright." He released her gently, then got out of the car and reached for her hand. Their fingers intertwined naturally.

"When we're back, I'll schedule a time. I'll speak to Sky first. You can come in after."

He still wasn't entirely sure he could trust Sky. A man with a past like his didn't earn complete trust overnight. He needed to be sure Sky had truly changed before letting him anywhere near Sophia.

"Come on, let's go."

"Okay."

They walked into the service area hand in hand. Zane and Connie had already laid out the food on the table and waved them over when they saw the two approached.

"Hey, over here."

Zachary and Sophia took their seats across from them.

"Not a lot of options at these rest stops, so I just got us some fast food. We'll eat something better when we get back to Dithoria," Zane said.

He pushed the box of pizza toward them. "Let's dig in. I'm starving."

"Let's eat," Zachary said simply, using the serving utensils to place a slice onto Sophia's plate.

After the meal, they took a short walk around the service area to stretch their legs, then got back in the car and hit the road again.

…

Three days later, once they were well rested, Zachary called Sky.

"Hello, Mr. Walker. We're back in Dithoria. Are you free today? I'd like to take you out to lunch."

"Yes, I'm free. I've just been resting these past few days."

Though his parents had told him to take time off, Sky hadn't really been able to relax. His time in prison had conditioned his body into a strict routine. Sleeping in didn't come easily.

He had already begun reviewing the company's financial reports and familiarizing himself with its recent projects and operations. He had always been used to a busy schedule. Even in prison, he had worked hard every day. Suddenly having nothing to do made him feel restless and uneasy.

So when Zachary called, he agreed without hesitation.

"I want to take them with me. Is that alright?"

"Absolutely. Just a moment."

Gorge's kitchen was fully equipped. In no time, he had everything boxed up. The cookies, delicate pastries, and mini cakes were all carefully arranged in elegant gift boxes.

He handed them to Sky with a warm smile. "Here you go, Mr. Sky. Are these for someone special?"

Gorge looked at him with a twinkle in his eyes. "If they like them, just let me know, I'll be happy to bake more."

"I packed some this morning for Lincoln as well. He said he was bringing them to Ms. Jeffries, though she's watching her figure, so she probably won't eat them. But it's the thought that counts," he added cheerfully.

"Yes. I'm meeting Sophia today, and I'd like to give these to her," Sky replied with a nod.

He didn't hide it from Gorge. After he spoke, he let out a small laugh. "I'm not sure she'll accept them. But like you said, it's the thought that counts."

Gorge's smile faltered slightly, but he still waved a hand. "Of course. Go on, then."

"Thank you, Gorge."

With the gift bag in hand, Sky headed to the garage and drove off. Zachary called him around 11:00 am. By the time he arrived at the restaurant, it was almost noon.

He figured Zachary must have left home right after the call.

At exactly 11:50 am, Sky arrived at the Harborview Restaurant. Just as he parked and stepped out of the car, he looked up and saw Zachary and Sophia getting out of their car, parked just a few spaces away.

Their eyes met.