The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 713

Sierra exited her chat with Maggie and called Sophia.

"Hey, Sophia. Are you two coming back soon? I want to take you out for dinner."

"We're out shopping," Sophia replied. "Zachary and I are buying school and daily supplies for a few girls we're sponsoring."

She and Zachary were browsing through stationery. Sophia had decided to sponsor Lynette and the other two girls, providing them with a monthly allowance, clothing, school, and daily supplies.

Whether those girls would be grateful or turn out ungrateful in the future, she didn't know. She just wanted to do what was right in the present.

Zachary had said that a pound of help often turned into a burden of resentment. Human nature was fickle, hard to predict, and easily swayed. Finding a truly appreciative child was rare.

Lynette and the other two girls were grateful now, freshly freed from their shackles. But once they spent more time outside and experienced more of the world, who could say if that gratitude would last?

People were like that. Before they received something, they always wondered what they would do if they got it. But once it was in their hands, it was never enough.

That was why Zachary had insisted that they be clear from the start and had the girls sign a contract.

Their sponsorship wasn't unconditional. In return, the girls had to maintain good grades in school. If they failed to perform or acted out, the support would end.

They would be sent back to Coalmarsh or left to fend for themselves.

The girls signed without hesitation, promising again and again not to disappoint them.

Sophia didn't object to Zachary's approach. After all, Samuel had been the perfect cautionary tale.

Even though he and Sierra had lived abroad for years, Samantha had never stopped supporting them financially.

Sierra turned out okay. However, Samuel had turned into an ungrateful backstabber.

"Cee, do you want to come shop with us?" Sophia asked. "We'll grab a late-night snack afterward."

She dropped a pink notebook into the cart and added three more boxes of pens.

"Sure. Send me the address. I'll head over now."

"Alright."

Sophia hung up and sent Sierra the location.

Sierra texted back, told her parents at home she was heading out, grabbed her bag, and left.

…

Sophia and Zachary finished shopping but didn't leave right away. They waited at the entrance of the store for Sierra.

"Sophia, want a smoothie?" Zachary asked, glancing at the girls around them, most of whom had one in hand. His voice was gentle.

Sophia nodded. "Yes, please."

"Wait here. I'll go get it."

Zachary headed to the smoothie stand while Sophia quietly stood in place, watching him.

There was a bit of a line, but she didn't mind. Her gaze stayed fixed on him.

Zachary wore a white T-shirt, jeans, and a pair of sneakers. His clean, short hair made him look fresh and neat as he waited in line.

Every so often, he looked back to make sure Sophia was still waiting where he left her.

Each time he caught her gaze, he smiled, and she would smile back.

After one exchange of smiles, he kept his warm gaze on her.

Sophia was the first to grow shy. She lowered her head, choosing to stare at her toes instead.

Zachary caught her reaction and couldn't help but smile a little wider.

It took a while, but he finally got their smoothies.

Just as he turned around with them, Sierra arrived.

She didn't know what the future held for her and Zachary. She didn't even know if his parents would ever truly accept her.

Still, dating Zachary felt good. It was light and easy.

If he really brought her to meet his parents, however, she would be scared witless.

Though rumors of her past had mostly died down, everyone was well aware of what happened.

Zachary reached out and gently ruffled Sophia's hair, his smile warm and affectionate.

"I'll put the stuff in the car. Do you two want to walk around a bit?"

"Yes." Sophia didn't even lift her head as she reached out and grabbed Sierra's hand.

"Zachary, once you're done, come find us. We'll just be walking around here."

"Alright."

Zachary nodded and turned toward the parking lot, carrying the bags.

As he walked away, Sophia let out a long breath. "Sierra, I don't know if I'm capable of being happy.

"I've been through so much and was assaulted. I even got pregnant with that scumbag's child. Even though I had the abortion, the wound inside me is still there. If it really comes to marriage…

"It took so much courage just to be with Zachary, but even now, I don't dare meet his parents."

"Has Zachary ever invited you to his home? Has he tried to introduce you to his parents?" Sierra asked.

Sophia nodded. "Yes, he has. But I was scared, so I turned him down. I asked him to give me more time."

Sierra held her smoothie and thought for a moment.

"Sophia, have you considered that what happened to you wasn't some small thing? Zachary's parents might already know.

"If Zachary has stayed by your side this whole time, protected you, and helped you out of that darkness—maybe his parents know everything. And maybe, they support him anyway."