The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 714

Sierra genuinely hoped Sophia could find happiness.

She knew exactly where Sophia's emotional wounds were, but healing something like that had to come from within. No one could walk that path for her.

If Sophia couldn't let go and take that step forward, then even if she and Zachary were happily dating, it was hard to imagine they could ever make it to marriage.

Sophia might be fine with never getting married, but what about Zachary?

Right now, Zachary loved her, pampered her, and gave her space. But as time passed and they both grew older, would his parents continue to accept him waiting indefinitely?

It was a real dilemma.

"Sophia, how about being a little bolder and meeting Zachary's parents?" Sierra encouraged gently. "I'll go with you. My mom, my dad—we'll all be there with you."

Sophia hesitated under Sierra's encouraging gaze. After a long pause, she shook her head. "Not now, Cee. I just can't."

Sierra sighed but didn't push. She simply reached out and gave her a quiet hug.

"It's okay, Sophia. In life, we meet all kinds of people and go through all kinds of things—some good, some awful.

"Take me, for example. I was kidnapped by traffickers as a kid, forced to beg on the streets, then rescued by Samantha. I gained a new family. But before I could even settle in, I was sent abroad. The man I called my brother ended up becoming my husband. And now, I want a divorce.

"I thought I'd never return to Dithoria. But here I am—having even found my biological parents.

"Fate is strange like that. Mysterious, but always guiding us somewhere. So if you're afraid now, and if you feel like you can't face things—that's okay. Don't put pressure on yourself.

"I've wondered if giving up all those years with Samuel would feel like a waste, if someone new could even fit into my life again, and if I could ever love again like I loved him.

"I don't have those answers right now. But I do know that I don't want to regret anything. And if I stayed with Samuel, I surely would.

"Now, I have you, my parents, and Ms. Blair. Losing Samuel doesn't matter anymore."

Sierra took a breath before continuing, "One could argue that I've been married and divorced. What if someone in the future thinks I'm not worth it?

"But I don't want to think about that yet. All I want is to end things with Samuel cleanly.

"I don't know what the future holds. But I have just one goal in mind—to live without regret."

Just as Sierra finished speaking, Zachary approached. She gently released Sophia and smiled. "Sophia, whatever happens, I'll always have your back.

"You opened your door and heart to me when we were kids. No matter what comes next, I'll always be here."

Sophia's eyes turned red. She wrapped her arms around Sierra.

"Cee, I'm sorry. When we first met, I thought you were on Samuel's side. I even told Mom she'd brought home someone who didn't deserve her trust."

"That's understandable, Sophia. I don't blame you. If I were you, I would've thought the same thing. Really, I don't blame you.

"Zachary's here now." Sierra patted her shoulder.

Sophia stepped back and smiled. "Thanks. I'll really think about what you said."

"There's no need to thank me. Just don't tear yourself up inside. Unless it involves life or death, everything else is just a minor thing."

"Got it."

They exchanged a smile just as Zachary arrived behind them.

With a teasing grin, he asked, "Sophia, Ms. Remington, what were you two talking about? Even hugging each other?"

"I told Sophia that if you ever mess with her, she should tell me, and I'll set you straight," Sierra said, raising her fist playfully. "I'm her forever support team."

"Let's go. Weren't we going shopping? I'll carry your bag and swipe my card. Tonight, all expenses are on me!"

"Deal!"

Sophia took Zachary's hand with one hand and held onto Sierra's arm with the other.

"Boyfriend on one side, best friend on the other. Tonight, I feel so lucky."

Sierra gently pinched her cheek. "Remember how you used to let me sleep in your bed when we were little?"

Sophia nodded. "I remember. Why bring it up now?"

"Because I'm buying you pajamas." Sierra grinned. "When we get to the lingerie store, have Zach wait outside. We'll go in ourselves."

"Alright."

They soon arrived at the lingerie store, and Zachary was made to stay outside.

Sierra took Sophia inside, waved over a sales associate, and whispered something in her ear.

The associate nodded and smiled. "Right this way, ladies."

Sophia gave Sierra a curious look. "Cee, what did you tell her?"

Sierra gave a mysterious smile. "Nothing much. Come on."

She pulled Sophia along behind the associate. Soon, they reached the back section of the store.

And with one glance, Sophia froze.