The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)

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 │"

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.

"Sophia, you and Samuel were

separated since childhood. He lived a carefree and privileged life overseas. You, on the other hand were mistreated in the Sinclair family. Even your engagement to Sky almost dragged you into hell.

"I can't control the Walker family. But I, Natalie, will be your support. Get up."

Natalie bent down and pulled Sophia up. She was still crying but obediently rose to her feet.

Natalie took a deep breath to suppress her anger. She truly despised men who used a woman's pain to attack them. And even more so when that man was her own brother.

Sophia barely managed to stand. Her eyes, filled with tears, landed on Natalie as she hugged her again.

"Nat, thank you."

"Samuel will be here soon. I'm going to make it clear to him that he has no right to say those things to me."

"No one has that right," Natalie said firmly. "Sophia, remember

this-you're the victim. The one who should feel ashamed is the

perpetrator, not the one who wel neotnoveldrama

hurt. The ones who should hide their

faces from the world aren't you. It's Emma's entire family.

"Sky was one of the enablers. Even though we're friends, and even though I've

helped you, I still don't have the right to ask you to forgive him.

"So even if Samuel is your biological brother, you don't owe him anything. You don't have to be polite. You don't have to be afraid.

"You've never done him wrong. On the contrary, he's the one who's wronged you. Got it?"

Sophia stared at Natalie's serious, unwavering expression. After a long pause, she finally nodded. "I got it, Nat. Thank you."

"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."