The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)

Sheldon stood with a faint smile on his lips.

"Cassie, don't be so down," he said. "In three days, it will be Mr. Marcus' wedding."

He continued, "Plus, do you know where we are? International waters. No laws. No oversight. We'll just drift here for a few days. Every morning you'll wake up to the ocean. Isn't that nice?"

"You're insane!" Cassie spat. "You really are. You're a lunatic, Sheldon. If my father knew the kind of madman he chose as his butler, he'd hate you with everything he had."

"Your father?"

Sheldon laughed. A low chuckle at first, then rising steadily until it turned into a full burst of laughter.

"Your father is that man out there, the one your mother had an affair with. He wasn't Mr. Holden Senior. So don't even try to associate yourself with him.

"You should change your name, really. But then again, it doesn't matter. After you're dead, your body will be tossed into the ocean. The fish will pick your bones clean. So what does it matter? Make the most of the time you have left."

With that, he turned and walked into the cabin.noveldrama

Outside, his men slashed shallow cuts across Cassie's body. Then they hoisted her up by ropes and lowered her, upside down, into the sea.

The moment the salt water touched her wounds, pain tore through her like fire. Her entire body trembled uncontrollably.

They watched the time. Every five minutes, they pulled her up and dropped her back in on repeat. Eventually, she passed out from the pain.

Once she lost consciousness, they hauled her up and had the accompanying doctor treat her wounds just enough to keep her alive. They weren't going to let her die so easily.

Three days later, Marcus and Natalie's wedding took place at the Holden Grand Hotel.

The day before the ceremony, both the bride and the groom returned to their respective family homes. Early in the morning, Natalie was woken up by Olivia and Connie.

Charlotte had arranged for one of the top styling teams in Dithoria to style Natalie on her big day. The moment she got up, the preparations began.

The wedding dresses had long been selected. There were eight in total, including some added later.

All of them were from Nouvelle Zara. Some were designed by Natalie herself, others by Nouvelle Zara's top designers. Every piece was breathtaking.

Natalie was beautiful, to begin with. Her skin glowed. Once the makeup and dress were on, everyone around her was left speechless.

Olivia and Connie, both dressed in bridesmaid gowns, wiped at their eyes.

"She's so beautiful," Olivia sniffled.

"She really is. I never thought I'd live to see this day," Connie choked, wiping her tears.

Connie had known Natalie for years. She had seen all the hardships Natalie had endured.

Back then, Natalie wore black tactical jackets, cargo pants, and combat boots. She didn't even own a skirt, let alone something soft or feminine.

But now, dressed in a wedding gown with delicate makeup, she looked like a completely different person. Gone was the somber young woman who smiled so rarely. In her place was a bride radiant with quiet joy.

Natalie smiled too. She had seen herself in the mirror while the team worked. The makeup wasn't heavy, but the difference was clear. She looked softer, more refined. It was hard to look away.

"Sweetie, have a little something to eat," Charlotte said, walking in with a tray.

Natalie sat on the bed, waiting patiently for her groom to come and fetch her. "Thank you, Mom."

The plate Charlotte brought held a delicate vanilla cupcake topped with a swirl of white frosting.

"Have a bite. May your days be full of sweetness and joy."

Charlotte looked at her daughter. Her eyes were already misting over.

"Sweetie, even though you're

marrying Marcus, this will always be your home. We don't believe in the saying that a married daughter is like water thrown out. Your room will always be here. And the family inheritance will always include your share."

As she spoke, her eyes grew redder. She turned away quickly to wipe her tears. "I've been dreaming of this day. Now that it's here, I don't want to let you go."

Natalie took small bites of the cupcake. It was light, sweet, but not overly rich. Her heart was full as she listened in silence.

"Mom, don't be sad," she said. "I can come back whenever I want. Marcus and I already talked. If you and Dad ever miss me, just call. We'll come home that night."

After she finished eating, Connie quickly stepped up to take the empty plate. "I'll take this downstairs."

"Thank you, Connie."

"No need to thank me, Ms. Walker. Come on, we don't thank each other."

She left quickly, afraid she'd break down if she stayed any longer.

It was a day of celebration, but her tears wouldn't stop. Her heart was too soft, too easily moved.

Charlotte gave her daughter one more hug. There was still much to do, and she knew she wouldn't be able to stay by Natalie's side for long.

"Nat, I'll be busy for most of today. If you need anything, ask Gorge. He'll be with you the whole time."

Gorge stepped forward and nodded. "Of course, Ms. Natalie. I'll be by your side all day."

"I'll be fine, Mom. Olivia and Connie are here. And my friends will arrive soon too. I'll be just fine."

Natalie smiled. Federrick wouldn't be attending the wedding, but her seniors were already on their way. They had arrived in Dithoria earlier and would be at the Walker residence.

"Alright then. I won't worry. I'm just so happy for you."

Charlotte hugged her again, gave a few more instructions to Gorge and Olivia, then finally left the room.

Outside, guests were already arriving.

The marriage between Natalie,

daughter of the Walker family, and Marcus, sole heir of the Holden family, was a major event. The evening banquet would be held at the hotel. The morning ceremony was at the Walker residence. Both homes were filled with people. William and Charlotte greeted the guests together. The Walker brothers were all busy as well. The

residence had been decorated to

perfection. Guests, reporters, and

influencers filled the space,

William and Charlotte kept smiling as they welcomed their family's longtime

friends and close allies.

As for the Walker brothers, Lincoln, Hector, Timothy, and Mason each had their roles. Even Sky was there today.

Charlotte and William asked him to stay in the shadows, to simply watch from afar as his sister got married.

Sky didn't protest. He knew how much he had messed up. On a day like this, he didn't dare ask questions, didn't dare voice a single opinion.

Being allowed to attend was already a blessing.

After the wedding, he would return to prison and finish serving his sentence.

But his behavior had improved greatly behind bars. The family's lawyers had visited several times and told him that if he kept it up, there was a chance for early release.

Because of this, his parents had begun to soften toward him. They were doing what they could to help.