The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)

Natalie and Marcus strolled through a few streets, hand in hand. They stopped by a supermarket to grab some bottled water, chatting casually as they walked.

"There aren't many people left in this county," Natalie said. "Most of the workforce has already moved away, and there aren't any real resources here, either.

"Our team did some research, and in the end, I decided not to invest. Mr. Langton never expected anything in return. He just wanted to help whoever he could.

"But big projects like this take a lot of time, money, and effort, not to mention the endless back-and-forth with government departments. So, we gave it up.

"Mr. Langton said if he's no longer around, we can keep the charity work going if we want. But if we don't, we can gradually step away too.

"All of us want to keep it going, but it depends on what we're able to do in the future. Things can change so quickly, no one can promise it'll always stay the same."

"Yeah," Marcus replied, lacing his fingers through hers. "Nat, you've already done so much. Honestly, I don't like Ashford Vale.

"I couldn't care less if the people there live or die, but because it matters to you, I'm willing to do it with you."

Natalie nodded. "I know. And the fact that you'd go that far for me already means a lot. Thank you, Marcus."

"Nat, if you want to go herb-hunting, let's rest tonight and head out tomorrow. As for Lynette, Sue, and Ann, let Elijah take them. We're still on our honeymoon, remember? Say yes, okay?"

Natalie thought it over for a moment, then nodded. "Okay. Let's treat it like our honeymoon and go look for herbs. I'll send Elijah the contact info and address. He can handle the rest."

"Perfect." Marcus lit up instantly. Right there, in the middle of the street, he pulled Natalie into his arms. "Thank you, Nat."

"I should be thanking you," Natalie said with a smile. "Without you, dealing with Ashford Vale would've taken a lot more time and effort.

"I'm a woman, and no matter how tough I act, I wouldn't have been able to keep those men under control. And honestly, I'm not that ruthless to begin with.

"You saved me a lot of trouble. Our honeymoon's nothing like other people's. I know it's been tough on you."

Marcus didn't say anything. He just held her tighter.

They stood there, embracing quietly in the street, until Natalie's phone rang. She pulled it out and glanced at the screen. It was Laura.

She still hadn't updated the contact name after marrying Marcus.

She glanced at Marcus, who didn't seem to mind, so she swiped to answer the call. "Hi, Mom."

"Nat, did you and Marcus get Sheldon's email?" Laura's gentle, loving voice came through the line.

"Your father and I both got it. He said he was traveling abroad and probably wouldn't be back for a few years. He told us not to worry about him and even said that if he meets someone he likes while he's out there, there's a good chance he'll settle down overseas."

Laura sighed on the other end.

"Sheldon, honestly... He always used to say he wanted to retire somewhere quiet in the countryside, and now, out of nowhere, he runs off overseas. If we end up missing him, we can't just go visit him anymore."

"Mom, as long as Mr. Phelps is happy, that's what matters," Natalie replied.

She genuinely thought it was a good thing that Sheldon had decided to travel.

Beautiful places had a way of healing the soul. And who knew, maybe on his journey, he'd meet someone special.

He had never married or had children. If, in his later years, he finally found someone he truly loved, that would be a rare kind of happiness-a blessing, really.

"I'm not blaming Sheldon, and I don't think he's doing anything wrong. It's just a bit bittersweet," Laura said with another soft sigh.

She paused, then added, "Nat, how's the honeymoon going with Marcus? Are you having a good time?"

"We're having a great time," Natalie replied, smiling. "You don't need to worry about us, Mom."

"Good. Just make sure you stay safe. If Marcus ever gives you a hard time, you let me know right away."

Natalie laughed. "Marcus has been good to me. He hasn't mistreated me at all."

"That's good to hear. Since you both got Sheldon's email, I won't keep you from your honeymoon any longer," Laura said gently. "Let me know when you're coming back. I'll come pick you up."

"Sounds good! Mom, get some rest. It's getting late."

"Alright. You two rest early, too. Good night, Nat."noveldrama

"Good night, Mom."

Back at Holden Residence, Laura ended the call and turned to Wesley, who was sitting nearby.

"Sheldon didn't tell them the truth," she said.

Her eyes were red. Wesley had already told her everything, that Sheldon had taken Cassie with him to die. He had made Wesley promise never to tell Marcus or Natalie the real story.

Sheldon waited until after Marcus and Natalie's wedding before choosing to end both his and Cassie's lives.

But the timing had been too close. Deep down, he still hadn't been able to let it go.

So, before he did it, he made arrangements for everything-emails scheduled to be sent every year, along with postcards and small gifts from various international

locations.

That way, Marcus and Natalie would keep receiving messages and souvenirs from him year after year. No one would ever suspect that he was already gone.

Wesley and Laura had been separated from Marcus for many years. They hadn't truly fulfilled their roles as parents, and now that they finally had a chance to make up for it, they were even more determined to keep the truth from Marcus and Natalie.

Wesley nodded. "Sheldon explained everything in the email he sent me. As long

as we don't say a word, Marcus and Natalie will never know."

"Yeah, I won't say a single thing. I'll keep my mouth shut," Laura whispered, her tears falling freely. "I just... it breaks my heart that we can't even mention Sheldon's name when we pay our respects

Sheldon was gone. But aside from Wesley and Laura, no one else knew the truth.

He had gone to great lengths to create the illusion that he was still alive and well.

His most loyal men-those who would never betray him-had been sent to live in various countries, scattered across the globe.

None of them would ever return to Dithoria State. None of them would say a word.

"That doesn't matter," Wesley said

quietly. He pulled the crying Laura

into his arms. "Being

forgotten-that's what real death is.

But as long as we remembe

Sheldon, he'll always be alive.

"Marcus and Natalie are off enjoying their honeymoon. They're happy, and that's

what Father and Sheldon wanted most. As long as they're living a good life, that's enough."

The rest didn't matter anymore.