The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)

Olivia caught up to Natalie and asked, "So what does Marcus' dad and aunt skipping the funeral have to do with you marrying him today?"

Natalie's lips curved into a subtle smile. "I don't know about Cassie, but as for Wesley... I've got a theory. Just a guess really, and maybe a bit of a gamble.

"He didn't show up for Grandpa Charles' funeral, but for Marcus' wedding? He has to show up, right? Don't forget that Laura was the love of Wesley's life.

"Watching their child get married, standing side by side with the person they love... that's something most couples dream of. And many would go out of their way to make it happen.

"If, on our wedding day, Laura walks down the aisle holding another man's hand, don't you think Wesley's going to panic?"

Natalie let out a soft laugh. "I think he definitely will."

Because Wesley loved Laura.

Because of that love, he agreed to divorce her and gave her everything he had.

Because of that love, he went looking for Cassie himself, so Marcus wouldn't have to get his hands dirty.

Olivia considered all of that, then gently grabbed Natalie's hand. "So... this whole 'sudden marriage' thing... it's not that sudden, is it?"

"It is sudden," Natalie replied as she pressed the elevator button. "Marcus didn't tell me in advance that he wanted to apply for a marriage certificate today, but I could tell something was off with him emotionally. And with Cassie still out there, do you think he's at peace?"

She hit the button for the first floor. "Olivia, Marcus is carrying a lot right now. Ever since Grandpa Charles passed, I've been worried about him."

"You care about him. You want to save him. But... you don't have to do it this way," Olivia said, pressing her lips together. "I just think... he should've made it more special for you, you know?"

"Honestly, if he gave me a whole bunch of 'special' right now, it wouldn't feel right. Just think about it, if the person you loved most had just died, would you be in the mood to plan a picture-perfect moment?" Natalie adjusted the strap of her bag. "I was just giving an example."

"Nat, have you noticed you've been defending Marcus this whole time?" Olivia let out a quiet sigh. "I'm not saying he's a bad guy. I just feel like... it's kind of unfair to you."

"There's no point in bringing up the past." Natalie smiled softly and reached out to gently pinch Olivia's cheek.noveldrama

"Living in the past and obsessing over how unfair things used to be, that only ends up hurting yourself. I'm doing great now, and Marcus is doing great, too. Isn't that what matters?"

Olivia puffed out her cheeks but didn't respond to Natalie's words.

"Alright, let me give you another example then," Natalie said after a moment's thought.

"Let's say someone important to Mason just passed away. He's in pain and grieving, and he needs your support. He wants to marry you right away, without any grand proposal or ceremony. Would you do it?"

Olivia froze. It took her a while before she finally shook her head with a bitter smile. "Nat, that's not how examples are supposed to work."

"But the core of the situation isn't any different."

"Sometimes, I hate how calm and rational you are." Olivia let out a heavy sigh. "When I called Mason in the car and asked if we should get a marriage certificate together, I didn't think that far ahead at all."

Natalie nodded. "I know. You're different from me, and Mason's different from Marcus, too. Mason's a great guy-gentle, thoughtful.

"Sure, he's a little younger than you, but not by much. Sometimes, he acts loud and impulsive, but even that always has a reason behind it."

Olivia pressed her lips together, saying nothing.

"Sweetie, are you heading out?"

Just then, Charlotte walked in from outside, holding a bouquet of freshly picked flowers. Her face lit up the moment she saw Natalie.

Mason had already texted her, letting her know that Natalie and Marcus were planning to get a marriage certificate today.

Charlotte had been worried she might miss Natalie while out gathering flowers, but by chance, they crossed paths.

"Yes, I'm going to City Hall with Marcus to get our marriage certificate." She had no intention of hiding it. "Mom, you'll give me your blessing, right?"

Charlotte didn't hesitate for a second. "Of course I will. If I don't bless my own daughter, who else would I bless? Some stranger? But have you thought it through?"

Natalie nodded. "I have."

"Then go," Charlotte said, stepping forward to pull her into a warm, reassuring hug. "I told you before that whatever you choose, I'll support you. Don't worry about your dad. I'll handle him."

"Okay. Thanks, Mom." Natalie gave Charlotte a warm hug.

She wasn't afraid of William, nor did she particularly care whether he approved or not. But the Walker

family loved her deeply, and than et

mattered. As long as there was

mutual respect, she was more than willing to be a good daughter.

"After Marcus and I get our marriage certificate, we're going on a double date with Mason and Olivia. After that, we'll come home for dinner. Will you and Dad prepare a wedding gift for us?"

Charlotte nodded without hesitation. "Of course we will."

"Thank you, Mom." Natalie leaned in and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'm heading out then."

"Alright. Have fun today."

"I will." Natalie smiled and waved at her before heading out of the villa with her bag slung over her shoulder.

Olivia followed her to the car. On the way, she stayed quiet, eyes fixed on the window, saying nothing.

"Still thinking about it?" Natalie asked with a smile as she drove.

"Not really. I was just surprised Mrs. Walker agreed so easily. She didn't even question you," Olivia replied.

She let out a soft sigh. "But then again, you've always had a mind of your own. I couldn't stop you even if

I tried, so I might as well just wish

you the best. Nat, I wish you happiness. A lifetime of it."

"I will. Don't worry."

Natalie continued driving, casually chatting with Olivia along the way. After about

an hour, they finally arrived at City Hall.

Natalie parked the car, opened the door, and stepped out. Holding up her birth certificate, she waved it in Marcus' direction with a bright smile.

Mason stood up. "Marcus, Nat really came back with her birth certificate. She's actually doing it."

"Yeah." Marcus rose to his feet, casually dusting off his pants before walking toward Natalie.

They stopped in front of each other.

"Nat, are you sure about this?" Marcus asked, looking at her, his voice low and

steady. "Did Mr. and Mrs. Walker agree?"

Natalie nodded. "They had no objections. Come on."

She reached for his hand and gently pulled him toward the building.

Olivia walked up beside Mason. "She's going through with it. Nat's marrying Marcus," Olivia said softly.

"You didn't try to talk her out of it?" Mason asked.

"I did. Didn't work. But honestly, some of the things she said made a lot of sense. We just have to respect her choice and wish her well."

Mason nodded slowly. "Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. I still remember the first time Nat came to our house. She was so distant, her eyes cold. "Honestly, I could tell she didn't like us at all back then. But even then, I only had one wish-for my little sister to live a healthy, happy life. That's all I've ever wanted for her."