The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)

The moment the Walker family saw Marcus and Natalie return, everyone rose to their feet.

"Marcus, Nat, come sit down and get some rest." Charlotte was the first to speak.

Natalie nodded gently. She reached for Marcus' hand and led him to the sofa. "You've been through a lot these past few days. Marcus, would you consider staying with us for a while?" Charlotte asked, her tone full of concern.

She studied him carefully. In just a few days, he looked like he had lost weight. His complexion was pale, and the light that used to gleam in his eyes had dulled.

"Mrs. Walker, I'm alright," Marcus said with a small smile.

"There's still a lot to handle at Holden Residence. Even though the funeral's over and my mother's home now. I still have work to do. But I promise, I'm not going to fall apart. I know it's been a lot on you-Mr. and Mrs. Walker, and all of Nat's brothers."

He already saw them as his own, just like Natalie did.

All four of Natalie's brothers had dropped everything to stand by him. The only one missing was Sky, still serving time.

Natalie had been with Marcus every step of the way.

Sky had only been allowed out to attend Charles' funeral because the Walker family had submitted a special request.

Knowing he didn't have the full picture, he chose to stay silent. What he really wanted was to speak to Natalie and apologize.

He had been on his best behavior in prison, working toward early release. When he finally got out, he planned to be the kind of older brother she deserved and make up for everything he had done.

"Mrs. Walker, Mr. Walker, really, I'm fine. You don't need to worry about me," Marcus said, still trying to smile.

"You've all done enough. I have Nat here with me, and that's more than enough. Please go home and rest."

He turned to her. "Nat, isn't that right?"

Natalie didn't hesitate. "Of course."

A small but real smile tugged at Marcus' lips. "Good. Then it's settled. Mr. Walker,

Mrs. Walker, everyone, go home and rest. I'll call if I need anything."

"Marcus, are you sure?" William still looked uneasy, more so because of his concern for Natalie.

Since she returned home, she hadn't spent much time with them. She was constantly caught up in one thing after another. They had barely gotten to be with her, let alone make up for the years they missed.

"I'm sure, Mr. Walker, I'm not that fragile," Marcus said firmly.

William finally gave a small nod. "Alright then, we'll head out then. But Hector and Mason will stay."

Marcus nodded politely. "Alright. Thank you for staying, Hector, Mason."

Mason leaned over to Hector and whispered, "It still sounds strange when Marcus calls me 'Mason.""

Hector gave him a smack on the back of the head. "Just be grateful."

"Yes, Hector." Mason quickly turned and chuckled to himself.

Hector rolled his eyes. "Idiot."

"We'll get going then. No need to walk us out. You two get some rest," William said, standing up.

Charlotte followed and added, "Nat, Sky said he wanted to speak with you. After that, we'll take him back to prison."

Natalie nodded and stood up. "Sky, let's talk in the parlor."

Sky got up as well, giving Marcus a respectful nod. "Alright, Marcus, mind if I borrow her for a few minutes?"

Marcus nodded. "Of course."

In the parlor, Natalie gestured for him to sit down. She took the armchair Charles had loved most.

"I won't make tea. Let's just have some warm water."

She poured him a glass and pushed it across the table. It was the first time they had ever sat down and talked this calmly.

Sky picked up the glass, took a sip, then sat in silence for a long moment before finally speaking. "Nat... I'm sorry."

"Sky, you already apologized to me once. You don't need to keep saying it," Natalie said with a faint smile.

"You still acknowledge me as your older brother... That means everything to me. I

was blind. I was lost. I..." His eyes reddened.

"Let's not talk about the past

anymore. What's done is done. You

can't undo it. What you need to do is

behave well in prison, get your

sentence reduced, and com@home sooner." Natalie gently cut him off.

His hair had been shaved close. He looked leaner, his features sharper. His eyes

had grown calmer, softer.

"Alright. I'll listen to you." He gave her a warm smile.

"Nat, I also wanted to tell you... There's a safe in my study. The password is

Emma's birthday. I never had a chance to change it.

"What's inside... was supposed to be your wedding gift. You might not want it, but I want you to know... those things were prepared for my real sister. Before you came home, yes, had planned to give them to Emma."

"I'll take it," Natalie said without hesitation.

"Huh?" He froze, not expecting that answer.

"I'll take whatever's in the safe," Natalie repeated. "I don't care who it was

originally for. I'm your sister. Those things belong to me, right?"

Sky quickly nodded. "Yes, yes, of course. That's exactly right."

Natalie smiled faintly. "Sky, I've already made peace with the past. I just hope you

can do the same."

His eyes reddened again. He didn't

know what to say. After a long pause, his voice caught in his throat. "Thank you. Compared to your grace feel so unworthy. Thank you for giving me another chance For stiff being willing to accept me as your brother." Content bétongs to

"We're siblings. And you've accepted your punishment with open arms." Natalie said softly.

"I brought this on myself. That's why I'll return and continue serving my sentence." Prison had given him time to reflect, to remember, to see clearly. And what he saw was just how terribly wrong he had been.

The Walker family believed in taking responsibility. And so did he.

Being forgiven by Natalie meant everything to him.noveldrama

"Thank goodness I wasn't sentenced to death. That means I still have a chance to start over. Nat, when I get out, I'll treat you so well. Better than anyone else ever has," he said with a quiet laugh.

Natalie smiled and nodded. "Good, I'll be waiting."

"Then... would you come with me? Back to the prison?" He looked at her with

hope in his eyes.

Natalie nodded without hesitation. "Of course. I'll go with Mom and Dad, and we'll take you back together."