The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)

Natalie sat on the couch, scrolling through the news on her phone. She could feel Marcus watching her. She looked up and met his gaze.

"What is it?" she asked.

"You're the owner of Nouvelle Zara," Marcus said. It wasn't a question. It was a statement.

Natalie nodded. "Yes. Why?"

"Nothing. Just... a little surprised," he admitted.

He suddenly remembered how, early on, he used to think she looked too gloomy

in her black windbreaker and cargo pants. He had asked Ethan to buy her some pretty dresses suited for a young woman.

Back then, the dresses Ethan brought were from Nouvelle Zara. He had said Nouvelle Zara's designs were youthful, vibrant, and elegant, with subtle, thoughtful details that made every piece special.

Nouvelle Zara's design philosophy had always been that every girl deserved to be loved, and more importantly, to love herself.

That was why, after learning about the cruel way she had been treated in the Langley family, where she had been used as a human blood bank, Marcus chose Nouvelle Zara dresses as gifts for her.

"I didn't realize I'd been supporting your business all along. When I gave you those dresses, did you secretly laugh at me?" he chuckled.

Natalie shook her head. "Not at all. I actually thought it was great. You bought something from my store, I got the sales revenue, and then the dress came to me, which meant I could technically put it back on the shelf and sell it again. That meant more profit for me. Pretty good deal. Actually, a great one."

Marcus blinked. "So... did you really put the dress back on sale?"

"I was kidding. I treasure every gift I receive. I still have them. I didn't sell any of them, I promise," Natalie said with a laugh.

"Oh, by the way, my mom just sent me a message. She and Laura came up with a few wedding plans. She forwarded them to me so I can choose. She told me to let her know if I have any thoughts or feedback."

"Natalie, can I ask you something?" Marcus asked softly.

"Of course."

"How many other identities do you have that we don't know about?"

His eyes locked onto hers with a mix of curiosity and fascination.

Natalie tilted her head slightly and smiled. "There's one more identity you don't know."

"What is it?"

"I'm Sun, the anonymous philanthropist known nationwide. Mr. Langton has always done charity work. He's sponsored and taken in many orphans. Before I came along, almost everyone you met at The Herbalist's Sanctuary was someone he rescued," she said, setting her phone aside and speaking seriously.

"Some weren't orphans in the traditional sense. They were children he saved from traffickers. Since he couldn't find their parents, he raised them himself. When we got older, he gradually handed over his responsibilities to us.

"We needed money. A lot of it. We built welfare centers and hope schools all over the country. Whether it was through Nouvelle Zara, Goodwill Pharmacy, or the money I earned when I was Elim, everything beyond operational costs went into charity.

"Every year, children write letters to me. Connie handles the correspondence, and we always make time to visit the schools and welfare homes.

"Marcus, would you like to come with me next time? I'd love to show you.

"My parents and yours talked about the wedding. Personally, I didn't want to go

over the top, but everyone's excited, and I didn't have the heart to dampen their

joy.

"I know both sides mean well.

Getting married is a

once-in-a-lifetime event, or at least it

should be. Some people marry

than once, but when I chose tore

register our marriage, I never imagined us divorcing or separating. That's why I never turned them down."

"So, is Sun the only other identity you're hiding?" Marcus asked, still watching her closely.

He stared at her with complete focus, taking in every inch of her delicate face. Her small features

were stunning, and her beautiful net

almond eyes, once so distant and cold, Tooked at him with nothing but warmth and sincerity. Especially

when she mentioned being Sun. Her eyes glowed with conviction.

"If that's true, then you should've accepted the shares I offered you," Marcus said,

his voice slightly hoarse.

He swallowed hard and reached for her fingers. "Can I be part of your charity work from now on?"

Natalie's lips curved into a smile. "I would love that. I didn't refuse your shares because I didn't appreciate them. It's because I know the more I take, the more responsibility I carry.

"Back when I was with the Langleys, I gave everything I had to the Langley Group. It was exhausting.

"I still have Nouvelle Zara, Goodwill Pharmacy, and my identity as Elim. Even though I have teams managing both, I'm not entirely hands-off.

"As Elim, I save people. Not everyone, but every case takes a huge toll on my energy and focus. I really can't take on more. Not even your shares. I know you offered them to give me a sense of security. I understand that."

Natalie looked up at him, her eyes sparkling. "Marcus, I trust you. I know you won't betray me, and you won't let me down. So whether the shares are in my name or yours doesn't really matter.

"Besides, my parents and brothers have already given me plenty of assets. Your shares came from Grandpa. They represent the years you've spent managing Holden Group. If you gave them up, would Holden Group still thrive?

"Don't forget, there's still Cassie. She's been watching for an opportunity. You can't afford to let your guard down."

Marcus pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. His heart ached for her. She saw everything clearly, yet carried so much without ever saying a word.

As far as he knew, many of Nouvelle Zara's designs came from the mysterious founder behind the brand, the very woman resting quietly in his embrace.

And Goodwill Pharmacy? Whenever they encountered complex cases they couldn't resolve, they always turned to that same elusive figure for help.

As Elim, her patients were even more critical, and yet, all this time, she had still worked tirelessly for the Langleys.

"Are you feeling sorry for me now?" Natalie asked as she rested in his arms. His emotions were so intense that she couldn't ignore them, even if she wanted to.

BUT

"Marcus, ever since I met Me. Langton, I've been genuinely happy. The Langley's treated me terribly. But he gave me the kindest, most unconditional love in the world. He gave me confidence and strength. It doesn't matter how many identities I have. What matters is, I've always been just fine." noveldrama