The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 454

Natalie grabbed Marcus' hand in hers, gently comforting him. "Don't worry. With my mentor here, Laura is doing well, and so are you. She'll get through this."

Natalie tugged Marcus to sit down. "I'll untie one of her hands. You hold onto her. I believe she'd rather have you, not your father, be the one helping her through this."

"Okay," Marcus agreed softly.

He watched as Natalie untied Laura's right hand. Instantly, he extended his hand to grip Laura's.

"Mom, it's me, Marcus." His deep voice rang out. "You must be listening to me now, right?

"When I was little, the first word I ever learned to call someone was 'Mom.' Grandpa was the one who raised me most of the time, but when he got too busy, the helpers took over.

"Jean was the one who took care of me back then. She taught me to say 'Mom' and always told me how beautiful, gentle, and kind you were. When I got older, I asked if she had any pictures of you, but she just sadly shook her head. I didn't understand, so I asked Grandpa. After that, he fired her.

"I cried and begged Grandpa not to let Jean go, but he refused. He said that if a helper couldn't take proper care of me, then she had no place here.

"When Jean left, I ran after her. She crouched down, hugged me, and told me a lot of comforting words. She said my mother loves me a lot, and one day, I'll be able to see her again. She told me to eat well, sleep well, grow strong, and study hard. Once I'm strong enough, no one in Holden Residence will ever dare to bully me again."

Marcus' voice echoed in the room, and Natalie listened in silence. While on the bed, tears slid soundlessly from the corners of Laura's eyes.

"Jean also told me that once I grew up, no one would be able to hurt us anymore."

Marcus let out a soft chuckle. "I didn't understand back then, but I never forgot Jean's words—to eat well, sleep well, study hard, grow strong, and make myself powerful.

"Mom, I've grown up now. I can protect you."

The tears in Laura's eyes grew heavier, spilling down her cheeks.

"Marcus, your words are getting through to Laura," Natalie murmured.

Marcus took Laura's hand and gently pressed it against his cheek. "I'll wait for you to wake up, Mom. I've grown up, but you've never hugged me.

"Mom, I need you. I've always longed for your love. Can I have what other children do?"

As his voice faded, the hand he held quivered gently in response.

A gag had been placed in Laura's mouth to stop her from biting her tongue, but it also left her unable to speak.

"Let's remove the gag, Nat." Marcus met Natalie's gaze. "I believe in her. For me, she won't do anything to hurt herself."

"Alright." Natalie carefully took out the gag.

Then, a shaky sound escaped Laura's lips.

"Son… I…

"I'm here, Marcus, my son…"

Laura's voice trembled, her words unsteady and fragmented. Although she spoke in broken sentences, Marcus and Natalie understood every word.

"I love you… And I'm sorry…"

Laura's voice broke with emotion, words escaping in fragile gasps. Marcus' eyes reddened. He drew a deep breath, suppressing his emotions as he spoke in a quiet voice.

"I understand. Thank you, Mr. Langton."

Laura's breath hitched as she choked back sobs. Natalie moved forward, carefully untying the ropes that bound her before offering a tissue to dry her tears.

"Marcus, you stay with Laura. I'll get some water for her to wash up."

"I'll get it." Marcus stood up. "You can stay with my mother, Nat."

"You're not as familiar with this place as I am. Stay with Laura. I'll handle it." Natalie's tone was firm. "Okay?"

"Marcus, keep me company for a bit." Laura looked at him, her eyes clouding with emotions. "There's so much I want to say to you."

"Okay." Marcus sat back down. "Thanks, Nat."

"No problem."

Natalie left to bring back some water, while Marcus remained at the bedside. Laura's body was frail, the aftereffects of the Umbrahex still weighing on her. Even lifting a hand was beyond her strength.

"Marcus, I'm truly happy." Laura's gaze softened. "You've grown into a fine man. And I know I was harsh when I told you not to call off the engagement. I'm sorry."

Laura was struck with remorse. "I never meant to sound so harsh that day, Marcus. I was just hurting too much.

"I should've been there for you. I didn't even know who the girl you loved was. Your father just told me that Emma was a wonderful girl and that she truly cared for you."

"She's not the real daughter of the Walkers—Natalie is," Marcus interrupted. "Emma is actually the daughter of the Walkers' helper, Cindy. And she's taken her true surname back. Now, she's Emma Meloney."