Natalie smiled gently. "Okay."
Marcus picked up his pajamas and turned to walk into the bedroom.
Meanwhile, Natalie walked toward the bedside table. On top of the table was a handwritten letter from Charles.
When Natalie and Marcus returned to Holden Residence and were having their candlelit dinner, Sheldon had sent her a message.
The message contained a single photo, which was the contents of this very letter.
Natalie had read it in advance, so she understood the deep care behind Charles' words.
So, after returning to the bedroom, she followed Charles' final wishes and embraced the wedding surprise that Sheldon had prepared for them.
Marcus had yet to see the letter. This was something he needed to read for himself.
Natalie lifted the blanket, climbed into bed, and leaned against the headboard. She picked up her tablet and checked her email.
She had also ordered someone to track Cassie, but strangely enough, it was as if Cassie had vanished into thin air. Multiple parties weren't able to find out anything about her.
Natalie checked her inbox again. She had put out a high-reward notice for any information regarding Cassie, but three days had passed, and no one responded.
Cassie was a living, breathing person. There was no way she could've just disappeared.
Natalie was deep in thought when she heard the sound of running water coming from the bathroom. Shortly after, the sound stopped.
Later on, Marcus stepped out, dressed in his pajamas.
Wesley had chosen the pajamas for him. It was black and made with silk. The V-neck design faintly revealed his muscles underneath.
Marcus had blow-dried his hair. Even though he didn't style it, it did nothing to diminish his striking looks.
He slowly walked toward the bed. Just as he was about to lean down to kiss Natalie, she picked up the letter from the bedside table and held it up to him.
"Grandpa left this for you. Open it and read it."
"Hmm?" Marcus was stunned. He stood up, took the letter, and sat down beside Natalie on the bed. "I never knew Grandpa left me a letter."
As he spoke, he carefully tore open the envelope and pulled out the letter. Then, he saw Charles' familiar handwriting.
"Marcus, my dear grandson, I hope this letter finds you well. By the time you read this letter, my biggest wish would've been fulfilled.
"I was wrong for not being strong enough to hold on until the day you get married and have children. You don't have to mourn for me. Your devotion to me while I was alive was already more than enough to make me proud.
"I believe that love and care are shown when the loved ones are alive. Everything after death is just for show. I don't need those formalities.
"Marcus, my dear grandson, by the time you read this letter, I'm guessing you have already registered your marriage with Nattie, but haven't held the wedding ceremony yet.
"Don't ask me how I know, I just know my grandson best. I told Sheldon to prepare something special for you two on the night you two registered your marriage.
"It may not be perfect, but I hope it allows you two to truly feel you are now husband and wife. I'm glad you finally managed to win Nattie's heart.
His hands trembled as he held the letter.
Charles truly knew him too well. He was even able to predict what Marcus would do after his death. But Charles reminded him that he had done nothing wrong, to not be afraid and not be restrained.
Even though Marcus didn't say it, he had planned to mourn Charles' passing for three years. He could wait and endure it. The reason why he had gotten the marriage certificate with Natalie was that he was afraid and empty inside.
But now, Charles was telling him not to do so, and to ignore other people's gossip.
From the start, all Charles wanted was for Marcus to be happy.
It turned out that everything Sheldon had prepared was already planned by Charles when he was still around. That was because Charles knew that Marcus wouldn't have the heart to do it himself.
Even though Natalie didn't fuss over the details, Charles knew that getting the marriage certificate was a momentous occasion for a woman. It was a day that deserved celebration.
Natalie was understanding, but that didn't mean the Holdens could take her for granted. So, even in his absence, Charles made sure Sheldon would take care of everything.
Slowly, Marcus' silent tears dripped on the letter.
Natalie just remained quiet beside him. When she received the message from Sheldon, she found an excuse to read it in the bathroom. By the time she finished reading, she shed tears as well.
Charles was, without a doubt, the kindest elder she had ever met in her life.
He loved Marcus and Natalie dearly and sincerely. Even in death, he had thought of everything for them.
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