The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)

Sophia looked like she wanted to join. Yet, before she could speak, Zachary beat her to it. "We'll sit this one out, so you two go ahead."

Sophia glanced at him, and Zachary flashed her a knowing smile. After all, Marcus and Natalie were technically on their honeymoon. If everyone tagged along, there would be no room left for private time.

Natalie did not mind, and neither did Marcus. However, as considerate travel companions, Zachary and Sophia knew better than to third-wheel too hard.

Sophia trusted Zachary, and seeing him smile at her, she did not push it. Instead, she decided to stay back and spend some quality time talking with Lynette and the other girls.

Natalie led Marcus out of the school grounds and called for a few members of her team to join them as they headed toward the mountains.

Given the recent tension with the villagers, it was not safe for anyone to travel alone in case of potential retaliation. So, the group moved as a unit.

Once they reached the mountain trails, the group naturally split off in different directions to start foraging for herbs.

Natalie held a small trowel in one hand and carried a woven basket on her back, motioning for Marcus to follow close. As they walked, she began teaching him how to identify different herbs along the way.

After they walked for a while, Marcus lowered his voice and said, "Nat, remember how I promised to take you to find those herbs from the sketchbook? I never made good on that, but... do you still remember?"

Natalie nodded. "Of course, I remember. And now you're thinking about finally keeping that promise?"

Marcus nodded. "Yeah. Since we're already here, I thought I'd use this chance to take you. There aren't any villagers out there, so we won't need a full crew."

"Let's do it!" Natalie agreed immediately. "Those herbs are exactly what Mr. Langton's been looking for."

"Then, let's head back, let Taylor and Sophia know, and we'll head out from there." As they walked, Natalie leaned in and whispered, "Marcus, don't you feel even a little disappointed that this is what our honeymoon turned into?"

Marcus shook his head. "I'm not disappointed. Nat, I was more worried about you being disappointed."

Natalie chuckled. "Well, I'm not. I've always dreamed of having some free time to just wander the mountains and forage herbs without a care in the world. But my schedule is always packed, so I never got the chance. Turns out, our honeymoon was the perfect time to finally make it happen."

She added, "I just didn't want you to feel like you were being dragged into something completely outside your element."

After all, Marcus had never done anything like this before. His world had never involved trudging through remote forests or digging around for herbs.

But Marcus shook his head again. "Nat, I don't feel like that at all. I'm actually really happy to be with you, doing something you love in a place you care about."

Natalie's smile widened. "Then, let's not talk about who's sacrificing what. Come on, let me teach you how to tell these herbs apart."

"Alright." Marcus followed closely as Natalie stopped to examine the plants around them.

She explained their names, how to identify their leaves and stems, what they could be used for, and where they were most likely to grow.

Ashford Vale might have been remote and underdeveloped, but the biodiversity in the mountains was incredible. The sheer variety of herbs made it a treasure trove for those who knew what they were looking for.

Natalie and her team were the first to begin foraging seriously in this region. But they were not reckless. They harvested responsibly and practiced replanting, ensuring that the ecosystem was not destroyed in the process.

The mountain air was humid, and the heat pressed in from all sides. Within minutes, Marcus was drenched in sweat.noveldrama

He glanced over at Natalie. Her cheeks were flushed, her forehead beaded with sweat, but her enthusiasm had not dimmed a bit. In fact, she looked positively radiant with energy.

"Marcus, look-this one's called Puckernettle."

Natalie dug up a small plant and held it up for Marcus to see. Its leaves were covered in fine, sharp spines on both sides. She explained, "This one's used to improve circulation, relieve pain, reduce swelling, and detox the body.

"It's good for treating bruises, toothaches, stomachaches, and even sore throats. But it's mildly toxic, so it can cause cramps or diarrhea if ingested incorrectly. It absolutely shouldn't be consumed with anything acidic."

She added, "And it's completely off-limits for pregnant women. This herb is actually used in everyday items like toothpaste and shampoo too, for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and numbing effects.

"Plus, it's a beautiful plant. The bright green leaves and vibrant fruits make it a great ornament for gardens or parks."

As she spoke, Natalie gently placed the freshly dug herb into the basket on her back. She said, "Don't stress too much about remembering all this. Just a quick run-through is enough for now."

Marcus nodded. "Got it. Nat, this one's pretty common. But the ones you really want are the ones from the sketchbook. I promised to take you to find them, but I never followed through. I want to keep that promise now.

"When we head back, let's go to Dithoria State, regroup, then set out to find the herbs from that book. What do you think?"

Natalie nodded. "I'd love that! If we actually found them, Mr. Langton would be so thrilled."

Marcus smiled. "I think so too. Making the both of you happy? That alone makes everything worth it."

"Marcus, thank you," Natalie said as she set down her tools. "You're a company president and have so much on your plate. Yet, here you are with me, digging herbs in the heat. I really feel like I'm holding you back and taking up your time. "Once our honeymoon's over, I want you to head back and focus on Holden Group. You don't need to follow me around and put everything aside just for me." Marcus gently reached for her. Since their clothes were damp with sweat, he simply pressed a tender kiss to her forehead instead of pulling her into a hug.

He explained, Nat, you're my wife. Spending time with you and doing the things you love isn't a burden. It's something I find sweet and. worth every second. I was more afraid you wouldn't let me be part of this at all. The fact that you're giving

me this chance makes me so grateful.

"Holden Group is in good hands. My dad's stepping in now, and things are getting better between him and my mom. They've always loved each other They divorced only because my mom was afraid Cassie would keep coming after her if they stayed together."

He continued, "But real love can survive anything. My dad never left her side all these years. He's stayed faithful, devoted, and deeply in love. Anyone would be moved by that kind of loyalty. My mom's ready to take a leap of faith again, so I believe they'll remarry, rebuild, and live the rest of their lives together-happily, until the end."

"My dad gave up control of the company to care for her. Now, it's his turn to take

the reins again, and I know he'll do it willingly-because he told my mom he can't wait to be a grandfather.

"But Nat, I'll never pressure you. We'll only have kids if you want them. If you don't, then we won't. It's as simple as that."

Natalie looked up at him, her smile warm and slightly teasing. "Marcus, you're saying a lot more than usual. Is there something on your mind?"