The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming

Chapter 580 He'd Better Show Up for the Wedding

Olivia caught up to Natalie and asked, "So what does Marcus' dad and aunt skipping the funeral have to do with you marrying him today?"

Natalie's lips curved into a subtle smile. "I don't know about Cassie, but as for Wesley... I've got a theory. Just a guess really, and maybe a bit of a gamble.

"He didn't show up for Grandpa Charles' funeral, but for Marcus' wedding? He has to show up, right? Don't forget that Laura was the love of Wesley's life.

"Watching their child get married, standing side by side with the person they love... that's something most couples dream of. And many would go out of their way to make it happen.

"If, on our wedding day, Laura walks down the aisle holding another man's hand, don't you think Wesley's going to panic?"

Natalie let out a soft laugh. "I think he definitely will."

Because Wesley loved Laura.

Because of that love, he agreed to divorce her and gave her everything he had.

Because of that love, he went looking for Cassie himself, so Marcus wouldn't have to get his hands dirty.

Olivia considered all of that, then gently grabbed Natalie's hand. "So... this whole 'sudden marriage' thing... it's not that sudden, is it?"

"It is sudden," Natalie replied as she pressed the elevator button. "Marcus didn't tell me in advance that he wanted to apply for a marriage certificate today, but I could tell something was off with him emotionally. And with Cassie still out there, do you think he's at peace?"

She hit the button for the first floor. "Olivia, Marcus is carrying a lot right now. Ever since Grandpa Charles passed, I've been worried about him."

"You care about him. You want to save him. But... you don't have to do it this way," Olivia said, pressing her lips together. "I just think... he should've made it more special for you, you know?"

"Honestly, if he gave me a whole bunch of 'special' right now, it wouldn't feel right. Just think about it, if the person you loved most had just died, would you be in the mood to plan a picture-perfect moment?" Natalie adjusted the strap of her bag. "I was just giving an example."

"Nat, have you noticed you've been defending Marcus this whole time?" Olivia let out a quiet sigh. "I'm not saying he's a bad guy. I just feel like... it's kind of unfair to you."

"There's no point in bringing up the past." Natalie smiled softly and reached out to gently pinch Olivia's cheek.

"Living in the past and obsessing over how unfair things used to be, that only ends up hurting yourself. I'm doing great now, and Marcus is doing great, too. Isn't that what matters?"

cheeks but didn't

example then," Natalie

in pain and grieving, and he needs your support. He wants to marry you right away, without any grand

her head with a bitter smile. "Nat, that's not how

the situation

how calm and rational you are." Olivia let out a heavy sigh. "When I called Mason in the car and asked if we should get a marriage certificate together, I didn't think that

nodded. "I know. You're different from me, and Mason's different

he acts loud and impulsive, but even that

her lips together,

are you

from outside, holding a bouquet of freshly picked flowers. Her face

letting her know that Natalie and Marcus were planning to get a

might miss Natalie while out gathering flowers, but by chance,

to City Hall with Marcus to get our marriage certificate." She had

I don't bless my own daughter, who else would I bless? Some stranger? But have you thought

Natalie nodded. "I have."

her into a warm, reassuring hug. "I told you before that

gave Charlotte a warm

particularly care whether he approved or not. But

her deeply, and than

long as

respect, she was more than

Olivia. After that, we'll come home for dinner. Will you and Dad

nodded without hesitation. "Of course we

in and gave her a quick

"Alright. Have fun today."

smiled and waved at her before heading out

On the way, she

it?" Natalie asked with

Walker agreed so easily.