The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming

Chapter 613 No Need to Pretend We’re Strangers

Sophia felt like her throat was stuffed with cotton, and her eyes burned with a sudden sting. She clutched her phone tightly, but for a moment, no sound came out at all. She couldn't speak-couldn't even breathe properly.

"Sophia, are you crying?" Natalie's cool, calm voice came through the phone.

She repeated the question when she received no response. "Are you crying?"

Sophia quickly shook her head, then realized Natalie couldn't see her. She hurried to speak. "Nat, I'm not crying. I'm just feeling a little down."

"Where are you?"

"I'm not far from the parking lot entrance. Where are you?"

"On the beach. Come over."

"Okay."

Neither of them hung up. They stayed on the line, occasionally checking in to confirm each other's location.

Soon, Sophia spotted Natalie. She and Marcus were walking hand in hand along the beach, speaking softly to each other. Sophia saw Natalie smile at Marcus, her eyes curving sweetly.

The air around Natalie had changed. She used to keep her distance from everyone, never warm, often even cold and detached. That was especially true for Marcus. She would avoid him as much as possible, always keeping her distance.

But now, standing beside each other, the two of them looked perfectly matched. Their gazes were gentle when they looked at one another, and the happiness between them was so tangible it couldn't be hidden.

Sophia looked on with envy. If she hadn't gone through all those terrible things, maybe she, too, could have been like an ordinary girl, happy and carefree with someone she loved.

Still, seeing Natalie and Marcus happy was enough for her.

"Nat, I see you," Sophia said, sniffling as she tried to steady her emotions. "I'm coming now."

"Okay."

Sophia was dressed in black sweats and sneakers, which made her stand out among the swimsuit and

the psychological trauma Sophia had endured, her

handing Natalie the interlocking circle sculpture and placing the rest of the gifts in front of them.

followed his advice and

the next second, Marcus' smile spread across his face,

motioned for Marcus to open the box. "Marcus, open it and see what Sophia got

the love

the meaning at a glance. "Marcus, the bracelet is mine. You use the necklace to open it and put it on me. The necklace

was clearly delighted. He looked at Sophia.

paused when she heard him call her "Ms. Sinclair", then quickly realized that this was exactly what

was intentionally keeping his distance from all women. He had a strong sense of possessiveness and jealousy but also held

looked at Marcus gazing at Natalie with such tenderness and indulgence. He really

asked Marcus to help her put on the bracelet, then took the sculpture and led Sophia for a

had the chance to meet up," Natalie said, glancing at

Samuel hadn't returned, it

"Samuel?"

my brother. We share

mother." Sophia's smile turned

"Mr. Holden knows

play

young. But later,

went abroad. So, they

need to act so distant," Natalie said, glancing at Marcus.

need to call her 'Ms.

You used to look out for her a lot. Just because we're married doesn't mean you have to treat her

In the past, he had mistakenly believed Sophia was his savior, and some people even spread rumors that he liked her,

of course. But it was true that he had