The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming

"Sophia, wash up and get some rest," Zachary said, noticing how pale she looked.

After the long, exhausting journey, her body was clearly worn out. But Sophia hadn't uttered a single word of complaint the entire time. She had gritted her teeth and pushed through.

It was already late. If they were in Dithoria, they would be asleep by now.

"Okay." Sophia took a deep breath and didn't continue the conversation.

"Zachary, will you stay with me?"

Everything was unfamiliar, and the surrounding mountains made her feel uneasy.

"Of course. I wasn't planning to let you go alone anyway." He stayed with her as she washed up, and afterward, they returned to their room.

They had shared a bed back at the motel, so Sophia didn't hesitate now. She pulled Zachary straight to bed.

"Let's rest. We'll talk about everything tomorrow."

"Alright."

Zachary pulled the blanket over them and held Sophia in his arms.

"Sophia, I want you to be happy. I want you to forget all the painful things from your past. I know it used to be hard, but now that we've come this far, don't let the outside world shake you again, okay?"

His voice was gentle and low. Zachary's tone wasn't forceful. He always spoke calmly, but his words carried a steady, comforting strength.

Sophia nodded and closed her eyes. "I understand. By tomorrow morning, I won't let anything from tonight weigh me down.

"Don't worry, Zachary. I believe in myself. And more than that, I believe in you. I know your feelings are real, so I won't question them."

"Sophia, thank you for believing in me." Zachary kissed her forehead, turned off the lights, and held her close.

"Get some good rest. We'll talk tomorrow."

"Okay. Good night."

"Good night."

weren't burdened by such heavy emotions. After washing up, they flopped straight into bed

the other side of Natalie and Marcus' room so he

Not long after, the entire group had

soundly through the

Natalie and

before heading to brush her teeth and wash up. Marcus followed her into the bathroom, and the two

done, Natalie couldn't help but let out a

dragged you to a place like this for our

I don't feel wronged one bit. I'm

"This is my past,

too. He pulled her into his

on tiptoe as Marcus always

while before gently

day here. We

go. I'll take you to try

"Okay."

they happened to see Sophia and Zachary coming out too. They exchanged smiles and nodded

Natalie said. "Are Zane and

replied with a helpless shrug. "I messaged Zane. He said he's still sleepy and wants to rest a bit more. They slept through the school bell, so I let

tiring day. Let them rest, then. What about Elijah? Is

has already run five laps around the field with the kids," Zachary said,

sleep much and is energetic. He's got what it takes to handle kids," Marcus said thoughtfully as he looked toward the file. "Might as well

Natalie looked at Marcus. "What are you

think Elijah's a great candidate for

Elijah suddenly

he got up too early and caught

rubbed his nose. Brushing the thought aside, he continued leading

stamina, a mild cold was nothing.

few more laps, Elijah guided the kids through post-run stretches.

that moment, Marcus and Natalie called

for breakfast at

"Okay, Marcus."