The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 474

Laura's eyes were red as she stared at Charles, her voice firm and resolute. She fought back tears, refusing to let them fall. The complicated dynamics of the Holden family made her believe that returning would only endanger her.

She thought it was better to break free now, while she was still young enough to start over. Laura did not want to stay tied to Wesley anymore. While he had been by her side all these years, it was her child, Marcus, who had given her the strength to keep going.

Without Marcus, Laura was sure she would have given up during one of her darkest moments. As a mother, she had been separated from him too soon, and her only goal was to stay healthy enough to care for him. Now that Marcus had grown into an exceptional young man, she felt some relief, but not entirely.

Even though she and Wesley never had a second child, with Cassie's twisted mind, who knew what else she had done? She had drugged her own brother before, so who was to say she had not hidden another child somewhere, waiting for the right moment to cause chaos?

Perhaps it was paranoia, but nothing was off the table when it came to someone as sick as Cassie. Laura did not dare stay in the Holden family, and she certainly did not want Natalie to stay in Holden Residence. The best solution was for Marcus and Natalie to move into the Walker residence or live separately on their own.

While Laura had only met Marcus a handful of times, those moments were enough to show her how extraordinary he was. She could not burden him any longer.

"But Laura," Charles said, his eyes welling up. "Wesley has been by your side all these years. How can he handle you suddenly asking for a divorce? You two have been through so much together, and now that you're healed, why end it?"

He continued, "If Cassie's actions are bothering you—if you're still upset that she drugged Wesley—I'll make sure she faces the consequences."

Laura shook her head. "Father, I don't care about the past anymore. I don't want to think about who did what, or who ended up in whose bed.

"Wesley has never wronged me. He has stayed by my side all these years, living in celibacy because of my health. Even though I'm cured now, I know my own body. I can't drag Wesley down any longer.

"Divorcing Wesley is the best thing for both of us. He deserves a normal life, and I deserve a fresh start. Please, Father. Let me go."

As Laura spoke, she respectfully knelt before Charles again, bowing her head. Charles' face was filled with sorrow. His fingers trembled slightly, but he remained silent for a long time.

Standing at the doorway, Natalie had heard every word between Laura and Charles. But instead of reacting, her mind drifted to something else—how Marcus had held and kissed her.

His lips had been soft, carrying a faint, fresh scent. Had he deliberately freshened his breath before kissing her?

If Laura was determined to divorce Wesley, then Natalie had no doubt that Marcus would take his mother's side. However, would he really move away with her? That did not seem likely. Marcus had been raised by Charles, and his bond with his grandfather ran deep.

"Nattie, come here for a second." Natalie snapped out of her thoughts at the sound of Charles' voice.

She turned toward them, steadying herself, then walked over. "Grandpa Charles. Laura."