Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie and Landon) novel Chapter 248

Chapter 248 One Small Request

Chapter 248 One Small Request

Natalie’s POV:

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“It’s just a little cold. I’m okay,” I said, trying to reassure Leonardo. But my voice came out soft and shaky, with a hint of tears-it almost sounded like I was whining.

Everything around us went quiet, except for the gentle morning wind blowing through the mountains. The villagers watched us, many with reddened eyes, their faces filled with emotion and warmth.

What flowed between us was so real and strong that any gossip about our relationship being “fragile” or “just in name” instantly fell apart in that moment.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Victoria standing frozen in place. All the color had drained from her face, and her lips trembled slightly. The usual gentle warmth in her eyes was gone- replaced by deep hurt and disbelief.

The hotel wasn’t far from the hospital, but he had just woken up. He was still so weak. Yet he came all the way here. Was it for me? That thought made something inside me melt into a tender, aching mess.

It was Ivy who broke the silence with her childlike voice. “Mom, Leonardo’s awake. Shouldn’t that make her happy? Why is she crying so much?”

Her mother whispered gently, “Sometimes people cry when they’re too happy. They just don’t know how else to show it.”

Leonardo heard Ivy’s question. He loosened his hold on me slightly and looked down, using his thumb to wipe the tear stains from my cheeks-slowly, carefully, and gently. His fingers

were warm.

“Don’t cry,” he said softly, his voice low and tender. “I’m right here, aren’t I?”

Even though I was happy, my tears seemed to have a mind of their own. They kept coming. I felt embarrassed crying in front of everyone, so I quickly wiped my face with my sleeve, but a tiny hiccup slipped out.

A faint smile flickered in Leonardo’s eyes. Then he steadied himself, keeping one arm firmly around my shoulders-both to support me and to show everyone our relationship. He turned toward the villagers, his expression softening but still carrying a quiet authority.

He said, “Thank you all for your concern. I’m alright.”

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18:36 Fri, Jan 16

Chapter 248 One Small Request

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Brody immediately stepped forward, voice trembling with emotion. “Mr. Sanchez! Thank goodness you’re okay! The whole village has been praying for you. We’ve been so worried! If anything had happened to you, we would never have forgiven ourselves!”

Ivy’s parents also rushed to thank him, stumbling over their words in gratitude. Ivy looked up at Leonardo, then at me, her cheeks flushed with shy excitement. “Thank you, Leonardo! I’m so happy you’re awake! You two should be happy forever!”

The child’s innocent, warm blessing lifted the last of the tension in the air. I looked at her and managed a gentle smile, even with tears still on my face. “Thank you, sweetie. We will,” I said.

Just then, Brody directed some villagers to bring forward gifts-local produce, medicinal herbs, and other goods from the mountains. For this poor village, these were valuable treasures, probably the result of years of hard work and saving.

Leonardo looked at the humble yet heartfelt offerings, clearly moved.

“We deeply appreciate your kindness,” he said, his voice steady though I could hear a faint. breathlessness underneath. “But these gifts are too generous. We can’t accept them.”

Brody looked anxious. “Mr. Sanchez, you must! You got hurt saving our little girl. These things aren’t enough to repay…”

“I acted on instinct,” Leonardo cut in calmly but firmly. “As the project lead, keeping everyone safe is my responsibility. The child is safe, and the project moves forward. That’s the best reward I could ask for.”

His words were clear and simple, no fancy language, yet they meant more than any elaborate speech. Everyone there, including me, could feel the sincerity behind them. He wasn’t just being polite-he truly meant it.

I looked up at Leonardo’s determined profile, warmth rising in my chest. Standing beside him, feeling his strength and integrity, filled me with a quiet pride.

Brody and the others exchanged glances, touched but still unsure,

I said gently, “Brody, we really do feel your kindness. But as Leonardo said, what matters most is that Ivy is safe. Leonardo has everything he needs to recover-it’s only a matter of time. These supplies should go to the elderly, the children, or be saved for the village’s future. If Leonardo accepted them, he’d only feel uneasy, like he was taking what your community

needs.”

Seeing the disappointment still in their eyes, I added, “But if you really want to thank us, I do have one small request.”

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18:36 Fri, Jan 16

Chapter 248 One Small Request

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“Name it, Mrs. Sanchez!” Brody said immediately. “If it’s within our power, we’ll make it happen!”

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