The Alpha's Four Hidden Heirs (Natalie and Samuel) novel Chapter 77

**The City That Drowned in the Sound of Its Own Heartbeat by Erynd Cal DusK**

**Chapter 77**

**NATALIE.**

The spark that usually danced in Franklin’s eyes dimmed abruptly, snuffed out like a flame extinguished too soon. “Forget it. I didn’t want to learn, anyway,” he muttered, his voice a mere whisper, an attempt to cloak his disappointment in a shroud of nonchalance. Yet, I could see the cracks in his facade; the hurt radiated from him, sharp and clear, piercing my heart like a shard of glass. Oh, how desperately I longed to impart my knowledge to them! My heart ached with the fervent desire to guide them, but the harsh truth loomed over me like a dark, oppressive cloud: despite the love I felt for them, they were not mine to teach, and that realization struck me hard.

Sophia, on the other hand, was undeterred by the weight of my words. She tugged at my sleeve, her small fingers gripping me with an urgency that pulled at my very soul.

“Sophia, I can teach you anything but medical skills,” I said softly, shaking my head slowly, each word feeling like a stone lodged in my throat. This painful admission felt like a heavy burden I had to bear, a reminder of the limitations I faced, echoing my grandfather’s warnings about the boundaries I needed to maintain.

Sophia’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she nodded, her little heart clearly fracturing under the weight of disappointment.

How did we arrive at this moment? Just hours ago, the day had been filled with laughter and joy, the sound of the children’s giggles ringing in the air like a sweet melody. Yet here we stood, ensnared in a web of sadness and disillusionment.

Seeing those tears welling in Sophia’s eyes twisted my insides. A fierce urge to comfort her surged within me, to shield her from the pain that felt so utterly unfair.

Even though she wasn’t my daughter, the instinct to protect her surged within me like a tidal wave, unstoppable and fierce.

Just then, Samuel stepped in, scooping Sophia into his arms with a tenderness that melted my heart. “I know you both adore Natalie, and trust me, she adores you just as much. You don’t need to learn medicine to keep her around. If you miss her, I’m sure she’ll come back to play with you,” he reassured them, his voice calm and soothing, a balm to the emotional wounds that had just been opened.

I looked up at Samuel, astonished by his kindness. This was the third time today he had swooped in to rescue me from an emotional disaster. I had braced myself for a lecture about how I had upset his children, but instead, he was offering them comfort and understanding.

The children’s eyes darted toward me, hope flickering in their expressions like a candle fighting against the dark. I was still reeling from Samuel’s unexpected support, struggling to find my footing amidst the whirlwind of emotions swirling around us.

How does he understand me so well?

“Is that right, Natalie?” Samuel asked, raising an eyebrow, a playful challenge dancing in his tone.

I shook off my surprise and gently pinched Sophia’s cheeks, coaxing a small smile from her. “Absolutely! I really, really adore both you and Franklin,” I affirmed, my heart swelling with warmth, the earlier gloom momentarily lifting.

Franklin’s face brightened, a genuine smile breaking through the clouds of disappointment that had shrouded him moments before. “We adore you too, Natalie!” he exclaimed, his voice filled with sincerity that wrapped around my heart like a warm embrace.

Sweet little Sophia nodded vigorously, her smile mirroring her brother’s, and my heart soared with gratitude and joy.

I glanced at Samuel, who wore a proud smile, and I couldn’t help but mirror it with one of my own. The joy bubbling within me felt like sunlight breaking through the darkest clouds, illuminating everything in its path.

However, the day took a somber turn when Yana’s unexpected return cast a shadow over our moment of happiness. It was decided that the younger kids should head home early, and our visit with the parents was abruptly cut short. With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to the teachers and left the school, the air thick with unspoken emotions that lingered like a storm on the horizon.

—

**YANA-**

Today is the day. Samuel is going to be so surprised to see me! I even postponed my filming schedule for this. It’s been five long years with that woman constantly around the children, and I knew I had to step up my game. By the end of this year, Samuel will be mine, and I will ensure it.

I arrived in a minivan—yes, that’s right, I, Yana Nichols, am driving a minivan, the epitome of safety for kids. Samuel will definitely be impressed.

As I approached the school’s entrance, a security guard informed me that all the children and their parents had already left.

“What did you just say?” I demanded, disbelief washing over me like a cold wave.

As the teachers continued their cheerful chatter, I marched toward them, my expression icy. “Did you just mention a woman with freckles?”

They looked startled, caught off guard by my sudden approach. “Um… yeah,” they replied, their voices trembling slightly.

“Samuel fancies her?” I scoffed, pushing my sunglasses up the bridge of my nose defiantly, a smirk playing on my lips.

“Don’t you think you all have been watching too many soap operas? Why would he ever be interested in her? As educators, you should really refrain from gossiping so much. Just because Samuel hasn’t revealed the twins’ biological mother doesn’t mean she doesn’t exist,” I snapped, my voice sharp as a knife slicing through the air.

Natalie had died five years ago, and I was the one who had brought Franklin and Sophia into the Bowers family. I am their “biological mother”!

No woman is going to take Samuel away from me. NO ONE.

—

In the aftermath of a day filled with laughter, heartache, and unexpected revelations, the emotional landscape of our lives has shifted dramatically. The bond between Natalie, Franklin, and Sophia deepened amidst the shadows of disappointment, revealing the profound connections that can form even in the face of loss. Samuel’s unwavering support and understanding offered a glimmer of hope, reminding us that love can flourish in the most challenging circumstances. The children’s smiles, ignited by Natalie’s affection, illuminated the darkness that had threatened to engulf them, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit. Yet, as the day drew to a close, the specter of Yana’s return loomed ominously, casting a shadow over the fragile peace that had been crafted within the family.

Yana’s arrival, marked by a fierce determination to reclaim her place, threatens to disrupt the delicate balance that Natalie and Samuel have begun to establish. Her frustration and jealousy reveal a desperate need to assert her role as the twins’ mother, igniting a battle for affection that could unravel the newfound happiness they have cultivated. As the echoes of laughter fade and the weight of unspoken emotions settles in, the city stands on the brink of a storm, where love, loyalty, and the past collide. In this tumultuous landscape, the heartbeats of those intertwined will either clash or harmonize, as they navigate the complexities of family, identity, and the unyielding power of love.

—

**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**

As the tension escalates in the aftermath of Yana’s unexpected arrival, readers can anticipate a gripping confrontation that will shake the very foundations of the relationships within this tightly-knit circle. With Yana’s simmering jealousy and determination to reclaim her role as a mother figure, the dynamics between her, Samuel, and Natalie will reach a boiling point. Will Yana’s manipulative schemes drive a wedge between Samuel and Natalie, or will the bond they share prove unbreakable in the face of her spiteful intentions? The emotional stakes are higher than ever, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eager to see how this battle of wills unfolds.

Moreover, the lingering effects of Yana’s intrusion will ripple through the lives of the children, particularly Franklin and Sophia, who are caught in the crossfire of adult emotions and conflicts. As they navigate their feelings of confusion and loyalty, the innocence of childhood will clash with the harsh realities of adult relationships. Expect poignant moments that tug at the heartstrings, showcasing the resilience of their bond with Natalie and the impact of Yana’s presence on their lives. With the promise of unexpected revelations and emotional turmoil, the next chapter is sure to deliver a rollercoaster of feelings that will leave readers breathless and yearning for more.