The Unwavering Heart That Broke (Nathalie and Lance) novel Chapter 533

“You can't say things like that, Grandma,” Nathalie teased, putting on a mock-serious tone. “If your real granddaughter hears that, she'll think I brainwashed you.” Her smile quickly returned. “When she finally comes back, we can be sisters! You'll have to treat us equally, though. If you play favorites, I'll definitely get jealous.” She kept her tone light and playful, trying to ease the older woman's anxieties. The truth was, she still wasn't completely sure if Sylvie Winter was actually Grandma's biological granddaughter. Until that was confirmed, Nathalie had no intention of touching the family assets. If Sylvie turned out to be the real heir, it would all depend on how she treated Grandma. If she was loving and filial, Nathalie might consider letting her live. But if she dared to mistreat the old woman, Nathalie wouldn't show an ounce of mercy. For now, Nathalie could only pray that Sylvie wasn't the missing heir. It would save everyone from a terribly messy situation. She rested her head gently on Grandma's lap, letting the warm, weathered hands stroke her hair. Grandma let out a heavy sigh. “You really are a silly child.” Even if Nathalie kept everything for herself, what did it matter? Grandma was giving it to her willingly; she could do whatever she wanted with it. Yet, this stubborn girl insisted on doing things the hard way. It broke Grandma's heart. Nathalie's adoptive parents had blatantly favored their biological child, and when she found out they weren't even her real family, her entire world shattered. Then her husband put her through hell. She had been left completely alone. She was supposed to have a happy life. Now, she had nothing. A bitter ache settled in Grandma's chest. All she wanted was to give this sweet girl the world. Nathalie, completely oblivious to the older woman's heartbreak, felt incredibly at peace. She closed her eyes, resting comfortably on Grandma's lap as the afternoon sun poured through the windows, wrapping them both in a comforting warmth. Half a month flew by in a blur of anxiety for Damaris and Bagot. With Lawrence completely off the grid, they spent every day waiting for the other shoe to drop. But as the wedding day finally arrived, there was still no sign of him. They all assumed he had finally given up and left Cabinda. By the time the rehearsal dinner rolled around at the White family estate, the house was packed with relatives. The moment Damaris spotted Nathalie, she pulled her aside. “I explicitly told my mom to keep the guest list small, but half the city is here. I have such a bad feeling about this.” Nathalie sat down next to her. “The wedding is tomorrow. Try not to stress too much. Once the ceremony is over, you're free.” Damaris sighed heavily, pressing a handful of sunflower seeds into Nathalie's palm. “You're sleeping in my room tonight.” Nathalie raised an eyebrow. “I don't think that's going to work.” Damaris pouted. “I really don't want to share a room with my mom. She's just going to lecture me all night.” Nathalie chuckled softly. “In her eyes, you're officially getting married tomorrow. She's not going to lecture you. She just wants to share a sweet mother-daughter moment.” A sharp pang of envy hit Nathalie's chest. Damaris had parents who adored her, who made her the center of their universe. And Nathalie? She had no one. She forced the sudden wave of loneliness down, keeping her smile perfectly intact. Damaris leaned her head on Nathalie's shoulder. “Ugh, let's hope so.” Just as Nathalie predicted, Mrs. White came knocking later that evening. Nathalie slipped away to the guest room to give them privacy. The next morning, they were up before dawn for hair and makeup. When Damaris finally slipped into her dress, she looked breathtaking, like a princess straight out of a fairy tale. The roar of the groom's motorcade echoed from the driveway, filling the house with a joyous energy.