The Heiress Who Came Back

The saleswoman stared at the price on the screen before looking back at Natalie. “Five hundred thousand dollars.” Natalie Lancaster glanced at the dress hanging in front of her. “Yes.” “Are you buying it now” Natalie looked at her with a small smile. “Did I come into your store to admire it?” Claire burst out laughing beside her. “Girl, you heard her. She said she's buying it.” Eve shook her head while looking at the dress. “Natalie, five hundred thousand dollars for one dress is insane.” Natalie turned toward her. “Have you forgotten who you're talking to?” Eve raised both hands. “Okay, okay. I know. Natalie Lancaster.” “Exactly.” Claire laughed again. “You two should know better by now. If Natalie sees something she likes, it's already hers.” Natalie smiled and turned back to the saleswoman. “I'll take it.” The saleswoman quickly nodded. “Of course ma'am.” Natalie handed her the card. As the saleswoman processed the payment, a young woman standing nearby suddenly recognized Natalie. “Wait. Are you Natalie Lancaster?” Natalie turned. The woman covered her mouth. “Oh my God. You are!” Her friend immediately pulled out her phone. “Can we get a picture with you?” Natalie smiled. “Sure.” The two women hurried over, and Claire stepped aside to give them room. Within a few minutes, more people noticed Natalie. “Can I get a picture too?” “Natalie, I love your new campaign!” “Could you please sign this?” “Just one selfie, please!” Natalie handled the attention like she had done it a hundred times. She smiled for pictures, signed a few autographs, and answered a couple of questions about her latest television appearance. Eve watched her with amusement. “You really can't go anywhere without people recognizing you.” Natalie handed an autograph back to a fan. “That's what happens when you're famous.” Claire laughed. “You're so humble.” “I am.” “No, you're not.” Natalie laughed and picked up the shopping bag the saleswoman handed her. “Thank you.” The saleswoman smiled nervously. “Thank you, ma'am. And congratulations again on your marriage.” Natalie's face brightened. “Thank you.” She turned toward Claire and Eve. “I'm ready to go.” They walked out of the store together. Outside, their drivers were already waiting with their cars. Eve stopped beside her car. “So, where are you going now?” “Home.” Claire looked surprised. “Your husband's house?” “No. My parents' house.” Eve stared at her. “You just got married two days ago.” Natalie laughed. “So?” “You're already missing your parents?” “They're my parents.” Claire shook her head. “She's such a spoiled brat.” Natalie pointed at her. “Be careful.” Eve laughed. “She's going to start reminding us how rich she is again.” “I don't need to remind you. You already know.” The three women laughed. Natalie opened the door of her car. “I'll see you both later.” Claire nodded. “Don't forget us now that you're a married woman.” “I won't.” Eve smiled. “Tell your mother we said hello.” “I will.” Natalie got into her car and waved at them before driving away. She leaned back against the seat and smiled. She had everything she could ever want. Money. Fame. A beautiful home. A loving family. And a husband she loved. Two days ago, she had married Lucas Sinclair. She still couldn't believe she was someone's wife. Natalie glanced at the wedding ring on her finger and smiled. She had dreamed about getting married, but she hadn't expected to feel this happy afterward. When she arrived at her parents' mansion, the security guards opened the gate immediately. Natalie drove in and parked. She picked up her shopping bag and walked inside. “Mom?” “Dad?” Her mother's voice came from the dining room. “Natalie?” Natalie walked in and smiled. Her parents were sitting at the table having lunch. Her father looked up first. “What are you doing here?” Natalie pulled out a chair. “Can't I visit my parents?” Her mother smiled. “Of course you can.” Natalie sat beside her mother. “I missed you.” Her mother laughed. “You've been married for two days.” “So?” Richard Lancaster looked at his daughter. “You've already started behaving like a child again.” Natalie smiled. “I came here because I wanted to see my parents. What's wrong with that?” “Nothing.” Her mother reached for another plate. “Eat.” Natalie looked at the food. “I'm not hungry.” Her mother gave her a warning look. “You came all the way here and you're telling me you're not hungry?” Natalie picked up the fork. “Fine.” They ate together, talking about Natalie's wedding. Her mother asked about her new home. Natalie happily answered every question. “Lucas and I are still arranging some things,” she said. “But the house is beautiful.” Richard nodded. “Good.” Natalie looked at him. “That's all you're going to say?” “What do you want me to say?” “You could say congratulations again.” Her father smiled. “Congratulations, sweetheart.” Natalie laughed. “Thank you.” Her mother touched her hand. “You look happy.” “I am.” Richard watched her for a moment. Then he asked, “Are you sure?” Natalie frowned. “Sure about what?” “Lucas.” She sighed. “Dad.” “I am only asking.” “You've always been suspicious of him.” “I've told you to be careful.” “I know.” Natalie put her fork down. “Dad, I know you've always warned me about my husband. But I'm married to him already. We are married, and we're having a good life.” Richard remained quiet. Natalie continued. “My husband is a very good man. He treats me well. He loves me, and I love him.” Her mother smiled. “Your father worries too much.” Richard looked at his wife. “I worry because she's my daughter.” Natalie reached across the table and squeezed his hand. “And I'm fine.” He nodded. “Then that's all I want.” The sound of the front door opening came from the hallway. Natalie turned. A moment later, Lucas walked into the dining room carrying a large bouquet of flowers. Natalie's face immediately lit up. “Lucas!” He smiled when he saw her. “I thought I'd find you here.” He walked over and handed her the flowers. “These are for you.” Natalie accepted them. “They're beautiful.” “I saw them and thought of you.” Her mother smiled. “Lucas, you didn't have to bring flowers.” He shook his head. “I wanted to.” Natalie looked at him with a smile. Richard watched them. Lucas turned toward him. “Mr. Lancaster.” Richard nodded. “Lucas.” “It was good seeing you again.” “You too.” Lucas looked at Natalie. “Are you ready?” Natalie looked confused. “Ready for what?” “I came to take my wife home.” Her mother smiled. “Why don't you stay and have lunch with us?” Lucas politely shook his head. “Thank you, but I already have plans for us.” Natalie looked at him. “What plans?” He smiled. “I want to take my wife out for dinner.” Natalie's cheeks turned pink. Her mother laughed softly. “You two just got married, and you're already taking her out every night.” Lucas smiled. “I want to enjoy every moment with her.” Natalie looked down at the flowers in her hands, trying to hide her smile. Richard stood. “Then take care of my daughter.” Lucas nodded. “I will.” Natalie stood and picked up her handbag. “Bye, Mom.” Her mother hugged her. “Come visit again tomorrow.” “I will.” She hugged her father next. “Bye, Dad.” Richard kissed her forehead. “Be careful.” Natalie smiled. “I will.” She followed Lucas toward the door. Outside, he opened the car door for her. Natalie looked at him and smiled. “Thank you.” Lucas smiled back. “Anything for my wife.” Natalie got into the car. As Lucas walked around to the driver's side, she looked down at her wedding ring again. She smiled. She had everything. A loving family. A successful life. A husband she loved. And a future she couldn't wait to live. For Natalie Lancaster, life couldn't have been better.