The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 200

When Walter caught Natalie in his arms, his gaze was warm, his smile soft, and his tone gentle.

Having starred in countless roles as a couple with Shawn, Celeste didn't need much to recognize the look in Walter's eyes—he had feelings for Natalie.

Her gaze flicked to Shawn, whose composed demeanor faltered as a hint of disappointment flashed through his eyes.

"Mr. Watson, nice to meet you," Celeste said, extending her hand with a playful grin.

"Ms. Kennedy, pleasure's mine," Walter replied, shaking her hand before turning to Shawn. "And you must be Mr. Haines. Good to meet you."

"Good to meet you too," Shawn said, shaking hands briefly before stepping back, his quiet presence making him almost blend into the background.

"Alright, let's grab dinner!" Celeste chirped, her lively voice breaking the tension. She pulled Natalie from Walter's side, leaning close to whisper, "Is he your boyfriend?"

Natalie shook her head. "No, he is just a good friend. We grew up together."

"Oh, childhood friends, huh? Sounds like a classic love story," Celeste teased with a sly smile, but her eyes flicked to Shawn, who was trying hard to keep his emotions in check.

Shawn tugged at Celeste's sleeve, giving her a subtle look. Celeste raised an eyebrow and smirked knowingly. She gave him a wink that implied, "I'm setting this up for you. Don't blow it."

Shawn sighed silently.

Their little interaction didn't escape Walter's and Natalie's notice. Natalie frowned slightly, wondering what was happening, but Walter gently took her hand before she could ask.

"Yes, Natalie and I are childhood friends," Walter said, his voice steady but laced with an unexpected softness. "I used to have a crush on her, but the Langleys arranged for her to marry someone else. So, I kept my feelings to myself."

Natalie looked at him in disbelief. Walter, always calm and composed, now wore an uncharacteristically tender expression. His normally taut lips curved into a rare, warm smile.

"And now that she's no longer engaged," Walter continued, his eyes fixed on Natalie, "I think it's time I pursued her properly."

"Can I, Natalie?" His voice was gentle, but the intensity in his gaze was undeniable.

Natalie froze for a moment before responding, "You're already holding my hand. Doesn't that mean you've already started?"

Turning toward Shawn and Celeste, she said, "This is Walter, my childhood friend—and as of now, my boyfriend." Then, she looked at Walter, "And this is my cousin, Celeste, and her friend, Shawn."

The introductions hung in the air, but Shawn forced a smile. "Congratulations to both of you. I didn't expect to witness the start of a new romance today."

His tone was polite, but the strain behind his words was evident.

"Let's eat to celebrate!" Celeste interjected, trying to lighten the mood.