Natalie remained silent. Charles personally made the request. Even though she sympathized with Marcus, she couldn''t outright refuse.
Besides, when she saw Marcus sitting in the room that day, sunlight streamed over him, but it did nothing to warm him. His whole being exuded an air of cold istion, making him look almost pitiful.
She was unsure whether it was a momentary sense of sympathy or the fact that they were working together, but in the end, she agreed.
"Whatever decision you make, Nat, I will always support you," Olivia said.
Seeing Natalie''s silence, she didn''t press further. A true friend understood and respected the other''s choices. As long as it did not bring them harm, that was enough.
"Olivia, thank you."
"Oh,e on. Why are you being so formal? Aren''t I just waiting for you to take me to new heights?" Olivia hugged Natalie and nted a quick kiss on her cheek.
"Alright, let''s finish breakfast and start getting ready. Mrs. Walker sent 18 gowns to your room, and I have also prepared the two dresses from Mr. Holden Senior. You just need to pick the one you want to wear," she added.
"Got it."
"Thank you for all the trouble."
After finishing her shrimp roll, Natalie was whisked away by the styling team. Every strand of her hair had to be in its perfect state today.
As time ticked by, Gorge coordinated the helpers, ensuring every detail was in ce. Charlotte and William were equally busy, finalizing the preparations before heading to the entrance to greet guests.
The guests invited by the Walker family arrived one after another. Some came early, while others were still on the way.
The young men Olivia had spotted earlier were among those who had arrived ahead of time. Most of them were friends of the Walker family''s five brothers.
As the final guests took their ces, Natalie was done getting prepared. Olivia helped her into her chosen gown, Starry Brilliance.
Her hair was casually pinned up, with a few wisps left loose around her face, adding a touch of effortless elegance. As a gentle breeze brushed past, she looked both ethereal and soft.
On her head, she wore the diamond tiara gifted by Charles. Around her neck rested a magnificent sapphire pendant.
Starry Brilliance featured a strapless V-neck design, elegant yet modest. The shallow scars on her body were expertly concealed by the makeup artist''s skillful application of foundation, leaving her skin looking wless and radiant.
Even the faint scars on her slender arms were carefully covered. Time had been too short. No matter how diligently she applied the best scar removal creams, full recovery wasn''t possible just yet.
"All done." The stylist fastened a pair of moon-shaped sapphire earrings as the final touch.
"Ms. Walker, take a look. Which gown do you want to change intoter? I''ll have it prepared in advance."
The stylist observed Natalie in the mirror. Her delicate features, porcin skin, and striking beauty carried an almost ethereal quality, as if sculpted by the hands of a master artisan. She needed no heavy makeup; her natural elegance was already mesmerizing.
The wedding dress hugged her figure as if it had been tailor-made for her. With every step, she seemed to carry an entire gxy, flowing, shimmering, utterly mesmerizing.
For a moment, the stylist couldn''t determine whether the person elevated the outfit or the outfit elevated the person.
Natalie stood up, offering a gentle smile. "Thank you."
The stylist''s heart pounded. She had worked with countless actresses, but none had ever stunned her like this.
When she smiled, a faint dimple surfaced on her cheek, melting away thest traces of her once cold and regal air. In that moment, she was no longer an
untouchable goddess but someone warm and radiant, effortlessly drawing people
in.
"Ms. Walker, there is no need to thank me. It is my honor."
The stylist snapped back to reality, barely able to contain her excitement. The wee party would be covered by numerous media outlets, and the moment Natalie''s appearance was published, her styling would undoubtedly be the talk of the town.
Her reputation and career were bound to skyrocket.
Olivia had also changed into her evening gown. As a model, her tall and well-proportioned figure was perfect for the fitted mermaid dress she had chosen. The gown was an understated white, her makeup light and refined, elegant but not overshadowing Natalie''s radiance.
The two women exchanged a knowing nce before descending from the fifth
floor to the second.
Once all the invited guests had
arrived, William took the stage at the
grand spiral staircase. Holding a microphone, he stood beside
Charlotte, who was dressed in a red
gown. Her eyes were slightly red with emotion, and she could barely contain her excitement
"Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to join us for this momentous asion. My wife and I only recently learned that our daughter was mistakenly switched at birth." William began, his voice thick with emotion.
"After years of searching, we finally found her. This party is not only for us but also for her five brothers, who all wished to celebrate the return of their sister. I am William Walker," he said, ncing at his wife.
Charlotte picked up the microphone, her voice trembling. "And I am Charlotte Kennedy."
Together, they said, "As parents, we have finally found our daughter. Her name is Natalie Walker. Let us wee her with the warmest apuse."
Thunderous apuse erupted throughout the venue.
As the couple finished speaking, Natalie appeared on the second floor, escorted
by Lincoln. Dressed impably, his handsome face held a gentle, affectionate smile.
He was the one escorting Natalie because she had already turned down Sky''s offer before he could find an excuse.
Hand in hand, the two descended the grand staircase. The sight of their stunning looks together was captivating. Especially Natalie, who caught everyone''s attention at a nce.
Among the youngdies in attendance, some recognized Starry Brilliance and gasped in admiration. Though technically ssified as a wedding dress, Natalie wore it to her wee party with perfect ease, as if it were meant for this very moment.
She glowed like a celestial vision, radiant and stunning. The flowing gown sparkled under the lights, giving her the appearance of a goddess stepping down from the Milky Way, wrapped in stardust and moonlight.
Her delicate features, reminiscent of Charlotte''s yet even more refined, left everyone in awe. Her every nce, every smile was soul-stirring. Her peach blossom eyes shimmered with soft warmth, captivating the entire room. Lincoln felt a deep sense of pride. Apart from their eldest brother, Sky, the other brothers had all vied for the chance to escort their sister. But in the end, they still couldn''tpete with Lincoln''s status and had to step aside.
"Nat, my precious daughter."
Charlotte''s voice trembled as she watched Natalie approach. This time, she couldn''t hold back her tears.
"My daughter has suffered so much in another household all these years. Every time I think about it, my heart aches beyond words. But the heavens have been kind. They have led her back to us. Nat, introduce yourself to everyone." William was equally moved. For a brief moment, as he looked at his daughter, it was as if he were seeing his wife in her youth.
Natalie''s expression remained poised and gentle. She stepped forward gracefully, took the microphone, and greeted the guests.
"Hello, everyone. I am Natalie, the
true daughter of the Walker. Thank you foring to my wee party. I am deeply touched and. grateful. The heavens haven''t forsaken me. In the 20th year of my
life, I have found my real parents and, with them, five doting brothers."
As she scanned the crowd, her gazended on a familiar figure in the corner.
Marcus stood there in his signature ck suit, his gaze deep and unreadable.