Marshall''s smile was alluring. Yes, alluring. It was the first time Natalie had ever seen a man, especially Marshall, smile with such captivating charm. It was quite handsome.


    Natalie froze for a moment. This man could truly make a woman''s head spin.


    But he was friend material, not husband material.


    She wondered who could ever tie a man like him down.


    Marshall''s cheerful voice broke through her thoughts. "Natalie, we may be camping on an ind, but that doesn''t mean we have to feed the mosquitoes on some deserted rock. We''ll sleep on the yacht tonight. I checked the tides; it''s safe."


    Natalie considered it. The pampered prince probably couldn''t handle roughing it. Fine, she''d let him have his way.


    "Let''s go."


    Once they boarded, the captain set sail. The scenery was picturesque, and a sense of calm washed over Natalie.


    Whenever she was in a bad mood or exhausted, she used to go to the seaside and just sit, enjoying the beautiful view.


    Behind them, Sebastian''s yacht followed, but the trio in the cabin remained oblivious.


    The journey would take two hours, and Susan had brought a deck of cards.


    The three of them started a game of poker. Natalie loved ying cards. Back on the ind, her three brothers would often y with her at night. Sometimes they''d intentionally lose, showering her with gifts or money.


    It would make her happy all night. Thinking of her brothers'' kindness, Natalie smiled. Why hadn''t she understood it before?


    Some family ties, even those bound by blood, weren''t genuine. Some were just schemes.


    Owen was the one who had always doted on her the most.


    Natalie sent a message to their group chat.


    [Remember when we used to y poker together?]


    They all replied, telling her to have fun, and each of them even sent her some money. Only Owen remained silent.


    Natalie felt a pang of sadness. Owen still hadn''t forgiven her.


    Marshall yed a strong hand, urging her, "Natalie, your turn."


    Natalie nced at her cards. An unbeatable hand. "Pass."


    Susan nudged her. "Natalie, focus! We''re about to lose."


    Natalie forced a smile and took onest look at the chat. Still nothing from Owen.


    She resolved to keep trying until he forgave her. He had always cared for her the most; surely, he would forgive her eventually.


    Natalie looked down at her cards. She couldn''t y. "Pass."


    Susan swore under her breath. "Pass? Are you kidding me? He just wiped the floor with us!"


    Marshall doubled over withughter.


    "I win again! I never knew poker could be this much fun ying on your phone just doesn''tpare to the real thing."


    Natalie and Susan shot him a re.


    Susan pouted at Marshall. "Mr.


    Spencer,


    don''t you know a should let thedies win


    You''l never get a girlfriend this way.


    Marshall was speechless.


    Susan was such a sore loser!


    Besides, why should he throw the game? His luck was just too good.


    Natalie began to deal again.


    Marshall fanned out his cards and


    grinned. "Ladies, it''s not that I don''t want to let you win, but this hand is just too good two jokers, three aces, three twos Looks like another clean sweep for me.


    Natalie and Susan stared at him.


    They both grabbed his hands and rubbed them.


    The girls'' hands were soft, and his heart skipped a beat as a blush crept up his face.


    He looked at the two of them, confused. "What are you two doing? Trying to get fresh with me?"