Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 113

Chapter 113: He Was Indeed Foolish
Russell quickly changed the subject, not wanting to thicken the air with tension. He brought up the idea of Nathaniel returning to Norvonna for a short trip before summer ended.

Andrea sang the same tune as Russell. She did so not only to help her husband but, also because it was her wish.

“We can do a road trip when you’re back. Like how we used to do before. What do you think, Nate?”

Nathaniel acknowledged that he hadn’t returned to Norvonna for months due to his hectic schedule. Now that he was slightly less busy, he should visit his parents there sometime.

“I will do that, Mom. I’ll check my schedule first,” replied Nathaniel with a nod. His response made Russell and Andrea feel better.

The husband and wife retreated to their bedroom shortly before midnight. Tristan prepared the usual guest room for them, the one on the first floor overlooking the cliff.

“Good night, Nate.”

“Let’s have breakfast together tomorrow.”

Nathaniel smiled, returning the greeting, “Good night, Mom, Dad. Sleep well.”

Nathaniel watched Andrea and Russell walk away from the lounge, holding hands together. Despite being married for decades, the husband and wife were still affectionate.

Seeing how loving his adoptive parents were toward each other reminded Nathaniel of his distant dream. Years ago, he imagined the same with Elsie.

To grow old together.

Unfortunately, his dream was cut short.

Putting his hands deep into the pocket of his pants, Nathaniel threw his gaze out of the windows. The luminous moon was bright against the backdrop of the dark night, casting its light over the ocean.

Midnight would hit soon but, Nathaniel knew sleep wouldn’t come easily for him. Walking away from the lounge, he headed to the yard instead of the bedroom.

Nathaniel’s footsteps were quiet, barely resounding in the hallway. He reached the side door, the one connecting to the yard from the lounge on the first floor.

The silver glow of the summer moon showered on Nathaniel as he wandered into the yard. The lavender and hibiscus swayed gently in the midnight breeze, earning a faint smile from him.

Nathaniel walked by the long lavender flower bed. The air was heavy with its sweet floral scent, harmonizing with the saltiness of the sea breeze. He eventually stopped, facing the swaying lavender stalks.

“They can be so calming, Niel. Don’t you think so?”

As Nathaniel’s brown eyes gazed at the lavender, one of Elsie’s remarks about her favorite flower echoed in his mind. Despite being years, each word still sounded vivid to him.

“Not as calming as you, my love.”

Elsie’s hearty laughter often followed Nathaniel’s remark, calling him corny. Still, the sparkles in her green eyes and the way her cheeks flushed told him she was happy.

Nathaniel brought his right hand out of the pants pocket, his fingers brushing the delicate lavender stalks. Their purple blooms were clearly visible under the garden lights.

Curling up his lips, Nathaniel smiled faintly. Melancholy weighed on him as the distant memories surfaced, reminding him of what he had lost.

Elsie Clark.

She was the only woman he had ever loved, until now.

Despite knowing he wouldn’t have any trouble looking for a wife, Nathaniel wanted no one besides Elsie. His heart still yearned for her even though she had vanished from his life for over five years.

Foolish?

He was indeed foolish.

Nathaniel stayed in the yard until the clock almost struck two in the morning. He didn’t realize how much time had passed. Glancing at the dancing lavender stalks, he quietly left.

“…Mom?”

Nathaniel gasped slightly once he opened the side door, never expecting to face Andrea. The middle-aged woman smiled warmly at him, gesturing him to get inside.

“How long have you been outside? Since your dad and I left?” asked Andrea, her eyes darting to the windows before returning to Nathaniel.

“Kind of,” replied Nathaniel, sounding a bit sheepish, “Haven’t you slept, Mom?”

Nathaniel briefly looked at his wristwatch. He didn’t think that Andrea was still awake at this hour. She and Russell went to bed when the time was already late.

“I suddenly craved some hot chocolate,” answered Andrea casually. She turned around, heading to the seating area of the lounge, “Then, I saw you from the windows.”

Nathaniel was unsure of what he should say. He was still standing near the door.

Andrea looked at Nathaniel from the couch. A helpless smile hung on her lips.

“Don’t worry much about what your dad said,” Andrea began, her soft voice echoing in the lounge, “Whether you get married or not, we won’t pressure you, Nate.”

Andrea was enjoying her hot chocolate in the kitchen when she saw Nathaniel’s figure in the yard. Even though the distance was quite huge between the two places, she knew she didn’t see it wrongly.

Andrea, and also Russell, knew the importance of the lavender bed to Nathaniel. The delicate purple flowers were Elsie’s favorite. She still remembered how much the young lady adored them.

Andrea didn’t get to spend much time with Elsie but she adored the woman Nathaniel held in his heart. She used to envision seeing the pair getting married and building a family of their own.

Unfortunately, her vision didn’t come true.

Elsie had never lived in this residence but, her traces were everywhere. From the framed photos hanging on the walls, the lovely lavender garden and the other trinkets she gifted to Nathaniel before.

Nathaniel blinked, unable to respond immediately to Andrea. Exhaling a sigh, he shook his head.

“Dad might just be worried. I understand that, Mom. I never hold anything against him.”

Nathaniel walked away from the door, sitting on the couch opposite Andrea. A coffee table sat between them with a vase of fresh lavender in the middle.

Andrea quietly assessed Nathaniel’s countenance. The lingering glum on his face expressed the turmoil of his heart. It was a familiar look she used to see whenever he was thinking of Elsie.

“Nate, won’t you do it?”

Nathaniel raised his brows upon hearing Andrea’s vague question. He asked confusedly, “Do what, Mom?”

Andrea heaved a sigh. As she spoke, her tone sounding cautious yet hopeful, “Won’t you look for Elsie?”

For a moment, Nathaniel’s heart suspended from beating.