Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 143

Chapter 143: May We Meet?
Nathaniel had been a mess ever since he received the surprising e-mail from Elsie last night. He couldn’t believe his eyes no matter how many times he read it, including after verifying the e-mail address.

The message remained displayed on the screen as he read it over and over again.

[Hello, Niel.

It has been years. I want to ask. May I meet you?]

The e-mail address indeed belonged to Elsie, the one Nathaniel was familiar with. She used it even before they were reunited after leaving the orphanage.

‘Is this true? Am I… not dreaming? What should I reply?’

Nathaniel’s heart pounded heavily against his chest as he contemplated answering the e-mail. Never once did he expect that his wishful dream—of reuniting with her—would ever come true.

Elsie… was she really back?

Did she really ask to meet him?

After everything… he had done and wronged her?

The same questions, followed by doubts, accompanied Nathaniel throughout the sleepless night. He held the tablet, his brown eyes glistening with tears as he kept re-reading the simple yet meaningful e-mail.

As time continued ticking, Nathaniel didn’t move from the couch for hours. Every time he wanted to send Elsie a reply, his fingers shook so much that he had to stop himself.

What if this was all another dream?

Would he wake up in the morning and be disappointed again?

He missed her, truly missed her.

But… did he have the right to face her again? To step into her world again?

Despite Elsie being the one who asked to meet him, Nathaniel was still afraid. The last image of her was still vivid in his mind—of helplessness and disappointment.

Nathaniel ended up drowning in the dark pool of his thoughts, swirling with endless doubts. He held the tablet close to his heart, hoping to think with a clearer mind when morning came.

The sun brightly greeted the brand new day but, dark clouds remained hanging above Nathaniel’s head.

“Niel… you look so pale? You didn’t sleep at all, huh?”

“Are you sick? I’ll call the doctor.”

“I’m fine, Mom, Dad. I just had lots in my mind.”

Andrea and Russell noticed the stark change in Nathaniel’s mood. When they asked in concern, he reassured them that he was fine.

Nathaniel was unwilling to mention Elsie until he took the next step—replying to her e-mail.

In the later afternoon, Andrea and Russell left the villa. They planned to go sightseeing while being accompanied by the bodyguards. Nathaniel took this chance to gather his thoughts.

Being alone in the garden, surrounded by Elsie’s favorite lavender, Nathaniel finally mustered up his courage. He knew this would go nowhere if he remained a coward.

[Elsie,

Are you really back? Can I meet you?]

Nathaniel’s hands shook as he clicked on the Send icon, his heart also thumped rapidly within the confines of his chest. Holding his breath, he made sure the reply e-mail was properly sent.

The comforting sweet scent of the lavender, infused with the salty air, lingered on the tip of his nose once he inhaled a breath. His brown eyes remained on the tablet screen.

Nathaniel responded to Elsie’s e-mail with questions of his own. Somehow, he still doubted her willingness to meet him.

Where had she been all these years? Was she happier now?

Was she alone, or… had she met someone new? Someone who treated her better than him?

Those questions were like sharp claws, pricking into Nathaniel’s heart. Despite that, he knew that he had to be prepared for such possibilities.

As Nathaniel was immersed in another dark pool of his thoughts, a new e-mail appeared in the notification bar. His heart suspended beating for a second before it rammed heavily against his heart.

With a single tap, the e-mail was displayed on the screen.

[Yes, I’m back in Velondia. I knew my email would shock you but, I hope to meet you if you agree. When are you available? I know you’re usually busy. I can wait.]

For some reason, Nathaniel thought Elsie’s message sounded cautious and a little formal.

It should be.

After all, they were the ghosts of each other’s past for five years. They were not a pair of lovers anymore.

Nathaniel thought for a few minutes, weighing everything down before he finally sent another reply to Elsie. The tremors of his heart flared to his entire body, even leaving his fingers shaking slightly.

[Can we meet tomorrow? You can name the place and time. I’m available.]

If Nathaniel followed his heart, he would rush to wherever Elsie was right away. Yet, he understood that both of them needed time to prepare themselves.

There must be a reason behind Elsie’s return. She even reached out to him, asking to meet.

No matter what Elsie might convey to him, Nathaniel would accept it—including her wrath.

[Amethyst Blossoms at 9 AM, can we? I’ll wait for you there]

Nathaniel’s eyes widened, his heart skipped another beat.

Amethyst Blossoms? Meet her there?

Pursing his lips, Nathaniel was inevitably reminded of the lush flower garden. Located in the suburbs of Avaloria City, he often brought Elsie there during his free time years ago.

Elsie fell in love with the garden the first moment Nathaniel brought her there. At that time, they had just moved to Velondia.

“Niel! This place is so pretty! Look at all those flowers!”

Elsie’s face beamed in delight as she pointed to the surrounding blooms. Nathaniel chuckled upon seeing her happiness.

The radiant dahlias, sun-kissed marigolds and delicate lilies bloomed in vivid hues, including Elsie’s favorite lavender. The petals swayed gently in the warm breeze of summer, painting the landscape with its charms.

Like the many pairs of lovers present, Nathaniel and Elsie strolled along the winding stone paths, their arms entwining. They whispered sweet nothings under the warm glow of the sunlight.

Ever since Elsie left, Nathaniel hadn’t stepped foot there. The place was full of their happy memories, including…

The first time she surprised him with her pregnancy.

Exhaling a sigh, Nathaniel forced himself to return to reality. He picked up the pieces of his shattered courage before replying to Elsie.

[Yes. I’ll meet you there tomorrow at 9 AM]

Her response came within a minute.

[Great. Thank you for considering it, Niel]

Nathaniel replied with a simple message, ‘You’re welcome’. He stopped himself from asking Elsie if it was possible for them to talk on the phone first.

Sitting on the garden chair, Nathaniel’s eyes remained on the screen until it darkened. He didn’t realize how much time had passed. The last rays of sunlight left streaks on the horizon.

‘Oh… I need to tell Rudy.’

Now that he had communicated with Elsie, Nathaniel wanted to share the news with the people close to him. Ruediger—a younger brother figure to him—crossed his mind.

Fishing the phone out of his pants pocket, Nathaniel clicked the speed dial for Ruediger’s number. The line was connected within seconds.

“Hello, Nate. What’s up?”

Nathaniel immediately spoke once Ruediger’s voice echoed from the end of the line.

“Rudy… Elsie contacted me. She wants to meet me.”

His voice, imbued with sorrow and yearning, was carried away by the salty breeze.