Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 149

Chapter 149: No Indications of Her Hatred Toward Him
Nathaniel continued listening to Elsie’s story related to the past five years. Although laden with some hoarseness, her voice echoed audibly in the small space they shared under the hanging wisterias.

“I contacted Mrs. Mathison…”

Mrs. Mathison was the lecturer Elsie the closest with back in Norvonna. The middle-aged woman was like a mentor to her. They kept in contact even after Elsie graduated from the university.

“I had my phone with me… when I escaped. I didn’t know who to call. Either you, the police… or anyone else. Actually, it was a stroke of luck because… Mrs. Mathison called me at that time.”

Mrs. Mathison often called Elsie randomly and the young lady also did the same. Through the fated phone call, a frantic Elsie quickly asked for help even though the former was far in another country.

“The Winslows were on vacation here. Mrs. Mathison got them to help me. They also hid me when… your men looked for me in the hospital.”

Mr. Winslow was a successful businessman while Mrs. Winslow was a famed surgeon, both hailed from Norvonna.

Elsie had met them a few times back in Norvonna but, they didn’t have any deep relationships. Nathaniel only had crossed paths with Mr. Winslow before during business conferences, they barely interacted.

Mrs. Winslow used her connection within the medical field to keep Elsie and Lorianne hidden. Even when one of Nathaniel’s men stepped into the hospital, they returned with another failure.

After giving birth to the premature Lorianne, Elsie stayed in the hospital for two weeks. Mrs. Winslow tended to her personally, making sure she was stable physically and mentally.

As for Mr. Winslow, he prepared their vacation home in Velondia to welcome Elsie after her discharge. Only two housekeepers were there, promising their loyalty by keeping the mother and daughter’s presence a secret.

“I stayed in the hospital until Lorrie was discharged. Since then… I lived with the Winslows in their vacation home.”

Mr. and Mrs. Winslow set up a room for the infant Lorianne. Elsie felt bad for imposing upon their kindness but, the husband and wife reassured her that they were happy to help.

Elsie had been thinking about Nathaniel ever since she was safe under the Winslows’ care. Her initial rage and disappointment toward him gradually mixed with concerns.

Nathaniel achieved his lifelong dream—of destroying his paternal family—soon after Elsie disappeared. He didn’t have to worry about them anymore and was finally freed of their shackles.

One day after Elsie breastfed Lorianne, her mind drifted to Nathaniel as she watched the little one sleeping soundly. She picked up a pen and a paper, intending to send him a letter.

Never once did Elsie think that the letter led Nathaniel to cease all of his searchings.

“When I sent the letter to you… I purposely omitted anything about Lorrie. I knew… you’d be worried but… I still chose not to mention anything.”

Elsie was unable to continue her words as if something clogged her throat. Weighed by her massive guilt, she lowered her face, no longer could look Nathaniel in the eyes.

Elsie remembered that time. She contemplated mentioning Lorianne had been born or saying anything about the child.

Eventually, Elsie decided against any of the choices. Despite worrying about Nathaniel, she was unsure about returning to him, including letting him be in Lorianne’s life.

She might have forgiven him but, she wouldn’t ever forget what she had gone through. Perhaps, it was her little revenge.

Nathaniel took another look at Elsie before drifting his gaze down. His eyes, once again glistened with tears, blankly stared at the fists grasping his knees.

The veins popped on the back of Nathaniel’s hands in his attempt to stay calm.

Silence enveloped Nathaniel and Elsie. The ambiance around them was dreary compared to the ones experienced by the visitors.

The daylight grew brighter, showering upon the entire flower garden under its rays. The wind occasionally picked up, spreading the floral-infused breeze around.

Lifting his chin, Nathaniel’s gaze zeroed in on Elsie. He couldn’t see her face properly, framed by her soft blond locks. Still, he saw her eyelashes trembling albeit slightly.

Nathaniel parted his lips, wanting to break this silence. His voice was still raspy, mirroring his troubled feelings.

“…you did what you can to keep Lorianne and yourself safe. And… even after what I did, you didn’t bring up your disappointment… to me in that letter.”

Nathaniel was still desperate to look for Elsie even after receiving the latter but, he quickly retracted his orders. Guilt overtook him the more he reread what she had penned on it.

She managed to flee to safety, no matter where she was.

The enemies initially tried using Elsie’s disappearance to threaten Nathaniel. All of them bluffed in a bid to overthrow him yet, he easily debunked each one of their lies.

Nathaniel wondered who and where Elsie was but, he couldn’t return his reply even if he wanted to. Still, it was reassuring to at least get the letter from her.

“When I first opened the letter…” Nathaniel resumed after a short pause. His eyes remained on Elsie, “I thought… I’d read how I’d disappointed you… about how much you hate me but… you didn’t even indicate any.”

Nathaniel’s words led Elsie to return her gaze to him. She blinked, her green eyes widening slightly as she registered what he said in her mind.

“Because…” Elsie forced herself to speak, her voice tinged with sorrow, “As much as I was upset with you… I couldn’t deny that I still… loved you.”

Elsie tried to pen down her frustrations and anger in the letter but, she didn’t have the heart for it. Thinking that she would hide Lorianne’s existence, she decided to be civil.

Nathaniel pursed his lips, feeling the tremors from his heart flare to his entire body again. He held back from crying once again, reluctant to be so unsightly before Elsie.

“And now… you decided to return and… let me be in Lorianne’s life, en?”

Elsie nodded. She quietly replied to Nathaniel.

“I’ve deprived you of the early years of Lorrie’s life. I was scared, truly. I didn’t know how you’d react or… if you’d try to take her away from me, but…”

Nathaniel unconsciously straightened his back. His full attention was on Elsie. His heart thumped loudly as he waited for her to continue, the sound buzzing in his ears.

When Elsie spoke next, her voice was imbued with belief, unlike how she sounded earlier.

“You have your own faults but, you’re not someone like that.”