Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 150

Chapter 150: Will I Get to Meet Her Soon?
The sun was already high in the sky when Nathaniel decided to end today’s conversation. Elsie also agreed with him. Both of them understood how heavy their previous talk was.

“I still have so many things to ask you,” Nathaniel admitted. He cautiously looked at Elsie whose face still clouded, “About your and Lorianne’s life. Also, how you got adopted by the Winslows.”

Nathaniel was evidently surprised to hear Elsie saying she was no longer surnamed Clark. He didn’t expect the Winslows to adopt her, as how the Faulkners did to him years ago.

“I know,” Elsie nodded. Exhaling a sigh, she tucked a strand behind her ear, “I will tell you everything, one by one. And, about letting you meet Lorrie.”

Nathaniel’s ears perked up upon hearing Elsie’s last sentence. His eyes glimmered with hope.

Elsie’s lips softened into a smile once she saw the bright look on Nathaniel’s countenance. She didn’t want to leave before bringing up the issue with him.

“Lorrie knows she has a father. Before… I told her that I couldn’t take her to meet you yet. She also knows we’re here now because I’ll finally bring her to you.”

Elsie was often conflicted about the matter of telling Lorianne about Nathaniel. She couldn’t deny his existence even if she wanted to.

Instead of saying that Nathaniel was dead or he didn’t want them, thus hurting the little one’s feelings, Elsie opted to tell Lorianne that he was busy with his job.

“Daddy is busy working. You’ll get to see him later.”

That was what Elsie often said to Lorianne. Fortunately, the latter was still too small to understand the truth.

Elsie felt bad whenever she saw Lorianne’s face sink thus, she knew she shouldn’t postpone this issue any longer. That was another reason Elsie wished to introduce her to Nathaniel this year.

Lorianne grew older year by year. It wouldn’t be long until she caught something was wrong about her father who was away because of work.

“S-she knows? That… I’ll get to meet her soon?”

Nathaniel unconsciously lowered his voice, finding it a little hard to believe Elsie. More happiness streamed through his heart as he imagined Lorianne asking about him.

“Yes,” Elsie nodded before resuming quickly, “If you still need time, we can discuss when to meet later.”

Elsie was grateful for the positive reaction shown by Nathaniel but, she understood that he might need time to prepare himself for the meeting.

“N-no! No! I’m okay,” Nathaniel abruptly shook his head, “If Lorianne… I mean, Lorrie is okay, I hope to meet her as soon as possible.”

He had missed out on the first five years of his daughter’s life. Delaying their first meeting was something he never wanted to do.

The smile on Elsie’s lips softened. She nodded, agreeing with Nathaniel before suggesting, “Then, is the day after tomorrow okay? This Tuesday. Only if you’re free. I know you’re busy with…”

Once again Nathaniel quickly answered, “Tuesday? Which time? I’ll free up my entire day.”

Nathaniel didn’t care what was already scheduled for this Tuesday. Fabian could attend the appointments on his behalf if there were any.

Blinking, Elsie was in a daze for a moment as she watched how Nathaniel’s face lit up. She smiled awkwardly, “How about at noon? I’ll book a private room at a restaurant. You can talk to Lorrie first before we have lunch.”

“Yes. I agree,” Nathaniel nodded lightly. He tried to tone down the happiness that emanated from his face, “At noon, then.”

Nathaniel tilted his chin down, his eyes staring at his hands. He couldn’t help from feeling giddy inside. The thought of meeting Lorianne—his daughter—soon filled him with irreplaceable joy.

“I should leave now,” Elsie said, her voice losing its initial strain, “Lorrie is waiting for me.”

Nathaniel was pulled back to reality. He almost stuttered, “Ah… yes. Me too. Let’s go.”

Nathaniel and Elsie rose to their feet, walking away from the wisteria-covered archways. They walked down the paved pathways, lined with blooming lavenders, marigolds and dahlias.

Some of the garden’s visitors went past them, from small families, friends and also lovers. The happy ambiance that surrounded them was a stark contrast to the one that enveloped Nathaniel and Elsie.

Bleak, full of uncertainties but, with a glimpse of hope.

Nathaniel walked slightly behind Elsie. His brown eyes gazed at her back, watching how the gentle breeze tousled her blond locks.

Lowering his gaze, Nathaniel stared at his palms. He pursed his lips, thinking how empty they felt. He eventually gripped them into fists, trying not to reach out for Elsie.

“May I ask… where are you staying? With Lorrie.”

Nathaniel was unsure whether Elsie would tell him or not but, he still tried asking. At least, he would feel more at ease if he knew where their residence was.

Elsie halted her steps. Turning around, she faced Nathaniel, seeing the doubts on his face.

“Elysian Heights,” replied Elsie, her lips curling into a faint smile, “Lorrie and I stay at an apartment there. No. 19-4.”

Nathaniel simply nodded, please because Elsie shared the unit number. He planned to look up the unfamiliar residential complex. Still, he believed Elsie wouldn’t stay in a rundown or dangerous place.

“I parked there,” said Elsie once they walked past the main entrance. She pointed in a direction, “I’ll e-mail you my number later.”

Nathaniel glanced to where Elsie gestured before returning his eyes to her. He curved his lips, hoping to show a more presentable self before they separated today.

“Thank you for meeting me today, Elsie,” Nathaniel had nothing to say aside from showing his gratitude, “Also… for being truthful with me.”

There were still countless questions he wanted to ask her but, he would do it step-by-step. He didn’t want to make her feel pressured at all.

Slowly, very slowly. They would reach the end, he believed it.

Elsie silently assessed Nathaniel’s countenance. He looked far better than in the beginning as if a huge rock had been taken off his shoulders.

“I have to thank you too, Niel. Be careful on your way back. We’ll meet again soon, this Tuesday.”

“Yes.”

Elsie smiled at Nathaniel before turning around. He watched her walking away, heading to an area of the parking lot.

This time, he wouldn’t lose her.