Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 157

Chapter 157: A Red And a Pink Ribbon

<.Seacastle, the next day.>

Standing opposite the full-length mirror, Nathaniel took a couple of deep breaths. He tried to calm the waves of raging nerves within him that had caused him to lose sleep last night.

The clock pointed to ten-fifty. The time was still early but, Nathaniel had already gotten ready for his important appointment later this noon—meeting Elsie and Lorianne.

Elsie messaged Nathaniel the details of the restaurant yesterday. She booked a room at a fusion restaurant in the city center. It was not too far from her current residence, compared to him in this coastal area.

Staring at his own reflection in the mirror, all Nathaniel could see was how tense he appeared. He sensed faint tremors at the end of his fingertips, traveling all the way from his heart.

‘…I’m more nervous than the other day.’

Nathaniel pursed his lips, the look in his brown eyes was clouded by his uneasiness. His mind wandered far as he couldn’t help but recall his meeting with Elsie last Saturday.

Once Nathaniel arrived home, he immediately told Andrea and Russell more about Elsie, including the surprising existence of Lorianne. His parents also knew about their coming meeting.

“Nate, your prayers have been answered!”

“Wow… We never expected this. Such good news!”

Andrea and Russell were beyond happy. They pulled Nathaniel into a group hug, sharing laughter and tears of happiness.

Andrea and Russell encouraged Nathaniel to show his best self during his first meeting with Lorianne, also reminding him to take it easy.

“Nate, even an adult like you will feel overwhelmed, let alone a child like Lorianne.”

“Approach her gently. Children usually need time to get used to new people.”

Nathaniel thanked Andrea and Russell for their advice. When he was nervous about picking gifts to bring to Lorianne, his parents stepped up again.

They suggested a few things based on their short observation after looking at the little girl’s photos and videos.

All of them were packed with glossy and cute wrappers, now stored in Nathaniel’s car trunk—except for two things.

Two bouquets of lavender, freshly picked by himself from the garden when the dew still clinging to them.

Nathaniel carefully selected the stalks of lavender this early morning, making sure they had no flaws. He wrapped them with a glossy paper each before tying them with a red and pink ribbon respectively.

The red-ribboned bouquet was for Elsie while the pink one was for Lorianne. Nathaniel also put a mini rabbit plushie in Lorianne’s bouquet.

“Haa… I wasn’t this nervous when I took the CEO’s role. Or signed the billion dollar contracts.”

Exhaling a long and heavy sigh, Nathaniel recalled the day in the past, the particular one when Russell named him as the new CEO of Faulkner Investment. Years had passed but the moment was still vivid in his memory.

‘Stop worrying.’

Nathaniel shook his head, thinking that he would achieve nothing if he was too focused on what-ifs. Smoothening the lapel of his coat, he scanned his reflection from head to toe.

‘I didn’t look too formal, right?’

Unsure of what to wear, Nathaniel opted for a V-neck shirt, paired with a coat and a pair of slacks. He styled his ebony hair slick back like usual but, with a touch of casualness.

Spinning on his heels, Nathaniel walked away from the mirror. He glanced at his wristwatch, finding the time had turned to eleven-fifteen without him realizing it.

After grabbing his phone and wallet, Nathaniel headed out of the bedroom. He didn’t forget to look at his old photo with Elsie, framed and stood on the bedside table.

How lovelier this space would be if he added their daughter’s photos next?

Curling up his lips, Nathaniel felt slightly better. As he remembered how his meeting with Elsie the other day, he believed there was nothing he should be afraid of.

The little one—their daughter—knew about his existence.

Nathaniel contemplated asking Elsie to talk to Lorianne through a phone or video call at first but, he ended up dismissing the thoughts. Considering they would meet very soon, he told himself to be patient.

“You’re going now, Nate?”

Andrea’s warm voice echoed from the lounge as Nathaniel walked passing the area. He halted on his steps, finding both of his mother and father there.

“…Mom, Dad? You’re still here?”

Nathaniel saw Andrea and Russell during breakfast earlier. He thought they had gone out to meet their friends for a brunch date.

“We’ve canceled our plan.”

“Yes, Nate. We’ll just stay home and wait for you here.”

The husband and wife sat up from the couch, walking toward their son. They shared the same look of concern yet, with a hint of hope.

“Oh… Okay. I plan to go there earlier than promised,” replied Nathaniel, his voice having a faint trace of his lingering concern, “I’ve never been to that restaurant. Afraid I’d get lost looking for it too.”

Nathaniel might have lived in Avaloria City for over five years but, he was not accustomed to every place yet. After all, he spent most of his time at work and home. He rarely went anywhere else.

“You’ll do well, Nate,” Russell lightly patted Nathaniel’s back, trying to give encouragement to the young man, “Stay calm. Enjoy the moment. You’re meeting your dear daughter for the first time today.”

Andrea nodded, agreeing with her husband. Smiling at Nathaniel, she said softly, “If you can, please send our regards to Elsie and Lorianne.”

“Thank you, Dad, Mom,” Nathaniel smiled sheepishly, sensing slight warmth on his cheeks, “I’ll do that. I think Elsie will be okay with it. Lorrie knows she has paternal grandparents.”

Andrea and Russell were excited to meet both Elsie and Lorianne but, they decided to be patient for now. They didn’t want to put pressure on the mother and daughter, especially the little Lorianne.

“Have you taken the bouquets?” Andrea arched her brows, knowing about the lavender bouquets made by Nathaniel this morning, “Let us see you off.”

“They’re downstairs. Thank you, Mom and Dad.”

Accompanied by Andrea and Russell, Nathaniel headed to the first floor, heading straight to the entryway. He grabbed the bouquets he placed on the console table beforehand.

Cradling both bouquets in his arms, Nathaniel smilingly swept his gaze on the lavender stalks. Their sweet scent wafted in the air, helping to put another part of his heart at ease.

Nathaniel lifted his eyes from the bouquet, smiling at his parents, “I will go now. See you later, Mom, Dad.”

Andrea and Russell shared the same smile. They liked the look of confidence on Nathaniel’s face, brighter than before.

“We’ll wait for good news, Nate.”

“Go, son.”

Nathaniel nodded. Turning around, he walked toward the car. The bright sun shone on his back, mirroring his dazzling hope.

Ding!

Nathaniel’s personal phone rang once when he buckled the seatbelt. Reaching for the sleek metal sitting in the holder, he tapped the screen. Ruediger texted him.

Chuckles slipped out of Nathaniel’s lips once he saw what kind of message Ruediger sent him.

[Rudy: Prepare some tissues, just in case you cry]

Well… He hoped he wouldn’t cry so much. He didn’t want to show his weak side to his daughter.