Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 158

Chapter 158: I Am Your Father

The traffic was relatively smooth, much to Nathaniel’s relief. He also didn’t have much difficulty looking for the street where the restaurant was located.

The clock pointed to eleven-forty, twenty minutes from the appointed time.

Nathaniel contemplated whether to wait in the car first or immediately go inside the restaurant. He managed to get a parking spot under a shady tree. The extended low branches helped to shield his car from the summer sun.

‘I better head there first. The gifts… I’ll just take the bouquets for now.’

Nathaniel decided after taking the bouquets from the front passenger seat. Slipping the phone and wallet inside his coat pocket, he headed out of the car.

‘…I’m nervous again.’

Nathaniel felt his heart begin thumping heavily against his chest. He took a deep breath, hoping to chase away the returned sense of uneasiness.

Taking a step forward, Nathaniel walked to the restaurant while cradling the bouquets in one arm. The hostess greeted him before getting an attendant to bring him to the room Elsie booked.

Nathaniel saw a few tables occupied by diners in the common area. The alluring scent of spices lingered in the air, easily piquing one’s appetite.

“Mr. Faulkner, this is the room,” the attendant said while gesturing at the room. He also opened the door, “You may wait for Ms. Winslow here.”

Nathaniel nodded, “Thank you.”

Walking further inside the dining room, Nathaniel swept his gaze around. The place was nicely decorated with no over-the-top embellishments.

A wooden table stood at the center of the room, just beside the floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Nathaniel saw a private mini garden on the outside, lined with colorful flower beds.

Lowering his gaze, Nathaniel stared at the lavender bouquets. He pursed his lips, hoping both Elsie and Lorianne would love these.

Another attendant came soon after the previous one left. His appearance alarmed Nathaniel who had just seated. He thought Elsie and Lorianne had arrived.

The attendant brought a pitcher including a few glasses. He swiftly left after pouring Nathaniel a glass of water. The room was quiet, save for his crazy heartbeat.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Tick. Tick. Tick.

The echo of his heartbeat blended with the ticking of his wristwatch.

‘Is she here already? With… Lorrie?’

Nathaniel kept glancing at the clock, watching the needles ticking. Each passing second felt like an hour. His eyes also frequently darted toward the door.

How should he greet Lorianne once they met?

Would the little one immediately call him Daddy or Papa?

Would she allow him to hug her?

Nathaniel couldn’t help but pray for it, but his main priority was ensuring Lorianne felt at ease. He didn’t want to pressure the little one because of his wish.

Click…

Nathaniel unconsciously straightened his back once he heard the sound of the door opening. Slowly turning in that direction, Elsie’s figure in a pastel yellow dress appeared in his line of sight.

“…Elsie,” Nathaniel blurted out the lady’s name, his voice slightly shaky.

“Hello, Niel,” Elsie greeted softly, a smile gracing her lips, “I heard the hostess say you’ve arrived for some time already.”

“Y-yes,” Nathaniel almost stuttered. He quickly stood up, moving away from the table, “I didn’t want the traffic to delay me. Please, come inside.”

Nathaniel inwardly told himself off. He tried not to sound too rigid, but he failed. He coughed once while reminding himself to act more casually.

Elsie smiled in understanding, knowing what put Nathaniel on edge right now. He also looked tenser than at their first meeting last Sunday.

Well, he was not the only nervous one here.

Elsie turned her eyes away from Nathaniel, glancing behind her right shoulder. Lorianne clung to the back of her leg. Her smile softened at the sight of the little one’s anxious look.

“I guess we shouldn’t waste our time, right?” Elsie spoke, directing to both Nathaniel and Lorianne. She bent slightly before gently stroking the little one’s head, “Lorrie, come inside with Mommy.”

“…yes, Mommy.”

Lorianne nodded once. Her round brown eyes blinked, looking cautious yet expectant. She moved away from Elsie’s back, standing beside her mother.

Nathaniel’s ears picked the voice coming behind Elsie, undoubtedly coming from Lorianne. The little one’s voice sounded so soft, just like from the videos he received from Elsie.

She’s here!

His daughter was here!

Cold sweat broke on Nathaniel’s back as he watched Elsie push the door wider, allowing him to get a clear picture of the little girl standing next to her. He unconsciously held his breath for a second.

Lorianne finally stepped inside, her eyes collided with Nathaniel’s. Wearing a pink summer dress with little red strawberry prints and holding a bunny plushie, she was the epitome of adorable.

This was… the daughter he had never met.

She had his beloved’s lovely features, including her soft blond locks, but the little one shared the same brown eyes as his.

Anguish struck Nathaniel’s heart, flaring tremors to his entire body. Tears instantly rushed to his eyes, blurring the figure of Lorianne from his sight.

‘Don’t cry… Don’t cry!’

Nathaniel chewed his lower lip, holding back from letting even a single tear escape from his eyes. He clenched his fists hard, the nails dug deeper into his palms.

Lorianne’s eyes remained on Nathaniel. She unknowingly tightened her hug on the bunny plushie. Blinking, she silently looked at the man towering over her small body.

This was… her daddy?

Really?

A heavy silence shrouded the private room as Nathaniel and Lorianne continued looking at one another. Elsie glanced from the man to the little one, understanding she had to play a role in breaking the ice.

“Niel, Lorrie?”

Elsie’s voice pulled Nathaniel out of his daze. Lorianne said nothing, only looking at her mother before timidly glancing at the tall man.

“S-sorry,” Nathaniel said sheepishly. He slowly lowered himself, crouching on the floor. His eyes remained on Lorianne, “Hello, Lorianne. I’m Nathaniel. I am your… you…”

Nathaniel wanted to say more, but the rest of his words were stuck in his throat. He was stunned for a moment when Lorianne took a step toward him.

“…Daddy? Lorrie’s daddy?”

The little girl timidly called out for him, her voice barely a whisper but… it was enough to send tears down his face.

“Y-yes…” Nathaniel nodded, his face streaked with tears, “I am your father… Your daddy…”

What happened next surprised both Nathaniel and Elsie.

The little girl ran forward, throwing herself into the man’s arms. Her cries of ‘Daddy!’ blared inside the dining room.