Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 160

Chapter 160: Their First Family Meal

‘This… from the lavender he planted himself? From the garden?’

Elsie’s glossy green eyes stared blankly at Nathaniel’s smiling face before she slowly lowered her gaze, looking at the bouquet still held by him. The familiar sweet scent lingered on the tip of her nose.

Lifting her hands, Elsie could feel the shivers from her heart traveling to her fingertips. She took the bouquet from Nathaniel, holding it carefully as if it was something precious.

“…these flowers are beautiful,” Elsie murmured, her voice laden with faint sobs, “Thank you, Niel.”

Elsie had always loved flowers, but lavender became her favorite on the day Nathaniel left the orphanage[01]. He left her a gift in his locker in the form of a basket of dried lavender.

From that moment on, the sweet and woody scented purple flowers took hold of her heart. They always reminded her of the young man.

The one from her youth.

When Elsie met Nathaniel again years later, both of them were already adults. She didn’t shy away from telling him how much she loved lavender because of him.

And…

Her love remained until now, to both him and the flower.

Elsie’s smile and the way she admired the lavender bouquet seemed to brush Nathaniel’s heart with the lightest feather. The touch was gentle, but the caress left a deep impression on him.

“I’m glad that you like it. I woke up early… to pick the freshest ones for you and Lorrie.”

The smile on Nathaniel’s lips softened. His heart soared with joy as he looked at Elsie lowering her chin, taking in the lavender scent. Her stray blond locks gently touched the stalks.

Should he tuck the stray strand behind her ear? Like how he usually did it before?

No.

He shouldn’t do that, yet.

“Daddy.”

Lorianne’s soft voice pulled Nathaniel’s attention from Elsie to the little one. She blinked a few times, curiosity was evident in her reddened brown eyes. She held the bouquet close to her small frame.

“Yes, my dear? Do you like the flowers? I got you many gifts but, they’re in the car. I’ll give them to you later.”

Nathaniel arched his brows slightly, still supporting Lorianne with one arm. He brushed under her eyes with one thumb, trying to dry her tears.

Relief flooded Nathaniel’s heart seeing Lorianne didn’t act too awkwardly with him. He knew they had just met, but he hoped to nurture their father-daughter relationship as soon as possible.

Still, Lorianne’s comfort was the most important for Nathaniel. Andrea and Russell also reminded him of a few things, including the possibility of Lorianne needing time to adjust to his presence.

“Elsie has done great by telling Lorianne about you. But, she’s still a child. She might be confused.”

“Take it easy, Nate. We believe you’ll bond well with her.”

Nathaniel agreed with Andrea and Russell. His parents’ considerations and values aligned with his, making him even more grateful for them.

Blinking her limpid eyes, Lorianne looked from Nathaniel to Elsie. Her lips slowly curled into a little smile, her cheeks pinkening.

“I love Mommy’s favorite flowers too. Thank you, Daddy.”

Nathaniel wondered if this was what some fathers felt when their adorable little daughters cutely thanked them. Lorianne’s words were simple but enough to melt his heart.

“You’re welcome, my dear.”

Nathaniel chuckled. He wanted to kiss Lorianne’s chubby cheeks, but he stopped himself. Looking from the little one to Elsie, a question slipped out of his mouth.

“Aren’t you two hungry? It’s already past noon. Please order whatever you like.”

Nathaniel’s words elicited laughter from Elsie. Smiling softly, she said jokingly, “I booked this room. Shouldn’t I say that instead of you?”

Nathaniel unconsciously pursed his lips, also not realizing the color of his cheeks pinkened slightly. Elsie’s teasing seemed to knock on the windows of his heart, reminding him of the old days.

Usually, she was the one who cracked jokes while he was the awkward receiver. Still, the moments together made him happy.

Elsie’s last question, although a joking one, lit up the bulb in Nathaniel’s head. An idea crossed his mind.

“…then, can I treat you and Lorrie to some ice cream or anything else later?” asked Nathaniel, hope lacing his voice, “Only if you don’t have to return early.”

Their plan for the day was only to introduce Nathaniel to Lorianne during lunch. Neither he nor Elsie talked about what they would do after leaving the restaurant.

The meaning behind Nathaniel’s question was very obvious to Elsie. He wished to spend more time with Lorianne, including herself, even after lunchtime ended.

Feeling her heartbeat speed up for a moment, Elsie glanced at Lorianne. The little one wore a look that was very familiar to her.

Lorianne understood what Nathaniel meant, her brown eyes flickering with anticipation. Now, two pairs of brown eyes were staring at Elsie.

Realizing how similar the father and daughter’s current expressions were, Elsie held back from laughing. She covered her mouth slightly, thinking how much her heart was at ease now.

The tension from earlier had gradually vanished from the air, leaving only its faint remnants. Both Elsie and Nathaniel felt the positive changes.

“Maybe we can take a stroll somewhere nearby. The weather is good today.”

Both Nathaniel and Elsie beamed once they heard Elsie’s suggestion. She agreed!

“Let’s sit down first,” Elsie gestured at the dining table. Her gaze drifted to Lorianne still being carried by Nathaniel, “Lorrie, where do you wanna sit? With Mommy or Daddy?”

“With Daddy,” Lorianne replied, almost whispering. Her eyes sparkled with joy, mirroring the euphoric state of her little heart, “Can, Mommy?”

Letting out soft chuckles, Elsie nodded once, her expression softened, “Alright. Come. You can pick which menu you want.”

“Hehe, yay~”

A happy Nathaniel carried the excited Lorianne to the dining table. He carefully placed the little one on the chair before settling on the one beside her. Elsie sat across the table.

“Here, let’s check the menu,” Nathaniel passed one of the menu books to Lorianne. He placed one arm on the back of her chair, “Lorrie, can you tell Daddy what kind of food you like?”

“Hehe, I like…”

As Lorianne eagerly told Nathaniel about her favorite food, Elsie’s gaze never strayed away from them. Slight bitterness seeped into her heart as she thought this was the first time the father and daughter met.

Fortunately, it was not too late.