Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 190

Chapter 190: A Silent Delight Shrouding Their Hearts

Lorianne, never a picky eater, thoroughly enjoyed the cuisine she was served at the restaurant of Nathaniel’s choice. She ordered mini meat pies, kumara fries and hokey pokey ice cream.

Each dish was in a small portion size, perfect for a child like Lorianne. The seasonings used were also milder to cater to a child’s taste buds.

Nathaniel and Elsie spent dinner listening to Lorianne’s story. The little one was eager to share various stories with her parents, especially her father. Her voice echoed in the private dining room.

“Daddy, try this. Aaa~”

Lorianne picked one of the fries, pointing it to Nathaniel across the table. He quickly leaned forward, biting the fries before thanking the little one.

“It’s delicious, Lorrie.”

“Hehehe~ Mommy too.”

Nathaniel smilingly looked at Lorianne feeding Elsie the fries. He returned to his seat, his eyes never wandering away from them.

The time had shifted to sundown. The sky outside was a canvas of warm hues. Streaks of blush pink blended into fiery oranges and deep purples at the horizon.

It was a truly breathtaking view from the private dining room, adding a touch of magic to the meal the family shared.

The family of three resumed eating. Eventually, the city was showered under the moonlight, harmonizing with the neon lights projected from the city.

Lorianne ended her meal with the ice cream. Licking her lips after the last bite of the sweet cold treat, she exclaimed happily, “Yummy~ I ate lots of this ice cream before.”

Lorianne was referring to the time she lived with Elsie in New Zealand. The Kiwi cuisine served by the restaurant reminded her of the fond memories at the land of the long white cloud.

The light in Nathaniel’s eyes softened. He was glad with his choice of bringing Elsie and Lorianne to this restaurant.

Nathaniel and Elsie didn’t stay long at the restaurant once they were done with dinner. Carrying the drowsy Lorianne in his arms, they headed to the car.

Lorianne had been awake for a few hours already. After spending so much time at the home center, including having dinner, her energy had been depleted. She started yawning not long after finishing her meal.

Elsie sat in the front passenger seat. Buckling the seat belt, she said, “Lorrie really enjoyed today, Niel. You’ve made her day.”

Lorianne’s palpable excitement was evident through her actions. She kept saying she couldn’t wait to see the new room, also wanting to play with her mommy and daddy there.

Time and again, Elsie was grateful for her choice of returning to Velondia. Nathaniel was indeed the best father Lorianne could ever have.

Nathaniel glanced at the back seat, seeing Lorianne sleeping peacefully. Turning to look at Elsie, he asked, his voice gentle and hopeful, “What about you? Did you enjoy today?”

Her warm green eyes collided with his soft brown ones. They stared at each other, swept by the unspoken emotions and thoughts in their minds, reflecting through their gazes.

Nathaniel loved seeing how the warm orange lights from the lamp posts outside illuminated Elsie’s features. Somehow, seeing her like this reminded him of the time they often went on night drives years ago.

Elsie unconsciously held her breath under Nathaniel’s intense gaze. She fidgeted with her skirt, the tips of her fingers sweaty.

“I enjoyed today too.”

Elsie’s voice was softer than usual, but enough to widen the smile on Nathaniel’s lips. He covered his mouth, almost laughing due to the sheer joy taking over his heart upon hearing her reply.

“I’m glad to hear that,” Nathaniel grinned, unable to look away from Elsie’s bashful look, “I really do.”

Lowering her chin, Elsie broke her eye contact with Nathaniel. She clasped her hands together, trying to calm the quicker thumping of her heart.

Nathaniel’s low, throaty chuckle reached Elsie’s ears. Feigning ignorance, she threw her gaze out of the window, seeing the city bathed under the bright neon lights.

“I’ll send you and Lorrie back home now.”

“…thank you.”

Nathaniel quietly drove the car away from the parking lot, heading to the major road. He intentionally played a playlist of soft love songs, most of them were Elsie’s favorites.

The drive home was quiet, but a silent delight enveloped the hearts in the car.

Nathaniel almost let a sigh of regret escape once they reached Elysian Heights. Narrowing his eyes, he stared at the lobby entrance with a slight grudge.

Just why did they arrive so quickly?

Urgh… He should pick a restaurant in another city district.

But Lorianne was hungry. He didn’t make the little one hangry because he deliberately chose a much further restaurant.

Grrr.

‘What’s he staring at?’

Elsie glanced at Nathaniel, seeing the weird look on his face. He seemed as if he wanted to fight something outside.

Lightly shaking her head, Elsie turned her head behind, looking at Lorianne next. The little one was so deep in her sleep that she didn’t realize they had arrived back at the apartment.

The clock pointed to eight-thirty. It was still early, so…

Mustering up her courage, Elsie returned her gaze to Nathaniel, thinking of something. It was funny seeing him dejected, with his shoulders slumping.

“Niel, do you want to go inside? You can stay for some tea if you want.”

Nathaniel abruptly looked at Elsie, his eyes widening in surprise. His mind was blank, thinking he had heard her wrong.

“…what did you say? I can… stay?”

Elsie nodded, soft chuckles slipped out of her lips. She repeated, “If you want, you can come up and stay for a bit. I think Lorrie will be happy that way, too.”

“I will! T-thank you.”

Nathaniel quickly accepted Elsie’s offer before sheepishly thanking her. She simply laughed before pointing in a direction.

“Let’s get your car parked first. You can use my spot. I have a vacant one.”

“Okay!”

Grinning widely, Nathaniel quickly pulled away from the drop-off area, heading to the basement car park. Elsie shook her head in helplessness, happy to see the brightened look on his face.

This would be the very first time he stepped foot in her apartment.