Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 191

Chapter 191: A Part of Their World

“D-Daddy go to our house? Really?”

Lorianne flung her eyes open and exclaimed happily once she heard Elsie saying that Nathaniel would follow them to the apartment. The little one stared at her parents from the booster seat.

“Hehe, yes, Lorrie. Your daddy will visit our home.”

Chuckles rolled out from Elsie’s mouth, entertained by Lorianne’s evident joy. Nathaniel, who stood behind, simply smiled. He was happy to see such a reaction from their daughter.

Nathaniel had just parked the car at the spot Elsie told him. The basement parking lot was brightly lit. The entrance to the building was just a few minutes away from here.

Lorianne opened her eyes drowsily when Elsie tried to wake her up. She seemed to be fully awake just from hearing what her mommy said.

“Come, Lorrie,” Elsie unbuckled the safety belt on Lorianne, “Let’s show our home to your daddy.”

“Yay!”

As always, Lorianne wanted to be carried by Nathaniel. The man quickly scooped her up, letting the little girl perch on his arm. Elsie laughed softly seeing them.

“This way, Niel,” Elsie gestured to the entrance, to which Nathaniel nodded once, his expression quite tense.

The family of three left the basement parking lot, heading inside the building. Two guards greeted them as Elsie verified her identity.

Carrying Lorianne, Nathaniel followed Elsie into the elevator. His heart thumped quicker, nervous from the thought of visiting her apartment.

“Daddy, I will show Daddy my bedroom! Also my books and toys!”

Lorianne chirped, barely containing her excitement. She had been waiting for this day to come. She wanted to show off her precious books and toys.

Nathaniel smiled at Lorianne’s enthusiasm, his tension easing slightly, “I’m sure I will. I can’t wait to see them too, Lorrie.”

“Hehehe~”

Elsie glanced at Nathaniel, seeing the slight relief on his face. She smiled, trying to reassure him. He replied with an awkward grin.

Ding!

As the metallic elevator doors slid open, they were greeted by a well-lit hallway with soft beige walls and neatly arranged potted plants by the corners. A clean citrusy scent lingered in the air.

“This way,” Elsie said, leading Nathaniel in a direction, “Michelle isn’t home tonight. She’s on a weekend trip with her friends. I’ll introduce you to her next time.”

“…okay.”

Nathaniel recalled that Michelle was Lorianne’s nanny including housekeeper. He had seen her in some of the photos and videos sent by Elsie.

Michelle was younger than Elsie but had the expertise needed to take care of a child like Lorianne. Nathaniel hadn’t heard much about the former, except that she had been assisting Elsie with Lorianne for years already.

The marble floor echoed their footsteps in the quiet hallway. Nathaniel took a deep breath, feeling the weight of this particular moment.

“We are here!”

Lorianne announced, her voice cheery. She pointed to a door a few feet from them. Nathaniel glanced at the number plaque, No. 19.

Elsie keyed in the password before pressing her thumb against the digital lock. Once the door beeped, she pushed it open.

“Come in,” Elsie turned to Nathaniel, her smile warm.

Nathaniel hesitated for a moment before following Elsie inside. The familiar scent of lavender mixed with vanilla welcomed him. One thought immediately crossed his mind.

It felt… warm. Lived-in and safe.

“Welcome, Daddy!”

Lorianne hugged Nathaniel’s neck, her eyes sparkling. He chuckled nervously while patting her small back, thanking her for the warm welcome.

Elsie placed a pair of home slippers on the entryway. Nathaniel quietly slipped them on after taking off her shoes. Lorianne wore a fluffy pair in the pink color with a giant red strawberry on top.

“Daddy, hurry!”

Lorianne tugged at Nathaniel’s hand, urging him to come further inside. Elsie simply watched the father and daughter before gesturing to the end of the corridor connected to the entryway.

“Come in, Niel. Make yourself comfortable.”

“…alright.”

Nathaniel smiled sheepishly, unsure how he should carry himself. He let Lorianne pull him, following Elsie, who walked ahead of them.

Sweeping his gaze over the apartment, Nathaniel carefully took in each space he saw. It was massive yet inviting.

The apartment was painted soft pastel green. The color blended harmoniously with white and lilac accents. The high ceilings and large windows allowed natural light to spill in during the daytime.

“Daddy, our living room,” Lorianne exclaimed proudly, “Hehe, I like sitting there.”

Nathaniel’s eyes followed where Lorianne was pointing. A plush ivory-colored couch adorned with lilac throw pillows entered his line of sight. A glass coffee table sat before the couch with a small vase of dried lavender in the middle.

‘I feel… strange.’

Nathaniel sensed an uncanny mix of emotions stirred within him; of admiration, warmth, and regrets. He couldn’t help but think of the years Elsie and Lorianne had built their life, their home, without him.

The images of Lorianne running across the wide floor, curling on the couch to read a book and helping Elsie in the kitchen were conjured in Nathaniel’s mind.

Seeing the photos and videos didn’t do any justice. Nathaniel wished to witness the little moments himself.

“Daddy! Daddy! Come see my room!”

Lorianne’s chirpy voice pulled Nathaniel from his thoughts. She almost bounced on her feet, her skirt billowing around her.

Nathaniel exhaled softly and nodded, smiling at the cheerful Lorianne. He gently patted her little head, slightly ruffling her soft blond locks.

“Okay. Lead the way, my dear.”

“I’ll make some tea for you, then,” Elsie chimed in, pointing to the open kitchen, “Lorrie will have so many things to show you.”

Nathaniel shot a grateful look to Elsie. He knew she tried to give him more time alone to spend with Lorianne.

“Daddy, come!”

“Hahaha! Okay, okay!”

Nathaniel laughed, amused by Lorianne’s determination to show him around her room. The little one grasped his hand tighter as if she didn’t want to let him go.

As Lorianne pulled him toward the hallway, Nathaniel couldn’t shake a particular feeling that grew stronger within him.

He wanted to be a part of their world.