Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 192

Chapter 192: Fighting The Evil Broccoli Monster
Lorianne practically dragged Nathaniel down the well-lit hallway, her small fingers wrapped around his broad hand. He chuckled softly, letting her take the lead.

“Tada!”

Lorianne pushed open a hot pink-colored door. Her nickname was inscribed on a white plaque in the color deep purple, surrounded by flower carvings.

Nathaniel’s gaze went from the door to the inside of the room. A smile was drawn on his lips.

The walls were painted in the soft yellow color, complementing the white furniture in the spacious room. Doodles in bright colors adorned the furniture pieces and the walls.

Walking further inside, Nathaniel quietly looked at the room. He saw a large, cloud-like bed frame that sat in the middle, covered by a fluffy pastel blanket and plushies of all kinds.

On one side, tall bookshelves stood next to a child’s study desk. Colorful children’s books were neatly arranged on the shelves, lined by adorable little figurines.

Nathaniel’s smile softened as his eyes scanned the room. It was perfect for Lorianne. He could feel how cozy and warm this place was, also filled with love.

Nathaniel believed Elsie played a role in making this room comfortable for Lorianne. That was who she was—attentive and caring.

“Daddy, look! Mommy will read these books before I go to bed.”

Lorianne ran toward her bookshelves. Standing on a child’s step-stool, she pulled out a large, illustrated storybook.

Nathaniel hurriedly rushed to Lorianne. He stood behind her, afraid she might fall even though the step-stool was short.

“What’s the book about, my dear?” asked Nathaniel, his fond gaze meeting the sparkly look on Lorianne’s face.

“Hehe~ It’s about a princess who travels through the stars. Daddy, look!”

Nathaniel took the book from Lorianne, carefully flipping through the pages. The vibrant illustrations showed a little princess soaring through a sky full of constellations.

“This seems like an amazing story. Which part is your favorite, Lorrie?”

Lorianne beamed, happy to see Nathaniel’s interest. She reached for the book, flipped through the pages until she found the scene.

“Here, Daddy. The princess finds the moon palace and meets the stardust animals.”

Nathaniel admired the way Lorianne spoke with much excitement about the things she loved. He hadn’t been there to read her bedtime stories before, hadn’t seen this side of her world.

Another pang of regret settled in Nathaniel’s chest, almost pulling him down, but he quickly pushed it aside. Time and again, he reminded himself that wallowing in regrets wouldn’t bring back the past.

He was here now. That was all that mattered.

Soon, Lorianne ran to her study desk. Her sudden movement startled Nathaniel. He quickly followed her, still holding the book.

“I draw a lot, Daddy. Mommy says I draw very well.”

Proud of herself, Lorianne pointed to the cream-colored desk. Crayons, stickers and a few unfinished drawings lined on the surface.

“I bet you are,” Nathaniel chuckled. He leaned in to examine a colorful drawing of a house surrounded by a beautiful garden, “This is beautiful, my dear.”

Nathaniel looked at the wall next to the study desk. Lorianne’s finished drawings were hung there. The vibrant colors and the messy strokes had their own charms.

“Daddy! Come here!”

“Ah! Careful, Lorrie!”

Nathaniel was taken aback when Lorianne once again took his hand, pulling him in a direction—to her dusty blue wardrobe. She opened it excitedly, revealing a neat row of clothes.

“Daddy, I will wear this to school next week!”

Lorianne pointed to a particular piece of clothing. It was a navy blue and white uniform, consisting of a dress shirt, a checkered skirt, and a blazer.

This Monday, Lorianne would officially enroll in the new kindergarten. Nathaniel had received information about the place. Elsie also had added his details under their daughter’s profile.

“You’ll look so smart in this, my dear.”

Nathaniel reached out, running his fingers along the uniform. Realizing this would be the first time he witnessed Lorianne going to the kindergarten, he smiled sadly.

Nathaniel knew how busy his daily schedule could be, but he vowed to be there for Lorianne as many times as he could. He hoped to see her on her first day in school, also to attend her recitals and everything else related to her.

“Daddy, let’s play with Mr. Bun-Bun!”

Lorianne suddenly declared, followed by shoving a soft plushie into Nathaniel’s arms. He blinked, looking down at the floppy-eared bunny soft toy in his hands.

“…Mr. Bun-Bun? How to play?”

A confused Nathaniel looked at Lorianne, who was holding a round penguin plushie. She ran to her bed, plopping onto the mattress.

“Mr. Bun-Bun is a prince,” Lorianne raised the penguin in her hand, declaring loudly, “Pudding the Penguin is a knight! They’re best friends!”

Nathaniel hesitated for a moment, trying to register what Lorianne had just said. He approached the bed, settling himself onto the plush rug opposite it.

“Alright… So, what’s their adventure, Lorrie?”

Lorianne’s eyes glimmered, “Mr. Bun-Bun and Pudding the Penguin have to save the jellybean kingdom from the evil broccoli monster!”

Nathaniel laughed in helplessness. Lifting Mr. Bun-Bun, he began to roleplay, “That’s a very important mission. What should we do first, brave knight Pudding?”

Lorianne grinned. She made a move, pushing the penguin plushie to the front. Then, she talked in a low, conspiratorial tone, “We have to sneak into the broccoli castle and steal the magic sugar wand!”

Nathaniel gasped dramatically, his brows arching and his eyes widening, “That sounds dangerous, Pudding. Do we have a plan?”

“Of course!” Lorianne turned around, began to shift her other plushies around to act out her story, “We have to pretend to be broccoli spies first.”

As they played, Nathaniel found himself completely drawn into Lorianne’s world. He made exaggerated voices for Mr. Bun-Bun, even falling back onto the rug when the ‘evil broccoli king’ attacked.

Despite feeling awkward in the beginning, he managed to act his part perfectly, leading the little one to laugh because of his reactions.

Nathaniel roared, “Have no fear, my comrade! We shall not back down from this fight!”

“Hahaha! Daddy, so funny! Hahaha! I mean… Mr. Bun-Bun, so funny!”

Lorianne laughed out loud, rolling on the bed while holding her tummy. Her delighted cackles echoed in the room.

It was at that moment that Elsie stepped into the room, holding a tray with two cups of tea and a small cup of warm milk. She paused at the threshold, her heart swelling at the sight before her.

The always so composed and serious Nathaniel was lying on the floor, holding a plush bunny in one hand as he was completely immersed in their daughter’s game.

At the same time, Lorianne was giggling uncontrollably on the bed, her face beaming with pure joy.

‘They look so happy. I can’t wish for a better father for Lorrie.’

Elsie smiled softly, warmth spreading in her heart. She felt lighter seeing Nathaniel and Lorianne like this—so happy and so connected.

“Hello~” Elsie knocked on the door twice, she added teasingly, “Can I come in, Pudding, Mr. Bun-Bun?”

“Mommy!” Lorianne gasped. She quickly sat up straight, “Mommy! Daddy’s a good Mr. Bun-Bun!”

Elsie chuckled, “I can see that.”

“…”

Nathaniel awkwardly sat up, his face radiating some heat. Elsie’s teasing look stirred something in his heart.

Lowering herself on the rug next to Nathaniel, Elsie put the tray between them. She handed him a cup of tea, which he quickly accepted.

Their fingers brushed slightly, transmitting a familiar touch to each other. He looked up at her, still a little sheepish, but she just smiled.

With just a little smile, his heart surged with warmth.

‘…I should talk about that now.’

Nathaniel tightened his grasp on the cup. His mind was shadowed with heavy thoughts.