Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 193

Chapter 193: He Believed In Taking The Steps Slowly
After having tea, Elsie told Lorianne to take a shower before going to bed. The little one pouted, throwing a pitiful look at Nathaniel, to which confusion clouded his mind.

Before Nathaniel could ask Lorianne why, Elsie gently said, “Your daddy will still be here. He won’t leave yet. Take a shower and show him your new nightgown, en?”

Lorianne perked up just from hearing what her mommy said. Bobbing her head up and down, she sang, “Okay, Mommy~ Daddy, wait for me!”

Blinking, Nathaniel watched Lorianne run toward the ensuite washroom. Elsie glanced at the little one before looking at the confused man.

“She’s worried you’ll leave when she showers. Let’s go outside, Niel. Lorrie can shower well by herself.”

Elsie added the last sentence, thinking perhaps Nathaniel would worry about Lorianne being by herself. The washroom was fitted with an anti-slip mat, including other items to ensure the little one’s safety.

“…okay.”

Nathaniel rose to his feet, his eyes moving from Elsie to the closed washroom door. He caught the faint echo of Lorianne singing before the sound of water hitting the floor followed.

“Elsie, let me carry that.”

“Oh, thank you.”

Elsie was slightly startled when Nathaniel took the tray of empty cups from her. Her lips curled, she refrained from laughing as she saw the flush on his cheeks.

Nathaniel stepped foot in the apartment’s kitchen for the first time. He insisted on washing the cups to which Elsie had let him be.

She quietly watched the tall man towering over the sink, carefully washing and rinsing the cups. The image reminded her of the past.

Smiling faintly, Elsie shook her head slightly. She waited until Nathaniel was done before telling him to follow her to the living room. Lorianne wouldn’t be done with her shower yet.

Elsie and Nathaniel sat on the three-seater couch, leaving a seat empty between them. The ambiance between them had a hint of awkwardness but was better than the first time they were reunited.

“I have something to ask you.”

After hesitating for a moment, Nathaniel forced himself to speak. He let his gaze settle on Elsie’s face. She smiled at him, the curves of her lips soft.

“What is it? About Lorrie’s first day of school next week?” Elsie asked, wondering what made Nathaniel’s brows almost merge.

“Also, that,” Nathaniel pointed out. Exhaling softly, he brought up the idea that had been living rent-free in his mind for a few days, “What do you say if I move to a nearby place? Either… in this apartment itself or somewhere close outside?”

Arching her brows, Elsie took in the cautious hint on Nathaniel’s face. He stood with his shoulders slumping slightly, his hands fidgeting together—an image so unlike he presented to the world.

“You’re renovating a bedroom for Lorrie now, but you also think of moving to a nearby place?” Elsie asked while bringing up the room renovations at Nathaniel’s villa.

“Seacastle is quite far from here,” Nathaniel chuckled, feeling relieved because Elsie didn’t immediately shoot his idea down, “If I live nearby, we can take turns to send her to school, for example.”

Faulkner Investment was in the middle point between Elysian Heights and Seacastle. Even if the distance was further, Nathaniel didn’t mind anything about it as long as he could be close to Elsie and Lorianne.

This was the least he could do.

Elsie tilted her head, her soft blond locks draping over one shoulder. The hesitation that flickered in Nathaniel’s eyes told her that he was concerned about her turning him down.

“You can just move nearby without telling me. I know you have the resources to even get a unit here,” Elsie raised her brows, her lips curling, “But you still asked me first? What if I don’t agree?”

Elsie knew that Nathaniel had all the resources needed to make this idea a reality without much trouble. Still, he decided to mention and discuss it with her first.

Nathaniel pursed his lips. Even though he sensed the hint of teasing at the end of Elsie’s words, he was still nervous.

“I don’t want to force my presence on you. Lorrie is my child, too, but you two have built a life without me. I want to be a part of your world but… without blindly crashing into it.”

Nathaniel yearned to be around Elsie and Lorianne more. Despite that, he didn’t want to come off so strongly and scare them away.

Step by step, he believed in taking it slowly.

Elsie was quiet as comforting warmth flooded her heart, her eyes remaining on Nathaniel. His thoughtful gesture made her feel cherished.

If he chose to move nearby, or even in this apartment, without telling her at all, she might distance herself from him whether consciously or not.

Elsie knew it was within Nathaniel’s rights to live where he wanted to, but the action would certainly put her off. She couldn’t help but feel as if he shoved his presence to her face.

They got along better than she expected, but the balance was still delicate. After all, they had five years of absence between each other.

“Thank you for thinking that way, Niel,” Elsie broke the momentary silence, her voice soft, “You’re being considerate toward me. I really appreciate that.”

Nathaniel darted his eyes away from Elsie’s, his cheeks flushed again. He awkwardly ran his hand behind his neck, feeling the heat also emanating there and the tips of his ears.

“…I don’t want to scare you, that’s all,” Nathaniel mumbled, repeating what he had told Elsier earlier. He glanced at her before once again lowering his gaze.

Elsie covered her mouth, her shoulders shaking slightly from laughing. Nathaniel pursed his lips before he ended up chuckling all the same.

“Do whatever you want, Niel. Whether you move into this apartment or, you find another place nearby, I’ll respect your choices. I know you want to be closer to Lorrie as much as you can.”

Nathaniel blinked. He couldn’t help but feel tears pricking his eyes. Clasping his hands tightly, he exhaled before saying, “Thank you, Elsie. Thank you so much.”

They smiled at each other, relishing the comfortable ambiance between them until a child’s voice broke the silence.

“Mommy! Daddy! I’m done!”

Lorianne suddenly appeared, running toward the living room. Elsie and Nathaniel laughed seeing the little one all dressed in her cutesy nightgown.

Today was long, but fulfilling.