Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 207

Chapter 207: Pursuing Her Dream
Clapping her hands gently, Elizabeth announced, “Alright, parents! You can stay for five minutes more if you’d like. Then, we’ll start our morning activities.”

Nathaniel glanced at Elsie, seeing a reassuring look on her face. He knew that it was time to leave Lorianne here until her pick-up time later.

Taking a deep breath, Nathaniel once again knelt beside Lorianne’s tiny chair. He gently patted her back before kissing the little one’s forehead.

“Mommy and Daddy will leave now. Listen to your teachers well, en?”

“Okay~ I love you, Daddy,” Lorianne hugged Nathaniel’s arm, giggles spilling from her mouth.

“I love you too, my little princess.”

Nathaniel reluctantly released Lorianne from his embrace. He watched Elsie hugging their daughter, exchanging ‘I love you’ before the mother and daughter pecked each other’s face.

If possible, he wanted to stay here, watching how their child’s first day unfolded, but he knew he couldn’t do that.

“We’ll go now, Lorrie.”

“Have fun, my dear. We’ll see you later.”

With one last reassuring smile to Lorianne, Nathaniel and Elsie slowly stepped back toward the door. A few other parents were also done saying goodbye to their children.

“Look at her,” Nathaniel said softly once he and Elsie stood out of the classroom, peering through the windows, “She doesn’t even glance our way.”

Lorianne had begun chatting with her three tablemates. They sat in a group of four, facing each other. She was too engrossed in her conversation to notice that her parents were still outside.

Elsie chuckled upon hearing Nathaniel’s words. It was funny to listen to him complaining about Lorianne not paying attention to them now that she had fun meeting new friends.

“She’ll be okay,” Elsie murmured, her voice laced with laughter, “She’s always like that. She didn’t cry when I first sent her to her previous kindergarten before too.”

Nathaniel sighed in helplessness. Tearing his eyes away from the windows, he smiled at Elsie, “Always a confident and cheery one, huh?”

“Hehe, she is.”

Nathaniel looked at the windows again, finding Lorianne drawing on a paper using vibrant crayons. Forcing himself to turn away, he gave the little girl one last glance before spinning on his heels.

Elsie quietly followed Nathaniel from his side, joining the other parents heading outside as well. Chatters about their children drifted in the air, weaved with laughter.

The pick-up time was at two-thirty in the afternoon, but some parents came way later, including after work hours. The kindergarten allowed the extension until seven in the evening.

Nathaniel was sad because he couldn’t come to pick Lorianne up. Elsie said Michelle would handle it today because she also wouldn’t be available.

They didn’t want Lorianne to stay longer than necessary, unless it was required or she wanted it.

“Let me send you back,” Nathaniel gestured at the car. He added after a brief pause, “Or are you going somewhere else? I can send you there too.”

Nathaniel realized that he hadn’t asked Elsie what she did for a living. He intended to ask before, but never brought it up during the few times they met.

The Winslows possessed more than enough wealth to ensure Elsie and Lorianne lived well. But Nathaniel knew the lady wouldn’t simply stop pursuing a career because of it.

Elsie was a budding fashion designer before her disappearance five years ago. She was on the right track to achieve her dream of being successful and making a name for herself.

Was she still one?

“You can send me back to the apartment,” Elsie replied with a smile, “I won’t head to my office until noon anyway. I usually work remotely.”

Arching his brows, Nathaniel couldn’t help but ask, “May I know where you work? Sorry… I haven’t had a chance to ask you before.”

Chuckles rolled out from Elsie’s lips. Tilting her chin toward the car, she pointed out, “Shouldn’t we get inside first?”

“Ah! Yes!”

Nathaniel blushed as he hurriedly entered the car. He caught the little giggles coming from Elsie. The heat radiated from his cheeks, traveling to his neck and the tip of his ears.

Once inside, Elsie said while putting on the seatbelt, “I haven’t told you before. I launched my own brand four years ago. I have a few boutiques now.”

Blinking, Nathaniel stared at Elsie, “…your own brand? Which one? Do you have a store here? I mean, in Velondia?”

They remained sitting inside the car as the other parents began leaving one by one. The gate of the kindergarten was thoroughly shut to prevent the children from sneaking out.

“I do,” Elsie nodded. She explained further, “My parents helped with the initial funding. They helped me to establish connections too. To be honest, I couldn’t have achieved this stage quickly without their aid.”

A slight frown marred Nathaniel’s forehead. He pointed, “They might help with your capital, but you can’t retain your success without your hard work and wisdom either.”

Nathaniel knew how talented Elsie was in fashion designing and the art of thread. She also studied business because she dreamed of having her own brand someday.

Her fiery passion was among the qualities that drew him to her. He had been watching her pour her heart and soul into pursuing her dreams ever since their days in the orphanage.

Elsie took in the deep belief Nathaniel had in her through his voice and expression. It warmed her heart to know he still saw her in the same light despite the years separating them before.

“Thank you for saying that, Niel,” Elsie said, truly meaning her words, “My team is excellent too. They have been with me from day one.”

Nathaniel was quiet. A thought crossed his mind, churning his gut with a sense of loss.

‘If only I was by your side at that time too.’

Inwardly shaking his head, Nathaniel focused back on the topic. He asked, “What’s your brand? You said you have a store here. Where is it?”

Fashion boutiques were usually found in malls. Nathaniel wondered where Elsie’s store was located.

“It’s Annelle Style[01],” Elsie smiled shyly as she explained, “Well… if it’s not clear to you, I kind of combined our names with Lorrie’s. The rhyme too.”

Annelle. Nathaniel, Elsie and Lorianne. The combination was not too obvious, but to Elsie, it was a testament to their being a family.

“That’s… a good name.”

Nathaniel’s heart thumped rapidly once he heard Elsie explaining about the way she made up the brand name. He covered his mouth, almost laughing out of joy.

Elsie chuckled. She couldn’t help but find small happiness in her interaction with Nathaniel. The man’s sheepish look reminded her of their early days being a couple.

“Well, where is it? Do you only sell women’s clothes? I’d like to pay it a visit later.”

Nathaniel made a mental note to get clothes for Andrea from Elsie’s boutique. If she also sold men’s clothes, he could get some for Russell too. This was one of his ways to show his support to Elsie.

More chuckles slipped from Elsie’s lips. She knew what Nathaniel meant by paying a visit. He most likely would bless the store with his purchases.

“It’s nearby,” Elsie said, “My first store in Velondia is at Edenia Avenue. You know the mall, don’t you?”

Nathaniel blinked, not expecting Elsie to bring up the name.

Her boutique was… at the mall that belonged to his friend.

———-

Reference:

1 – Chapter 19