Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 302

Chapter 302: Welcome Back to Her Life
A silence settled between Nathaniel and Mr. Winslow. Long distant memories that usually lurked at the depth of his mind suddenly made their reappearance.

Nathaniel barely recalled the years he spent with his mother before her early demise. The only possessions he had of hers were a single photo, worn over the years, including little trinkets.

Despite lacking basic wealth and material things, Nathaniel remembered how dearly his mother loved and cared for him. She made sure they had a roof over their heads and food to fill their stomachs.

As for Elsie, her story was more tragic. Nathaniel cried so hard the first time she opened up about her history. The sorrow was too much, reminding him of the day he lost his mother.

Elsie was barely a toddler when her parents died in a snowstorm. Not even one relative stepped up to take care of her, leading her to live in the orphanage since young.

Because of their respective past, Nathaniel and Elsie paid more attention to discussing anything about their future children, vowing to give them the best and secure childhood.

Unfortunately…

He let himself be consumed by the thirst for revenge.

Nathaniel exhaled a sigh. His eyes regained clarity as he looked at Mr. Winslow, finding the older man smiling softly. The bright garden lampposts clearly illuminated his profile.

“Please forgive this old man for saying this,” Mr. Winslow said, laughter lacing his voice, “You remind me of myself when I first asked my dear wife’s father for her hand. Stiff and terrified.”

Blinking, Nathaniel couldn’t help but laugh, the tension loosening in his chest, “Did you get approved immediately? By him?”

“It took time,” Mr. Winslow turned, motioning for them to continue walking, “I believe what you and Elsie experienced was far worse than my wife and me. Still, despite your fear, I can tell that you’re serious.”

Unsure of what he should say, Nathaniel kept quiet. He quickly followed Mr. Winslow until he reached the older man’s side, their pace matching.

Mr. Winslow glanced at Nathaniel, “Tell me about yourself, Nate. Not the business titles or achievements, not what the internet says. Just you.”

Caught off guard, Nathaniel took a moment before answering, “Well… I like ballads. I make terrible coffee, sadly. I used to go on long motorbike rides when I was troubled. I have a friend who I consider my own younger brother.”

Mr. Winslow said nothing as he listened to Nathaniel. His lips tugged into a grin as the young man kept talking.

“Like you and your wife, my adoptive parents treat me like I’m their own. And… I used to think I had everything figured out… until I lost Elsie. She’ll always be the best part of me, including Lorrie now.”

Once again, Nathaniel exhaled. He couldn’t help but think how foolish he was for being blinded by revenge. Now that he was blessed with a second chance, his priority going forward would always be Elsie and Lorianne, including any future children they might have.

Mr. Winslow nodded slowly, finding no fault in Nathaniel’s honesty, “Good answer, Nate. You own up to your mistakes. That’s important, including showing your changes through actions.”

“Thank you, sir,” Nathaniel smiled faintly, “I understand words do not have much weight compared to actions.”

Mr. Winslow simply smiled. He and Nathaniel strolled in silence for a few minutes before he stopped again, this time near a stone fountain. Tiny sparklers danced on the running water as it caught the light.

“I’ll say this again. My wife and I may not be Elsie’s biological parents,” Mr. Winslow began, “But we love her like she’s our own. And that child, Lorianne… she has our hearts in the small palm of her hand.”

Each of Mr. Winslow’s words was imbued with warmth and affection for Elsie and Lorianne. The breeze carried them to Nathaniel, helping to settle the lingering uneasiness in his heart.

“I know,” Nathaniel replied gently, “And I’m grateful for it, more than I can say. You two were there when I couldn’t be. You protected and gave them love, safety and a home. I’ll never forget that, sir.”

Mr. Winslow looked at Nathaniel for a long time, his gaze unreadable until finally, he extended both hands to pat the younger man’s shoulders.

“You’re a good man, Nate. You’re earnest and I can see you’re trying. I believe my wife thinks the same. That’s all anyone, especially Elsie can ask. So… welcome back to her life.”

Blinking, Nathaniel felt tears welling in his eyes. He nodded twice, full of respect toward Mr. Winslow.

“Thank you. That means everything to me, sir.”

Mr. Winslow chuckled. Patting Nathaniel’s shoulder with one hand, he said, “I hope you can be less formal next time. If you can’t call us Father and Mother, just call our names.”

“…I’ll try,” Nathaniel smiled, a little sheepish.

Mr. Winslow shook his head, but a smile still curled on his lips. With a tilt of his chin, he gestured toward the villa. Nathaniel followed him to walk back, the lights from the windows glowed like amber.

As they reached closer, Nathaniel could see Elsie through the sheer curtain, cradling a sleepy Lorianne in her arms as they shared the same couch. Mrs. Winslow sat beside them with a book.

Nathaniel slowed for a moment, his heart full from the simple yet heartwarming sight.

Mr. Winslow noticed Nathaniel’s expression. He said, “Nate, you might have lost the past five years with them, but if you keep choosing them every day, you’ll get to experience more.”

Nathaniel nodded, the weight of the past still tugged heavily in his heart. He reminded himself that he still had chances to build new memories with Elsie and Lorianne.

Mr. Winslow said nothing anymore. After giving Nathaniel another pat on the back, he entered the villa, leaving the young man outside. He understood their conversation was needed, but quite heavy.

‘You can do this!’

Shaking his head, Nathaniel strengthened his resolve. He resumed walking, retracing Mr. Winslow’s steps. Elsie’s smile and Lorianne’s soft breathing welcomed him back.