Chapter 131 Slower Than a Tortoise
Aurelia sighed as she looked at the row of clothes in the dressing room with their tags still intact. Nathaniel would dispose of these clothes after the season to make room for new ones.
What a pity!
She changed back into the outfit she had on, and now she had to wait for the designer to send over the ready-to-wear dress.
Looking at the man who had accompanied her home for dinner and fitting, Aurelia asked, "Are you busy today?"
Since they had announced their marriage at the press conference, they hadn't been apart. Aurelia knew that managing tens of thousands of employees as a company's CEO was challenging. It seemed like he had deliberately made time to be with her.
Raising an eyebrow, Nathaniel replied, "There are two documents left to sign. Later, you can drive, and I'll review the documents."
Feeling slightly apologetic for taking up his time and making him work on the road, Aurelia said, "I can drive, but my skills are average. I hope you won't mind."
Nathaniel chuckled, "I asked you to drive because you drive slowly. At your pace, which is slower than a turtle's, we'll arrive at the office just as I finish reviewing these two documents."
Aurelia realized she shouldn't have expected any compliments from him.
Unaware of the storm their marriage announcement had caused online, the two chatted in this quiet and undisturbed space.
After Nathaniel announced their marriage, the Heilbronn Group's stock soared straight up. The INS feed was flooded with news of their marriage.
In the apartment in Jade Community, Chelsea watched the live broadcast of the press conference and smashed the TV.
She had no idea how to salvage the situation now.
Nathaniel had never mentioned Aurelia in public before. They had kept their marriage a secret for three years. Chelsea never felt threatened by his relationship with Aurelia, but the current situation was beyond her expectations.
She had always believed that Nathaniel would marry her sooner or later, but now she dared not entertain such thoughts.
Some of the items in the house had been packed up, and Nathaniel ordered her to move out this week. Frustrated, Chelsea pushed over the packed boxes and kicked them with force. Why should he force her out?
The Bloom Villa was supposed to be her home, and the man she longed for didn't even allow her to stay in this rundown apartment. It scared her more than dealing with a heartless landlord.
Exhausted, Chelsea sat on the floor.
Her career was ruined, and the man she wanted to protect didn't even want to look at her. She gazed at the fruit knife on the coffee table, her eyes red from crying.
Nathaniel probably knew she was afraid of dying and no longer cared about her.
The feeling of cutting flesh with a knife was truly painful.
Even in her frenzy, Chelsea only dared to make a slight cut on her skin. Having used this method too many times, he no longer believed her.
At that moment, someone knocked on the door.
Chelsea composed herself, wiped her teary eyes, and answered the door.
Only Nathaniel and that man would come to her place, but she had upset that man in recent days, and he wouldn't show up.
Expecting Nathaniel, she hurried to the entrance to open the door, calling out, "Nathaniel."
To her surprise, instead of Nathaniel, it was Ashley standing there.
"Chelsea, what's wrong? You look so worn," Ashley said as she entered with a large gift box. Seeing the messy state of the house, she asked in confusion, "Why is your place in such a mess? My brother hates a messy house, and he'd definitely scold you if he saw this."
Feeling defeated, Chelsea slumped onto the sofa. "He won't come back, and I don't plan to stay here either."
Perplexed, Ashley asked, "What do you mean? Are you done for good?"
With tears in her eyes, Chelsea explained, "Ashley, have you watched the news on TV? Nathaniel announced their marriage and said he would have a wedding with that woman. It seems we're done."
Ashley barely placed the gift box in a spacious spot and comforted her, "Chelsea, you can't give up. Nathaniel mentioned a wedding, but the person he marries can be anyone. Have you ever thought about replacing Aurelia and completely getting rid of that woman from my brother's side?"
Looking at Ashley with red eyes, Chelsea found a source of strength. "Ashley, can I still do it?"
Confidently, Ashley responded, "Of course. You and my brother have been childhood playmates for over a decade. I believe the feelings over these years are stronger than Aurelia's. She's just a lover. Together, we'll drive her away from the Heilbronn family. Don't worry. I'll always stand by your side. In my heart, there's only one choice for my sister-in-law, and that's you."
Encouraged by Ashley's support, Chelsea gradually regained her composure.
"Ashley, your brother wants me to move out of here. He said he's selling this house."
Hearing this, Ashley felt indignant for her.
"How could my brother do such a thing! Chelsea, don't be afraid. My brother might have been momentarily swayed by that woman, or perhaps he was pressured by my grandfather. I don't believe he would harm you for that woman," Ashley comforted her.
Chelsea burst into tears and hugged her.
The ringing phone brought her back to reality. Chelsea wiped her eyes and picked up her phone.
"Hello."
"Ms. Thompson, hello. I'm the real estate agent you spoke with earlier. You mentioned wanting to buy a house in the Bloom Villa. I've found a building that's just been put up for sale. The house needs some renovation, but if you're interested, I can recommend a renovation team to customize it to your liking."
Chelsea smiled, "No need. I'm not afraid of old things. I want to move in ASAP."
"If you are free now, May I take you to see the house?"
"Don't bother. I'll take it. I can pay now. Please hold it for me."
Upon hearing that a house in the Bloom Villa was available, Chelsea hurried to lay down the advance payment, fearing it might be sold if she delayed even for a minute.
After the call, Chelsea asked Norman for some money. With her savings, she barely had enough for the advance payment. Nathaniel promised to buy the house for her and cover the remaining amount.
Chelsea transferred the payment to the agent as soon as possible.
"Ashley, your brother is going to buy me a house," Chelsea said, feeling much better.
Delighted, Ashley said, "I knew it. My brother isn't heartless. He won't ignore you. Don't worry; I'll help you supervise him."
Chelsea nodded.
Ashley took her hand and stood up. "Chelsea, come here and see what I brought for you."
Opening the large gift box, Chelsea found a light pink dress inside. She could tell from the fabric that it cost a lot and suited her style of dressing.
Ashley hooked her pinky finger with Chelsea's. "Try it on quickly. I had a hard time convincing Uncle Marcus to take it out of his store. The manager there doesn't even recognize me. How dare him!"
Chelsea laughed through her tears. No woman could resist gifts and beautiful clothes. She took the dress out and compared it to her body.
"Ashley, I've been afraid to go out recently. Why did you get me this dress?" she asked.
Ashley pushed her towards the bedroom. "Hurry and change. I'll take you to the Heilbronn Group's celebration banquet tonight."
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