Chapter 165 Finding a New Love
Nathaniel cracked the door open, slipped in, and shut it.
Aurelia, startled, asked, "What are you doing?" She didn't cover up but instinctively cradled her stomach.
Seeing her barely dressed, Nathaniel swallowed involuntarily. "Did you fall?"
Aurelia, still cautious, moved away from the wall and stood up. She eyed a towel nearby, wanting to cover herself. Even though they had slept together and seen each other naked, this situation felt awkward.
As she stepped forward, she slipped again, falling into Nathaniel's arms. He caught her just in time.
Embarrassed, Aurelia tried to break free from his arms. Nathaniel, with his hand on her waist, held her and stared silently.
Aurelia's face was flushed, either from embarrassment or the hot water, and her eyes were misty, making her look particularly alluring.
Blushing, Aurelia said, "Let go!" Nathaniel snapped out of it. "This bathroom floor is slippery. I need to report this."
He let go, and Aurelia carefully grabbed the towel, wrapping herself up before looking at him. "Aren't you going to leave?" Nathaniel chuckled, realizing he had overstayed, and saw her expression as if he had come inside to peek.
If he hadn't learned about her fall, Nathaniel wouldn't have come in. He had seen every inch of Aurelia's body before; he didn't care.
He left, and Aurelia sighed in relief. She changed clothes, noticing her belly was starting to show. After dressing, Aurelia found Nathaniel lounging in a chair, checking his phone.
Aurelia sat next to him. They had agreed to keep their divorce a secret from Reed and pretend to be a loving couple.
Reed, seeing them both, told Nathaniel, "Raise my bed."
Nathaniel put his phone down and did as asked.
Reed looked at them and said, "Stop pretending. Aren't you tired of it?"
Nathaniel and Aurelia exchanged glances, realizing Reed had known everything.
"If you can't work it out, just get a divorce. It's better to part ways peacefully," Reed said calmly.
Marriage was a fortress that only those inside could understand. Living with the wrong person was torture; it was better to part ways while still young.
Nathaniel observed Reed's mood, worried he might get upset again. He didn't want to be the sinner of the Heilbronn family.
Aurelia stayed silent, piecing together Reed's recent comments. She realized that, despite their acting, he had known about their divorce all along.
Seeing Reed was calm, Nathaniel said, "Grandpa, why not take in Aurelia as your granddaughter, a Heilbronn? No matter what happens, she'll still call you Grandpa, and I won't mistreat her."
Reed, surprised by Nathaniel's offer of shares in the divorce agreement, had already heard the details. He was satisfied with the property division and Nathaniel's willingness to offer shares.
Reed's expression softened. "How Aurelia and I interact is none of your concern. Just remember what you said when you proposed divorce. Don't regret it later. Aurelia is a good girl, and I have other plans for her."
Aurelia stayed quiet, unsure of what to say.
Nathaniel took a deep breath, avoiding Reed's eyes. He felt a rare pang of guilt and wondered if he'd regret this.
If he stayed married, Chelsea would suffer more, which meant Nathaniel might regret even more. Soon, his hesitation faded, and he realized divorce might be his only way out.
He decided to give Aurelia what she wanted, even if it cost him his shares.
Reed's expression softened after he scolded Nathaniel. "Aurelia, I've found some promising young men for you. Take your time to pick one, and I'll make the final decision. No one will dare disrespect you."
Reed asked Ted, who was standing by, for the phone and showed Aurelia a list of potential suitors, complete with details like family background, occupation, hobbies, height, and weight. It felt like a beauty pageant.
Aurelia was stunned by Reed's serious approach. "Grandpa, I'm not ready..."
Reed cut her off, "Don't overthink it. The best way to get over a breakup is to start a new relationship. You're young. Don't waste your time. Trying out other men won't hurt."
Aurelia covered her forehead, surprised by Reed's modern attitude.
Nathaniel, looking annoyed, couldn't believe Reed's audacity. He snatched the phone from Aurelia and locked it. "Grandpa, forced marriages won't end well, and these men don't seem trustworthy."
Reed chuckled, "I think any of them would be better than you. I've carefully selected these young men whose backgrounds and characters are solid."
Nathaniel, feeling frustrated, ran his hand through his hair. Was Reed mocking him? "Grandpa, you don't arrange marriages for girls like this today. It would be best if you asked Aurelia's opinion. Haven't you noticed she's not interested in these men?"
Reed's gaze sharpened, "Who said that? Aurelia, do you want to pick one yourself?"
Caught between Reed and Nathaniel, Aurelia felt unsure. Saying no would offend Reed, but she actually had no plans to find a stepfather for her unborn twins for now.
"Grandpa..." Aurelia looked conflicted.
Reed encouraged her, "Don't be afraid. He won't dare do anything to you. Go ahead and pick one!"
Aurelia glanced at Nathaniel, who looked fierce, warning her not to pick.
Deep down, she knew she couldn't. She was pregnant and couldn't handle any turmoil from Nathaniel.
"Grandpa, let's talk about this after the divorce. I'm still Mrs. Heilbronn, and it wouldn't look good if others found out." Aurelia made a valid point, and Reed didn't push further.
The conversation was interrupted by Aurelia's sneezes. She felt stuffy and realized she had caught a cold.
Aurelia quickly moved away. "Grandpa, I might be sick. Don't let me infect you."
Reed looked concerned, "How careless you are; you didn't even bring an umbrella. Nathaniel, take her to the clinic. Come on."
Nathaniel, wanting to escape the conversation, saw his chance. "Shall we go?"
Aurelia hesitated as she must be careful with medication while pregnant. If the doctor asked, what would she say in front of Nathaniel?
She felt like she would be caught red-handed.
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