Chapter 184 Come Back with Me
Aurelia stood frozen, her mind blank.
Her lips trembled, unable to form words.
Aurelia knew he wasn't fond of children. She wasn't sure if the baby growing inside her would ever win his acceptance. Yet, as she observed him with a racing heart, she didn't see any hint of displeasure in his expression.
Instead, he seemed to have a sort of tender, almost paternal look—a sentiment that shouldn't normally be on his face.
It was a baffling contrast to what she expected.
"How did you know?" she finally managed to ask after a long silence.
Nathaniel rubbed his temples. "I know everything now. So, are you coming back to Bloom Villa, or should I move here?"
Aurelia felt like a guilty child, avoiding his gaze. She never thought he'd find out about the baby.
She wondered if her plan to take the baby to Melicia was doomed.
She lowered her head and asked tentatively, "Can't I live alone?"
Nathaniel chuckled softly, his breath brushing her hair. "Do you think I'll let you live alone in this situation? Choose: move back or I come over?"
Aurelia stayed silent, not wanting either option.
Feeling helpless, Nathaniel lifted her by the thighs and carried her to the sofa.
This reminded Aurelia of some blush-worthy moments. He used to love making love to her in the bathroom this way.
She tried to stay calm, avoiding his gaze, but her slightly red earlobes gave her away.
Nathaniel sat down with her, rubbing her earlobe, enjoying her embarrassed state.
"Aurelia, don't overthink. I asked the doctor, and it's not allowed!" Nathaniel said.
Aurelia glared at him, annoyed and embarrassed. "What nonsense are you talking about? Who's overthinking?"
Nathaniel chuckled, knowing she was shy, and decided not to tease her further. He wasn't great at comforting women.
"Move back to Bloom Villa with me. Grandpa already told Ted to send all the nutritional supplements there. He'll make me video you eating them. You don't want me to get scolded again, do you?"
Aurelia felt confused. She wanted to know his feelings about the baby, but he hadn't said a word, leaving her uncertain.
"Do you want the baby?" she asked.
Nathaniel wrapped his arm around her waist, his gaze on her slightly bulging belly. "Since it's here, of course, we want it!"
If he dared to say no, his grandfather would probably have his arms and legs broken. His current situation at home made it clear—he was the least favored and had little choice.
Aurelia understood. He still didn't want it but was forced to accept it because the baby was already here.
She felt a bit relieved. At least he wasn't as bad as she feared, not mentioning abortion.
Nathaniel's hand, resting on her waist, slowly slid forward until it reached the small bump of her abdomen. A strange sensation stirred within him as he felt the little life growing inside—a continuation of both their lives.
For the first time, he felt a sense of anticipation, thinking it wouldn't be bad to have a baby calling him dad.
Aurelia tensed, her breathing quickening as she felt his hand move gently over her belly. Her heart fluttered with a mix of nervousness and excitement. She couldn't help but believe that the baby was also happy to feel its father's touch.
After days of tension, it felt like a cloud had lifted, revealing a ray of hope.
"Will you abandon them?" she asked again.
Nathaniel found her question amusing. He thought, 'How can I abandon my own child? What a silly question! They say pregnancy makes women silly. That's true!'
"Why do you ask that?" Nathaniel replied.
Aurelia licked her lower lip. "You don't like kids. I thought you'd take me for an abortion."
Saying those words made her tense up.
Nathaniel held his forehead. "Is that why you didn't tell me?"
Aurelia's silence was her answer.
"Are you silly?" Nathaniel laughed. "When did it happen?"
He remembered being careful every time. The baby was a surprise.
Aurelia kept her head down. "That time you drank, came back late, and didn't take precautions."
Nathaniel had no memory of that night. Hearing she mentioned drinking, he decided to avoid alcohol unless necessary. Chelsea's baby was also a result of drinking.
He hadn't figured out what to do yet.
Aurelia got off his lap and sat on the sofa. "I need to take my folic acid."
She bent down to get the new bottles from under the coffee table but ended up touching his hand. He was holding the half bottle she had left at Reed's.
Aurelia was momentarily taken aback, wondering if her medicine had inadvertently given things away. However, seeing his attitude, she realized that while he might not be thrilled about the baby, he wasn't outright hostile either. This shift in perspective lifted her spirits significantly.
As Nathaniel watched her take her folic acid and vitamins, he stood up and headed toward the bedroom. Aurelia hurried after him.
Nathaniel glanced around the rental apartment.
Despite being well-kept and functional, it was sparsely furnished. The mattress, in particular, was uncomfortably firm—definitely not suitable for a pregnant woman.
"Aurelia, come back with me. I can't feel at ease with you living here alone," he said.
Aurelia saw no way to avoid it. But she had promised the agent to give his relative's child a design lesson today.
"I can't go back now. I have something to do today," she said.
Nathaniel had already pulled out her clothes from the wardrobe, ready to pack. When he heard her, his eyes showed disappointment.
He quickly collected himself, remembering the doctor's advice to keep her in a good mood.
He swallowed his words. He knew he wasn't good with words and didn't want to upset her.
"Then, stay here for now. The house needs some preparation too."
With an additional person, the room needed to be prepared, and all the baby supplies had to be ready. A nutritionist and a childcare expert also needed to be found.
Aurelia smiled at his words, making Nathaniel feel both amused and surprised that she was so happy to stay.
'Going home isn't that scary!' he thought.
Although Nathaniel had postponed his afternoon meeting, he had a dinner appointment in the evening.
Zack called to remind him, "Mr. Heilbron, should I pick you up before six tonight?"
Nathaniel, in a good mood, stood by the window, looking at the view below.
"Cancel all my appointments for today," he said.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
