Chapter 239 The Past
Outside the door, there was a flurry of discussion.
Someone asked, "Is that really the president of the Heilbronn Group? How come he looks even more handsome than on TV?"
Others were surprised. "Oh my God, I actually saw a top figure in our industry. He's here to see Anna. What do you think their relationship is? Could he be planning to acquire us?" somebody speculated.
Someone analyzed, "I always knew Anna was extraordinary. She even knows this big shot. But with this connection, why doesn't she go work as a designer at the Heilbronn Group?"
Others disagreed, "What do you know? Being a designer doesn't earn much. Now we get so many orders every day, isn't that more profitable than working for someone else?"
One echoed, "Good point, but Anna doesn't seem like someone who lacks money, does she?"
Despite their gossiping, Nathaniel ignored the whispers. He carefully examined the spotless office, with a wind chime hanging by the window as usual.
The folder on the desk had the name 'Anne' written on it in her elegant handwriting.
A stack of white paper was neatly placed on the left side of the desk, a habit of hers. She would grab a sheet to sketch whenever inspiration struck.
Nathaniel sat in her office chair, lost in thought.
Only now did Nathaniel realize that for the past four years, she had been living under the name of Anne, doing what she loved in a place unknown to him.
If he had been more persistent four years ago and visited Anne Studio a few more times, he would have found her sooner. Unbeknownst to him, they had perfectly missed each other again.
He was deep in thought when a knock on the door brought him back to reality.
At the door, Caleb was knocking with a bouquet of baby's breath, his eyes turning cold upon seeing Nathaniel inside.
Caleb tightened his grip on the bouquet, silently cursing, 'Why is this bastard here?'
Nathaniel had a similar reaction. Seeing Caleb at Aurelia's office door with flowers in hand, it was clear he was up to something.
To Nathaniel, the main issue was that Celeb seemed familiar with the place, like a regular visitor, and probably knew Aurelia's identity long before he did, which made Nathaniel feel terrible. His wife was now being pursued by another man, and that man happened to be his elementary school classmate!
At that moment, he immediately recalled how Caleb had suddenly and unconditionally breached their contract four years ago, ceasing all cooperation with the Heilbronn Group and settling in Coral Bay, only returning to Imperick occasionally for family matters.
The more he thought about it, the more his face darkened. Caleb had likely been eyeing Aurelia since four years ago!
The two exchanged glances, saying nothing but already engaging in a silent battle underneath.
Caleb broke the dreadful silence first as he said, "What are you doing here?"
Nathaniel narrowed his eyes, said casually, "Do I need to report to you when I come to see my wife?"
He emphasized the word 'wife,' as if declaring his sovereignty.
Caleb raised an eyebrow and sneered, "To be precise, ex-wife. She is now single Anne, not Mrs. Heilbronn."
Nathaniel gritted his teeth and angrily asked, "So, you knew she was alive all along, and that's why you breached the contract with the Heilbronn Group, right?"
Caleb appeared relaxed on the surface but was actually on high alert deep down inside. He knew that in the past four years, Aurelia had never responded to his pursuit. Deep down, she hadn't let go of Imperick or Nathaniel.
After being hurt too much, she did not dare to approach love again.
Now that Nathaniel was back, Caleb wasn't sure what choice Aurelia would make. After all, they had two adorable children, and there was always a connection between her and Nathaniel.
Caleb handed the flowers to Aurora and turned to Nathaniel, offering, "Shall we talk outside?"
Nathaniel picked up his phone from the desk, his gaze deep and sharp. With so many people around, they indeed needed a private place to discuss this matter.
Nathaniel suggested, "Let's find a place where we can talk!"
Though they said 'talk,' their demeanor suggested a otherwise.
Caleb, more familiar with the area, led Nathaniel to the fitness zone behind the office building. It was noon, the sun was scorching hot, and the fitness area was deserted, even the equipment too hot to touch.
There were coffee shops around, but Caleb felt Nathaniel didn't deserve that comfort.
Caleb said daringly,"Ask what you want to know now."
With that, Caleb leaned against a sit-up bench, looking relaxed, ready to come clean with Nathaniel.
Nathaniel, his chest tight with anger, had always suspected Caleb had feelings for Aurelia. Back then, Caleb had been more restrained, but now he was openly challenging him.
He regretted not beating him up more when they were kids, maybe even disfiguring Caleb.
"What do you mean?" Nathaniel retorted.
Caleb, with his leg on the iron bar in front, replied calmly,"Just as you suspected, I like her. Do you understand love at first sight? When I met her, she was your wife, and I couldn't express my feelings. But now she's single, and I won't miss this chance."
Caleb confessed his overwhelming love for Aurelia in one breath. As a single man, he would openly pursue her without hiding from anyone.
Hearing his confession, Nathaniel's blood boiled, his fist almost swinging at Caleb, but his good upbringing held him back.
Nathaniel composed himself a bit and said, "Caleb, she's my wife. There are so many women in the world, and you fixate on my wife. Are you out of your mind?
He added, " you said love at first sight is unforgettable, right? I'm telling you, Aurelia fell in love with me at first sight!"
Hearing that, Caleb chuckled coldly and shot back, "Correction, she's not anyone's wife. She's single now. Why can't I pursue her? You two did have a past, but that's history now. To her, you're just an ex, maybe even the last person she wants to see."
Nathaniel felt extremely frustrated. He had considered that such an outstanding and beautiful woman like Aurelia would have many suitors over the past four years, but it was still hard for him to accept it.
It felt like his most precious possession was being coveted by someone else, making him constantly on guard.
To him, she would always be his wife. He used to be so possessive that he even restricted her from wearing eye makeup, the idea of someone openly challenging him for Aurelia was unthinkable.
Nathaniel warned, "Caleb, you better listen to yourself. I will win her back sooner or later. Don't waste your time. You're not her type. Hasn't she even given you a chance to get close in these four years?"
His words, filled with a threatening tone, accurately described Caleb and Aurelia's relationship.
Caleb, provoked, lost his patience, saying, "Nathaniel, though we've known each other for almost thirty years,we're not exactly close. Now that we both like the same person, let's compete fairly. It's up to Aurelia to choose."
Hearing Caleb call Aurelia by her name made Nathaniel feel infuriated again.
"You think you can?" Nathaniel asked disdainfully, thinking, 'How dare you call her Aurelia?'
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