Chapter 248 Sir, Please Pick Up Your Child
Dorothy stuck her chin out and said, "Dude, I'm over 3 feet tall, so I'm not a little kid anymore. I don't need to be carried."
Nathaniel nodded, "Alright, just stick close to me!"
"Got it."
The crowd behind them pushed them forward. Nathaniel made sure to shield Dorothy, blocking the people behind so they wouldn't bump into her.
As they got closer to the ticket checkpoint, the line got wider and more packed.
A security guard noticed them and said, "Sir, you might want to pick up your kid to avoid getting separated or stepped on."
For some reason, Nathaniel felt a warmth in his heart when he heard this. He looked at the fair-skinned Dorothy and thought that if it weren't for the car accident four years ago, his kid would be about her age.
The crowd surged forward, snapping him back to reality. A few middle school boys were roughhousing and almost stepped on Dorothy.
In a split second, he scooped Dorothy up to keep her from getting hurt.
Dorothy was startled for a moment but then accepted being held by this kind stranger.
Nathaniel asked, "Dorothy, how about I put you down when we get to a less crowded area inside?"
Dorothy nodded obediently.
After finally getting their tickets checked and entering, Nathaniel put Dorothy down.
Dorothy looked around curiously, exclaiming, "Wow, so many people! No wonder Mommy bought tickets so early. The jewelry at this exhibition must be amazing. I'm gonna take pictures of all the jewelry today to show Mommy."
Nathaniel noticed the children's camera hanging around her neck and asked, "Your mom bought the tickets, but why didn't she bring you?"
Dorothy sighed, "Mommy went to Imperick to pick up Grandma. She couldn't make it to this jewelry exhibition, which is a real bummer."
"Does your mom like jewelry exhibitions?" he asked.
Dorothy replied proudly, "Of course! My mommy is a jewelry designer. The jewelry she designs is the most beautiful in the world."
Dorothy spoke with pride about her mommy. She thought her mommy had magical hands that could create the most beautiful jewelry, even more beautiful than the jewelry worn by princesses in Disney movies.
Her words made Nathaniel think of Aurelia. He couldn't help but say, "I know someone amazing too. The jewelry she designs is the most beautiful in the world. Your mom can't compare."
Dorothy rolled her eyes, pouting, "I don't believe it. My mommy used to be a very famous designer. I've never heard of anyone better than her."
Nathaniel chuckled, "Well, maybe they'll get to compare someday!"
"Bring it on! My mom will definitely win," Dorothy shot back.
Their conversation was interrupted by the host. The exhibition had started, and the organizers had placed all the exhibits in transparent security cases for everyone to admire. If someone really liked a piece, they could take a picture of it.
Dorothy's eyes sparkled with excitement, and she no longer had the energy to continue the debate with Nathaniel. She wanted to take pictures to show her mommy.
Nathaniel followed her, watching her take pictures.
Dorothy stood on her tiptoes, holding her children's camera with her little hands, constantly pressing the shutter.
He looked at the bun on top of Dorothy's head and couldn't resist the urge to ruffle it. In their short time together, he couldn't quite describe his feelings for this little girl.
Maybe it was because she looked so much like Aurelia, even down to the hairstyle. For a moment, he even fantasized that this was his and Aurelia's daughter, and he was taking her to see the exhibition.
During the whole exhibition, Nathaniel barely glanced at the jewelry; his eyes were glued to Dorothy.
Dorothy tried to snap a pic of a high-up ruby, but no matter how much she stretched on her tiptoes, she couldn't get the right angle.
Nathaniel bent down and lifted her, letting her get the shot.
For the rest of the jewelry, he pretty much always held Dorothy up so she could take her pictures.
Doing this gave him a weird sense of happiness, like he was playing the role of a dad.
After snapping pics of all the exhibits, they found a less crowded spot to review the photos. Dorothy stopped at the picture of the ruby.
She said, a bit down, "My mommy would probably love this gem. It's a shame she couldn't come. If she were here, she’d definitely buy it."
Nathaniel raised an eyebrow. He also thought the gem was stunning, with excellent color and quality. With some cutting and polishing, it could be made into a beautiful pendant or ring.
"How about I buy it?" he asked.
Dorothy looked disappointed and said, "Do whatever you want. When I grow up and have money, it won't be your turn. I'll definitely buy it for Mommy."
Nathaniel wasn't great at comforting people, but he also wanted to buy the gem for his beloved. Seeing the little girl feeling down, he didn't dare to openly bid for it. Instead, he called Zack and asked him to come over and bid for the ruby.
Zack sounded tired on the phone as he reported, "Mr. Heilbronn, I'm back in Imperick. I'll return on Sunday and won't delay any work."
When Zack left for Coral Bay with Nathaniel, he thought it would be at most two weeks. Now it seemed he might have to stay here permanently. He had planned to get married to his fiancée on Valentine's Day, a day he had been looking forward to for years.
After eagerly anticipating the weekend, Zack returned to Imperick, intending to begin the preparations for their marriage paperwork with his fiancée.
Nathaniel agreed, "Alright then, since you're back, bring the items from my home safe with you."
Over the years, Nathaniel had bought a lot of jewelry. For the exhibitions she couldn't attend, he went on her behalf and always came back with a haul. After four years of accumulating, the safe was almost full.
Zack knew the lock codes to all his houses and agreed on the phone.
Nathaniel heard a woman's voice in the background, followed by Zack's aggrieved tone.
Zack apologized, "Mr. Heilbronn, my fiancée is asking me to peel potatoes..."
Nathaniel's brow twitched as he said, "Go ahead, and make sure they're peeled clean."
Nathaniel knew that Zack had great respect for his fiancée. In the past, Nathaniel would have made some teasing remarks, but now he found himself feeling a bit envious of Zack.
Of course, he wouldn't show that.
After hanging up the phone, Dorothy had already reviewed the photos several times and was quite satisfied.
She waited for Nathaniel to finish his call and asked, "Sir, what time is it now?"
Nathaniel checked his watch and replied, "It's almost noon."
Dorothy's big eyes turned, and she said, "I wonder if my mommy's plane has landed yet. Sir, can you help me call my mommy?"
Nathaniel was exceptionally patient with this little girl today. He squatted down on one knee and unlocked his phone, asking gently, "Do you want to dial the number yourself, or should I do it for you?"
Dorothy hesitated for a moment and said, "I'll do it myself. Your phone is the same model as my uncle's. I've used it before."
Nathaniel handed her the phone and watched her little fingers tap the screen, entering the numbers one by one until she had entered them all and pressed the call button.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
