Chapter 559 Living Life to the Fullest
After dinner, Burry and Marcus took the children downstairs to play, while Nathaniel drove Aurelia to the hospital for her prenatal checkup. It was a simple examination that didn't require fasting.
The maternity ward had a strict policy: one doctor, one patient, no family members allowed.
When it came time to check the baby's heartbeat, Nathaniel couldn't contain himself. He pleaded with the doctor until he was finally allowed in. He had heard Jacob and Dorothy's heartbeats through his phone before, but he was desperate to experience it in person.
As the fetal monitor was placed on Aurelia's rounded belly, strong, rhythmic heartbeats echoed throughout the examination room. Nathaniel's heart swelled with emotion.
It was as if they shared a connection—his own heart seemed to synchronize with the baby's rhythm.
He was so caught up in the moment that he forgot to record the sound, something he deeply regretted once they left the room. Aurelia reassured him, "I'll record it for you next time when I come back for another check-up."
But Nathaniel was no longer satisfied with just hearing it through a phone. "Next time, I'll find a way to convince the doctor to let me in again."
Aurelia let out a soft chuckle. "You might not be so lucky next time—the doctor could say no."
Leaving the hospital, Nathaniel didn't drive home. Instead, he headed toward an upscale lakeside neighborhood. Aurelia recognized the area—it was Joe's most expensive development, where only the wealthy and influential could afford to live.
Nathaniel parked in front of a beautifully positioned villa. "Aurelia, take a look at our new home," he said with pride.
Aurelia smiled. "I think our current place is fine for now, though the kids might need more space as they grow older."
"We'd need to move eventually," Nathaniel replied. "Better sooner than later. This place is spacious with a beautiful environment—we'll be comfortable here."
They entered the security code and drove through the gates. The property was magnificent, with ornate architectural details and even more land than the Heilbronn Villa in the Imperick. The yard was expansive, filled with lush greenery and equipped with swings and slides for the children.
From the upper floor, they could see the artificial lake in the distance.
The interior was decorated entirely to Aurelia's taste. All three children's rooms faced the morning sun, and the ground floor living room was so spacious that Jacob could ride his scooter indoors without issue.
Aurelia was clearly pleased with the house. Nathaniel took her hand and led her to the third floor, where the master bedroom occupied the entire level. The room featured sensor-activated floor lights around the perimeter.
Aurelia had mild night blindness, making it difficult for her to see on nights when the moonlight was dim.
The room contained a custom-made vanity, thoughtfully designed away from direct sunlight so her precious cosmetics wouldn't deteriorate.
The terrace was expansive, with a relaxation area where she could find inspiration for her designs.
During rainy days, she could open the transparent rain shelter above and sit there drinking coffee while listening to the rain.
Nathaniel had considered every detail of their daily life and Aurelia's habits. This house was truly her dream home.
When they reached the master bathroom, Aurelia paused, puzzled by the sofa placed there. "Why is there a sofa in the bathroom?"
Nathaniel scratched his eyebrow, deflecting the question. "Doesn't our current master bathroom have one too?"
"We only got that one because of your leg injury. I was worried about you having trouble in the shower," she reminded him.
Nathaniel suppressed a smile, hiding his more mischievous thoughts. "Well, what if I get injured again?"
Aurelia gave him a knowing look, suddenly understanding the sofa's intended purpose.
Seeing her realization, Nathaniel smiled. "We'll use it eventually."
Aurelia shook her head, speechless.
"Nathaniel, I'll definitely need another C-section, and recovery takes time. It won't be possible for a while."
Nathaniel shrugged, unconcerned. "We'll wait until you're fully recovered. I'm not in a rush."
"You seem pretty eager to me," she teased.
Nathaniel chuckled. "Don't put words in my mouth. Who was the one constantly all over me those few weeks?"
Aurelia blushed. When Nathaniel had first returned home, she'd been overwhelmed with inappropriate thoughts, though he had carefully restrained himself.
She suspected pregnancy hormones were to blame.
"Let's change the subject," she said, embarrassed.
Nathaniel obliged. "Is there anything else the house needs?"
Aurelia thought for a moment. "A music room. Dorothy seems quite interested in the piano."
Nathaniel nodded. "I'll have someone prepare one of the ground floor rooms for that."
"Make sure it's decorated in soft pink tones. Otherwise, we'll end up redecorating later."
"I'll have someone design it and show Dorothy the plans first. How's that?"
"If Dorothy approves, I approve."
They decided to wait until after the baby was born before moving in. They wanted to ensure any potentially harmful chemicals from the new furnishings had time to dissipate, and their current home's proximity to the office allowed Nathaniel more time with the family.
As they left the house, the sun was sinking behind the clouds, painting the sky in beautiful shades of pink. It looked like something from a painting.
Though Nathaniel owned numerous properties, he had never been so eager to move into one. When they did, they would be a family of five.
He recalled something he'd read online about what makes a middle-aged man proud: intelligent children, a beautiful wife, and more money than he could spend.
By that measure, he had it all. God had been kind to him. Despite earlier hardships, this moment of peaceful happiness made everything worthwhile.
Looking back, what lingered in his heart were the beautiful moments shared with her and the children.
As Aurelia lifted her phone to record the vibrant clouds, a familiar, handsome face slipped into the frame—a face weathered by time since the day they met, yet one that still made her heart flutter.
Time hadn't taken away his good looks; it had only added an age-old charm.
Holding up her phone like a microphone, Aurelia playfully interviewed him. "Mr. Heilbronn, what are your thoughts on these beautiful clouds?"
Nathaniel answered with mock seriousness, "I believe enjoying the most beautiful scenery with the person you love most is life's greatest happiness."
"And Mr. Heilbronn, what kind of future do you envision with your beloved?"
Nathaniel looked at her intently. "I've gained and lost, done outrageous and dangerous things. Now I just want a simple life with her—waking up beside her every morning, having someone to comfort me in difficult times, someone to share my joy, and someone to hold when nightmares come."
"Mr. Heilbronn, do you have any expectations for your beloved?"
"I hope she laughs loudly when happy, cries openly when sad, and faces challenges without fear, knowing I'll always stand behind her."
"Mr. Heilbronn, regarding everything in the past, is there anything you'd like to say to your beloved?"
Nathaniel paused before answering, "Through all life's storms, I regret nothing!"
The moment froze in time as Aurelia, teary-eyed, wrapped her arm around his shoulder. "I love you, my Mr. Heilbronn."
"I love you even more."