Chapter 274 He Gave Her the Best
Grandfather Parker entered the room. Upon seeing the curiosity on Natalie’s face, he said, “This is a blossom. Look at the hooked stem with the bud's tip pointing skyward. It will bloom in a few hours. Oliver brought you here just in time.”
Natalie glanced at Oliver in surprise, wondering if he had intentionally brought her here to witness the blooming of the flowers. Was he relieved because they made it in time?
Natalie felt a gentle tug on her heartstrings.
The conditions required for these flowers to bloom were quite demanding, requiring temperatures between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius and air humidity levels at 80% or higher. The room was specially designed with limited windows and equipped with an air conditioner to create the ideal environment.
Natalie asked, “Blossoms typically bloom in September and October. It's December now. How’s this possible?"
Grandfather Parker, with a knowing smile, responded, "I have my own way!"
Previously a botanical researcher, Grandfather Parker took great pleasure in experimenting with rare flowers. Modifying their blooming schedules for his personal delight was among his favorite pursuits.
"Amazing!" Natalie exclaimed, genuinely impressed.
"Ah, you’re quite smart!" Grandfather Parker chuckled, glancing at Oliver.
Oliver asked, “How much longer until they bloom?”
"An hour or two, at most."
"I'll take her to rest in the meantime," Oliver said, leading Natalie toward the exit by her hand.
"Hey, you rude boy! Do you think of yourself as my grandson?” Grandpa Parker asked as he jokingly brandished his walking stick in Oliver’s direction.
As Oliver guided her away, Natalie whispered, "Is this really okay?"
‘Our actions are really rude after all…’
Oliver, understanding her unspoken thoughts, reassured her, "This place is mine."
Grandfather Parker's voice followed them.
"Oliver! Don’t go to the third one on the left; that belongs to your grandmother!"
Oliver raised his hand slightly, signaling his understanding.
Natalie, puzzled, asked, "This place is yours?"
They continued through an elegantly decorated corridor, arriving at the guest room on the left.
Without modern amenities like central air conditioning, a contemporary bathroom, and electric lighting, one might think they had stepped back into ancient Europe.
"This house was a gift from my mother to me, and I'm letting him stay here," Oliver explained.
Originally, Oliver had intended to give the house to Grandfather Parker, who initially resisted the gesture as if it were an insult. However, Grandpa Parker was ultimately persuaded by the spacious and tranquil environment, which suited his preferences perfectly.
"Who is he to you? And how is he connected to your mother?" Natalie was intrigued by their relationship. She found their relationship puzzling. It was clear that despite Grandpa Parker’s complaints, he was quite fond of Oliver. They clearly knew each other for a long time now.
Oliver's familiarity with the premises suggested frequent visits, evidenced by his anticipation of the night-blooming cereus.
As the night grew deeper, the outdoor temperature dropped.
Oliver cracked open a window and beckoned Natalie closer.
"He planted these green plum trees in honor of his beloved."
Beyond the window lay a magnificent expanse of blooming green plum trees, their elegance distinct from the more commonly seen red plums.
"It's beautiful!" Natalie could not help but marvel. Driven by curiosity, she probed further, "Is his beloved still among us?"
"Yes, she is."
After a brief pause, Natalie asked, "Is he unmarried now?"
"Yes."
"Perhaps he should consider seeking companionship to find happiness in his old age."
"No," Oliver interjected, "The love of his life is my grandmother."
Caught off guard, Natalie exclaimed, "Why didn't you mention this sooner?!"
Oliver had once entertained the thought of Grandpa Parker and his grandmother as a couple. However, Grandpa Parker remained unmarried, his heart belonging solely to Oliver's grandmother, who regarded him merely as a dear friend.
Grandpa Parker saved Oliver's grandmother and took care of Mrs. Norton. In appreciation, Oliver bestowed upon him this house, and with time, a genuine friendship blossomed between them.
As they prepared to rest, Oliver coaxed Natalie onto the bed and said, “Sleep. I’ll wake you up when it’s time…”
After a busy day, Natalie felt an overwhelming sense of fatigue. She got onto the bed, with dark sheets clearly arranged by Oliver. She settled under the covers, and Oliver pulled her into his arms. She closed her eyes, but she could not fall asleep. She seldom needed more than six hours.
After a moment, she looked at him with eyes gleaming like black pearls and asked curiously, “Why did you suddenly bring me here?”
“I can give you everything that others can. In fact, I can give you better,” Oliver said. Although his eyes were closed, he planted a precise kiss on the corner of her lips.
Natalie could not help but smile; her heart was suffused with tenderness and sweetness.
Oliver spoke as though he had only done something ordinary. However, how many people would be able to witness the blooming of such rare and ephemeral flowers?
‘Was he jealous because Roger gave me flowers? Or is he comforting me because I didn’t receive any flowers immediately after the show? Is he showing me that I deserve the very best?’
…
When the clock struck one, Oliver gently roused Natalie.
Grandpa Parker awaited them, wearing a hat and a scarf. He looked as though he was indifferent to the child. His body was robust. He looked at Natalie from head to toe.
“What’s wrong?” Natalie asked curiously.
“I’m just making sure that brat wasn’t lying when he said he was bringing you to rest,” Grandpa Parker replied seriously, gesturing to Oliver with his chin.
Natalie’s cheeks flushed red when she realized the meaning behind those words, and her smile grew stiff.
‘We really didn’t do anything!’
“Why are you still thinking about such nonsense at your age?” Oliver said reproachfully.
Grandpa Parker laughed; he liked teasing young people. He opened the door, leading them, including Charles, inside.
The four of them gathered around the Night Blooming Cereus as anticipation hung in the air.
Soon, the sepals began to unfurl, revealing the intricate layers of petals beneath. Illuminated by a soft glow, the petals shimmered, their delicate hues of blue and pink surrounding the lighter pink pistil.
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