Chapter 275 He Accompanied Her, the Beautiful World
The view was so breathtaking that Natalie held her breath, unwilling to even blink her eyes. She did not realize that while she was mesmerized by the flowers, someone else was observing her.
Oliver's attention was entirely on Natalie. He observed her astonishment, admiration, delight, and the sparkle in her eyes.
Grandpa Parker noticed the smile on Oliver's lips.
Charles, though amazed by the fleeting beauty of the Night Blooming Cereus, maintained his professionalism. He did not let his focus linger solely on the flowers. Instead, he kept an eye on Oliver, ready to attend to his boss at any moment.
The Night Blooming Cereus blooms lasted only a few hours before withering away before dawn.
Afterward, Oliver took Natalie to Rosewood Estate.
Grandpa Parker expressed his disappointment. "Do you find my place unsatisfactory? It’s almost daylight. Can’t you stay here for the night?"
Oliver responded bluntly, "It’ll be daylight in a few hours."
"Goodbye, young lady. Please visit often!"
Grandpa Parker eventually had to let them go.
Natalie smiled and agreed. She felt it was not appropriate to stay. It was evident that Grandpa Parker cherished tranquility, and their presence would only distract him. There was no need to disturb him unnecessarily.
Oliver escorted Natalie to the car, then returned to speak with Grandpa Parker indoors.
"So, this is the wife your grandmother selected for you? She seems quite suitable. Cherish her and don’t let her go," Grandpa Parker advised Oliver in Natalie's absence.
Oliver raised an eyebrow. "Weren’t you always critical of my grandmother's choices?"
Grandpa Parker snorted. "Indeed, her taste in men was terrible. Your grandfather didn’t love her as she deserved, and he passed away young. He married another and didn’t live long enough to accompany her. Hmph! But, her choice of granddaughters-in-law is quite good."
Despite his disdainful tone, Grandpa Parker had a good relationship with Grandpa Windsor. To be more precise, Grandpa Parker, Grandpa Windsor, and Grandma Windsor were close friends. However, their relationship became strained over time due to Grandma Windsor, not because of any animosity but to avoid making her feel awkward.
"It’s normal to wish for our partners to live a long and healthy life. Yet, if we depart before them, it’s not an ideal situation," Grandpa Parker sighed, saying, "I’m terrified of dying now, fearing that without me, your grandmother would be left without anyone to share her grievances with. In old age, only peers can truly understand one another's thoughts."
…
Having stayed up all night, Natalie was slightly tired. She leaned against the back of her seat, waiting for Oliver, and unintentionally fell asleep.
Charles, sitting in the driver's seat, messaged Jamie, informing him of their brief visit to Grandpa Parker's place. He knew Jamie would be envious upon hearing this. This was his revenge after Jamie bragged about eating the food Natalie made.
Oliver opened the car door to find Natalie asleep, leaning against the back of the seat. Her gentle breathing and serene expression, along with her long, curly eyelashes, tempted him to kiss her. And so, he did.
Natalie, who was sleeping lightly, woke up drowsily as soon as Oliver kissed her.
Before she could speak, Oliver had already pulled her into his embrace. "Go back to sleep. I’ll carry you inside later."
Natalie nestled into his arms, but after a minute, she lifted her head, attempting to shake off her drowsiness. "No, you have an injury on your arm. You should wake me up..."
Oliver, silent at the mention of the scabbed-over small wound on his arm, hesitated for a few seconds before deciding to carry Natalie inside later. If she inquired, he would claim he felt no pain. He hoped to arouse her guilt and sympathy.
Natalie, knowing Oliver would not wake her up, woke up as soon as the car stopped.
With this, Oliver exited the car and draped his coat over her to prevent a chill.
After the brief disturbance, Natalie found her drowsiness had dissipated. The curtains in the master bedroom remained open, revealing the lake outside, its surface dancing with sparkling waves.
The first rays of morning sunlight began to peek over the distant mountains across the lake, casting a radiant golden hue and filling the sky with the glow of dawn.
Natalie stood motionless, her mind replaying the sunrise Oliver had once shared with her from France via a video call, filling her heart with a renewed sense of sweetness and warmth. Turning around, she noticed him standing a short distance away, loosening his shirt cuffs in preparation for a shower.
"Not sleepy anymore?" Oliver asked.
Shaking her head, Natalie replied, "No."
Pleased, Oliver removed his shirt. He then took a few steps toward Natalie, gently took her by the wrist, and led her toward the bathroom. "Then let’s take a shower together."
Natalie knew the suggestion was not as innocent as it sounded. As expected, she soon found herself pressed against the bathroom wall.
…
The remarkable success at the fashion show immediately established Natalie as a notable figure in the fashion industry, garnering her recognition for her talent alone.
Cory Clayton's earlier advice to keep an eye on Natalie resurfaced, with some suggesting that his prophetic words were about to be realized.
Vivian, Natalie's personal stylist, also reaped benefits from this success. Natalie's commanding stage presence, coupled with Vivian's styling, propelled Vivian to overnight fame. Her value surged, and the models who had previously doubted her skills were now reflecting on their own judgments.
Emily found herself inundated with work, fielding numerous invitations for events, including consecutive cover shoots for two leading magazines. These were coveted spots, often sought after by A-list celebrities and top models.
…
Natalie's hunger roused her from sleep in the afternoon. Her fragmented memories of the night included being in Oliver's arms. Now, finding the space beside her on the bed empty of Oliver's presence, it was clear he had already risen.
She thought to herself, ‘How is he up so soon?’
Checking her phone, Natalie was startled by the barrage of calls from Emily.
Initially, Emily had sent a text, but without a reply, she proceeded to call Natalie after ten in the morning. With no response, she called again after lunch.
Oliver had set Natalie's phone to silent mode, so she was oblivious to the incoming calls.
Thankfully, Emily's messages suggested she merely wished to discuss Natalie's event attendance and forthcoming work schedule, indicating no urgency.
Natalie hurriedly returned Emily's call.
"Emily, I’m sorry. I didn’t hear my phone earlier."
"It’s alright. As someone who’s married, I understand," Emily replied empathetically.
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