Chapter 394 Birthday Cake
"What are you thinking? We can just buy it,” Oliver replied, his eyes narrowing.
Observing his subtle gesture, Natalie's certainty grew. "No, you must be making me a cake! I want to go with you!"
Oliver was at a loss. He wanted to shrug off her hand and leave as soon as he could. Yet, upon touching the hands resting on his neck, he found himself unable to move further.
"I’ve told you, it’s not what you think. It’s something else," he said, feeling somewhat helpless.
"It doesn’t matter even if it’s something else. Why can’t I follow you?” Natalie inquired, tilting her head slightly.
…
An hour later.
Natalie dressed in an elegant spring dress, applied subtle makeup, and wore high heels. Content with her appearance, she followed Oliver out.
Outside, Jamie awaited and was taken aback to see Natalie and Oliver hand in hand. He complimented, "You look stunning today! Heading to the cake shop with Oliver? Is it a date?"
Natalie looked at Oliver meaningfully before she smiled and nodded at Jamie in affirmation.
Oliver looked at Jamie expressionlessly.
Feeling somewhat uneasy under Oliver’s gaze, Jamie scratched the back of his head.
‘Was it my imagination, or was there something off about the way he looked at me? Did I misspeak?’
…
The car halted in front of an exclusive dessert shop.
The shop was spacious and segmented into various areas. It was usually frequented by socialites for tea and desserts. On this day, however, it was closed exclusively for Oliver.
A middle-aged man, the shop's head pastry chef and Oliver's teacher for the duration, welcomed them warmly.
"Good morning, Mr. Windsor!" he greeted, then noticing Natalie, he asked, "And who might this be?"
"My wife," Oliver introduced.
The pastry chef greeted Natalie but he looked at Oliver strangely.
‘Wasn’t he going to make a cake for his wife? With his skills, where did he get the confidence to bring his wife here?’
Oliver prohibited Natalie from entering the kitchen and watching him.
Feeling a twinge of disappointment, Natalie tried to sneak a glimpse from the outside, but her efforts were in vain.
She waited the entire morning.
By noon, Jamie approached and informed Natalie that lunch had been delivered.
It was clear that Oliver staying secluded all morning in the kitchen had been expected.
Without any warning, Natalie approached the kitchen and pushed the door open, walking in unannounced.
Oliver was dressed in an apron and a proper white pastry chef's hat, and his face was hidden by a mask.
The apron, mask, and his hands were smeared with flour, batter, and cream. Upon closer inspection, it became clear that he spent the entire morning diligently working, but he was still grappling with the basics of preparing sponge cake batter.
The pastry chef beside him wore an expression of resignation.
Natalie could not contain herself and burst into laughter immediately.
Jamie, catching a glimpse of the scene, stood back, lowering his head to stifle his own laughter.
Oliver's irritation was palpable even behind his mask. "Didn’t I tell you not to come in?"
Undeterred, Natalie advanced toward Oliver. A closer examination revealed his eyelids and eyebrows were also dusted with flour, which sent her into another round of uncontrollable laughter.
"Enough, Natalie," Oliver managed through clenched teeth. Despite that, his gaze was tender and helpless.
Struggling to regain her composure, Natalie wiped away tears of mirth, and, finding no clean towels within reach, she removed her scarf and tenderly cleaned the flour from Oliver's face.
He complied quietly, eyes closed, his earlier frustrations dissolving under her gentle care.
"Don’t underestimate this cake," the pastry chef began, coming to Oliver's defense, "It might appear simple, yet it requires precision. From the batter's consistency to the oven's temperature, every detail affects the outcome. In my years of experience, few men take the initiative to bake a cake for their loved ones, and even fewer start from scratch like Mr. Windsor."
Hearing the chef's words, Oliver perked up, visibly pleased by the acknowledgment of his efforts.
Natalie nodded in agreement.
Oliver said gently, “Go and have lunch first.”
"What about you?"
"I'll join you shortly."
Typically, Natalie would insist Oliver eat with her, but recognizing his determination, she understood he would not leave until he was satisfied with his work.
The kitchen door closed once more.
Oliver meticulously washed and dried his hands, resuming his task. Her scarf was carefully folded and placed in his coat pocket.
…
It was 3 o'clock when Oliver finally emerged victorious, a cake box in hand, its contents hidden from Natalie's curious eyes.
The shop allowed Natalie to use the kitchen, and she prepared pasta for Oliver. After eating, they finally left.
…
Coincidentally, it was rush hour when they left.
Natalie and Oliver found themselves amidst a chaotic tangle of vehicles, and by the time they reached Rosewood Estate, it was almost dusk.
Stepping out of the car, Natalie's gaze was immediately captured by the breathtaking path lined with white roses, leading up to the mansion's grand entrance.
The setting sun bathed the scene in a warm light, casting pink and orange hues over the roses, enhancing their beauty and romance.
Natalie, who had always preferred white roses over red, found herself momentarily rooted to the spot in awe.
Oliver held the cake box in his left hand while gently guiding Natalie with his right, leading her toward the mansion. With each step, the air grew more fragrant with the sweet scent of roses.
Natalie's heart fluttered, her breathing hitched, and her mind whirled with speculation. She knew that this must be Oliver's way of celebrating her birthday. She was so overwhelmed that she did not wonder what he had planned next.
Oliver did not stop until they reached the rooftop garden on the third floor. The garden was a spectacle of meticulous arrangement, predominantly adorned with white roses and accentuated by jasmine and lavender, crafting an ambiance that was both romantic and serene.
From their vantage point, they were treated to a magnificent view of the sunset, its beauty unparalleled.
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