Chapter 633 Shower
Natalie's earlier appearances on the runway were marked by a powerful, commanding presence, yet they seemed to always lack a certain something. Emily had thought it was due to Natalie's limited experience on the grand stages of fashion shows, but she had since changed her mind. The missing element was soul.
It was Natalie's unique flair and spirit that left a lasting impression on anyone who witnessed her performance. Her walk was both fierce and dignified, reminiscent of a phoenix rising from ashes, reflecting a style that was unmistakably her own.
In any profession, being unique is crucial for achieving success.
"Natalie, I can’t wait to see the surprise on the faces of those who doubted you," Emily said, her arms open wide. "Welcome back."
Natalie responded with a hug, saying, "Thanks, Emily."
…
Oliver's plans had been upended unexpectedly, leading to his clothing and personal items from Rosewood Estate being sent to Maple Villa.
Upon her return, Natalie found the estate's staff at her doorstep, waiting with racks of clothing and Oliver's belongings.
"What's all this?"
"Good day, Ma'am! We’ve been instructed to deliver Mr. Oliver's clothes here. He mentioned he’ll be staying at your place for a while."
Natalie was taken aback.
The staff efficiently moved everything inside, but Natalie's wardrobe was too small to hold all of Oliver's clothes, which were then placed in the spare room next door.
…
When Oliver arrived home from work, Natalie asked why he had moved so many of his belongings here.
“If my wife won’t come home, then I’ll just stay with her,” Oliver explained. Noticing Natalie's expression, he asked, "Is that not permitted?"
"I mean, you can stay next door, right?”
Oliver raised an eyebrow, silently questioning her reasoning.
"Flora's runway debut is next week, and I need to be there for rehearsals starting tomorrow," Natalie clarified.
Oliver paused, calculating. Today was Wednesday, and with the show on Saturday night, that was almost 10 days away.
"Rehearsals for that long?" Oliver looked at her skeptically, "Are you serious?"
Natalie laughed at his disbelief.
Oliver leaned against the dining table, his mood becoming somber, like storm clouds gathering.
Natalie quickly added, "I’m not doing this intentionally. Flora's show this time is quite unique. It's akin to a play, a story unfolding on the runway — innovative but complex. Hence, we need to make a lot of preparations."
Moreover, Natalie and Flora had numerous details to review and stage settings to finalize.
None of her explanations seemed to ease Oliver's mood.
"I have no interest in her unique show. What concerns me is that my wife, who has just reconciled with me, is about to leave for more than a week. And for some reason, my wife, the model, is now acting as director."
She sighed internally, knowing arguing would be futile as he would only become more adamant.
"It's not just me. Jane, the photographer, has to be there tomorrow as well," Natalie added, trying to offer him some perspective.
Oliver dismissed the notion with a snort. "What do I care about Jane?"
He stepped closer. He reached out for her waist and pulled her closer as he asked, “Natalie, how often have you made decisions and informed me afterward?"
"I haven’t!" Natalie protested. "All of this was arranged before we reconciled. The decisions I made then did not require your agreement. And besides, I’m informing you now, right?"
"Oh, with such generous notice? Let’s see…"
Oliver checked his watch.
"12 hours?"
Natalie was speechless at his precision.
Seeing her flustered expression, Oliver could no longer hold back. He pressed her against the wall, kissing her passionately.
What began as a playful peck intended as a light reprimand transformed into something neither could break away from.
Oliver's intentions were clear.
“I have a meeting with Jane and Flora tomorrow. Don’t leave any marks; they’ll see!" Natalie pushed him away, placing her hand over his mouth.
Oliver had not considered that possibility until she mentioned it. Once she did, he found the idea intriguing. It served as a direct indication to her friends that they had reconciled.
"They’re not naive teenagers, you know."
"Oliver, wait! I haven’t even showered yet." Natalie attempted to deflect.
Indeed, Flora and Jane were well-informed about their situation, and it would not be a significant issue if they noticed anything. However, Natalie preferred to keep such personal matters a secret. Just thinking about it made her cringe.
"I haven’t showered either, so let’s shower together."
Upon hearing Oliver's suggestion, Natalie found herself unexpectedly lifted off the ground as he carried her in his arms.
She exclaimed in surprise, “Oliver, wait!”
"I can’t wait, especially when I think about spending the next 12 hours alone in this old house after you leave."
…
When all was said and done, Natalie realized that Oliver had been considerate the previous night, giving her time to adjust.
It was dawn before Oliver, feeling somewhat guilty, finally let her go.
Concerned about her day ahead, Natalie's sleep was restless. Fortunately, she had set an alarm, which ensured she woke up on time.
The moment she stood up, she nearly fell to her knees. At that moment, she felt a wave of frustration toward Oliver.
It took some time for Natalie to collect herself. She changed her clothes and prepared to leave the bedroom. Before she left, she took the trash bag.
Oliver, accustomed to his privileged lifestyle, simply threw items in the trash can; expecting him to take the initiative to replace the bag was overly optimistic.