Chapter 509 Living Together
Rachel came out of the bathroom and saw Nicholas waiting for her. His glasses were off now, and his book was on the bedside table. He was leaning against the headboard with his eyes half-closed. When he heard the door, he opened his eyes and sat up.
Rachel shuffled to the bed, and Nicholas smiled, patting the spot next to him. "Rachel, time to sleep," he said in his deep, husky voice.
Rachel always felt like he was seducing her, but she had no proof. She climbed into bed, lying flat with her eyes closed, her eyelashes slightly trembling as she pretended to sleep.
Nicholas smiled, turned off the light, and lay down too.
In the dark, they both lay there, knowing the other wasn't asleep.
After a while, Nicholas broke the silence. "Rachel, when are you moving?"
He knew she was looking for a place but hadn't asked if she found one.
Rachel had seen a few places, and one was nice—new, close to her studio, just a five or six-minute walk. There were supermarkets and restaurants nearby. She planned to rent it, but the current tenant had half a month left on the lease. She hadn't signed the contract yet.
"I haven't signed the contract yet; probably next month," Rachel said, not thinking much about why Nicholas was asking.
Maybe he planned to help her move, given how busy he was.
Nicholas was secretly pleased she hadn't signed yet; there was still time.
He turned to face Rachel and gently asked, "Rachel, would you like to move in with me?"
Rachel was stunned and didn't speak.
In the darkness, Nicholas was nervous, holding his breath, waiting for her answer.
After a while, Rachel replied, "I haven't thought about it."
She really hadn't. Her upbringing made her very independent. It wasn't that she couldn't accept living together before marriage; she just felt she shouldn't rely entirely on him before they were officially married. Having her own place gave her a sense of security.
Nicholas didn't push her.
"Can you think about it until you decide to sign the contract?" he asked, almost pleading.
Rachel softly replied, "Okay," indicating she would seriously consider it.
She didn't take long to decide.
The next morning, Rachel told Nicholas she was willing to move in with him but wanted to handle the daily expenses until they were officially married. She knew Nicholas wouldn't accept rent from her and would probably be upset if she insisted. Since they were heading towards marriage, moving in together sooner seemed like a good idea.
Nicholas was thrilled and agreed to everything. "Okay, whatever you say."
That day, he took Rachel to Springside Villa and quickly moved all her packed belongings.
Rachel had said there was no rush and that she could move slowly, but Nicholas couldn't wait and took immediate action.
Rachel had a lot of stuff from living in Horizon City for years. She was frugal and never threw things away. When packing for Springside Villa, she decided to toss many old items and planned to buy new ones. Now, moving in with Nicholas, she didn't need to buy anything since he had everything.
After moving her belongings, Nicholas's one-bedroom apartment was instantly filled. He had cleared out half the wardrobe for her clothes, and now every corner of the house had traces of Rachel. He couldn't be happier.
The small apartment finally felt like it had a female touch.
When Rachel went to see Madison, she returned the keys to Springside Villa and told her she was moving in with Nicholas. She visited Madison and the new baby frequently, always bringing something, whether it was eggs from the market or a hen from the countryside. Although Madison always said they had everything and Rachel didn't need to trouble herself, she still brought something every time, saying, "These are free-range chickens from home, very good for new mothers. Have more soup."
"Okay," Madison said, genuinely touched.
Rachel's kindness towards Madison and the children didn't go unnoticed by Matthew, and even William was very fond of her, treating her like his own granddaughter. They would always pack some fruit for her to take home.
Everyone could afford these things, but it was the thought that counted.
Madison gladly accepted the keys when she knew Rachel was moving in with Nicholas. That night, lying in bed with Matthew, she shared the news with a smile, murmuring, "I wonder when they'll have their wedding. I don't know what to give Rachel for her wedding. I've already prepared the wedding dress, but it doesn't feel like enough. I need to think ahead and prepare."
Matthew, half-lying next to her with a parenting book in hand, raised an eyebrow and said, "Giving more cash is the most practical."
Madison gave him a playful glare. "Money is a bit too tacky. She's Quentin and Hannah's godmother, after all."
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