Chapter 158 He Is Welcoming His Princess
The grand hall had been completely emptied of furniture and transformed into something breathtaking.
White and blush pink dominated the décor throughout the space.
Vibrant lilies and roses bloomed in abundant clusters, their delicate fragrance filling the air with the sweet scent of summer gardens.
Along the staircase, intricate floral wreaths wound around the banister in elegant spirals.
Flowing pink drapes hung gracefully from the walls, catching the gentle breeze like silk scarves.
Soft music drifted through the room—her favorite piano piece—creating an enchanted atmosphere.
Rose-gold lighting cast a warm glow over everything, making each step feel like walking through a fairy tale.
Beneath an enormous crystal chandelier, a long dining table draped in fine linen held gleaming silver candlesticks. Red wine breathed in crystal decanters, releasing rich, fruity aromas.
The staff was busy arranging an elaborate spread: herb-crusted beef tenderloin, cedar-plank salmon... each dish a masterpiece that made her mouth water.
Just then, Nicholas emerged from the kitchen.
He wore an absurdly cheerful cartoon-print apron over his clothes, carrying a platter of golden glazed pork ribs with orange slices.
Fresh orange wheels were artfully arranged around the meat, everything glistening with a honey-citrus glaze that looked absolutely divine.
He'd secretly practiced this dish all day in the kitchen, choking on smoke countless times and burning his hands with hot oil, until he finally matched the flavor of their estate chef's signature recipe.
Emma stared at him in this unexpectedly domestic mode, momentarily speechless.
She cleared her throat softly. "I should go change. I'll be right back down."
Nicholas nodded gently.
Back in her room, Emma found a formal dress already laid out perfectly on her bed.
Dining with him always required ceremony.
Yes, she needed this ritual to push away the unease and heaviness weighing on her heart.
She slipped into the moonlight-silver gown and carefully pinned up her soft waves, revealing her graceful neck.
When she descended again, romantic music was floating through the hall.
Nicholas had also changed into an impeccably tailored black suit that emphasized his tall, distinguished frame.
He stood at the bottom of the curved staircase, waiting for her.
She descended in her flowing gown, the fabric swaying with each graceful step.
He looked up from below, his deep gaze tender as he welcomed his princess home.
She was absolutely stunning.
Each footstep landed directly on his heart.
At the last two steps, he extended his hand and caught hers steadily, then leaned down to press a reverent kiss to her bandaged knuckles.
The kiss landed right on that ridiculous gauze.
Emma suddenly felt like laughing again, her cheeks warming.
He knew exactly what she was thinking—another joke about their matching "bear paws."
"Go ahead and laugh," he said in that low, gentle voice with a hint of indulgent affection.
Emma finally couldn't help herself, covering her mouth as soft laughter escaped, joy lighting her eyes.
He gallantly pulled out her chair, and she settled gracefully into it.
He poured wine for her, his lips curving into that devastatingly charming smile.
Elegantly raising his glass, his dark eyes sparkled in the candlelight.
"The first toast goes to Dr. N."
His voice was rich and magnetic.
"Thank you for saving FD, for saving Harrison Group, for igniting hope in cancer patients worldwide, and for..." his voice dropped to a whisper, "opening a window for Nicholas."
Emma blinked in surprise. "Wait, isn't this supposed to be your birthday dinner? How did it become about toasting me?"
"Let me finish my toasts first, then you can wish me happy birthday!" His tone carried that familiar commanding edge. This was the first time he'd formally thanked her, and this gratitude demanded proper ceremony—hence tonight's elaborate arrangement.
"Alright," Emma nodded, raising her glass.
"Cheers!" The crystal rang out beautifully as their glasses met.
They both drained their wine in one smooth motion.
Emma watched him, trying to lighten the mood. "Mr. Harrison, now that FD is in such high demand, don't forget Bluebird Tech's profit sharing."
He chuckled low. "Don't worry, it's already taken care of."
Everything was in his will.
He looked at her with such infinite tenderness that she felt herself drowning in those depths.
"Let's eat something first."
Nicholas used the serving spoons to place glazed ribs on her plate.
Emma slowly picked up a piece and took a bite. The meat was incredibly tender, infused with bright orange sweetness and a hint of natural citrus acidity that awakened her taste buds. It was absolutely perfect.
She looked at him in amazement. "Nicholas, you actually made this? I'm starting to think you ordered takeout."
Nicholas laughed softly. "Mrs. Henderson from the estate kitchen spent the entire afternoon teaching me. Charlie was my official taste-tester."
He added with a grin, "Feel free to call and ask him if you don't believe me."
Charlie thought to himself, 'Please don't mention me. I never want to see pork ribs or oranges again in my life.'
Emma laughed. "Seems like you have real potential as a chef, Mr. Harrison."
Nicholas poured a second glass and raised it again.
"The second toast is to Emma." His gaze locked on her face. "Thank you for coming into my life. Thank you for twelve years of quiet, devoted love."
Emma watched his serious expression, her heart suddenly racing. "Nicholas, you're... saying goodbye to me."
She quietly set down her glass, and the atmosphere grew heavy.
"Emma, for the past three years, I didn't treasure you. That will probably be... my life's greatest regret."
Nicholas's soulful eyes held hers, his voice low and raw. "For whatever time remains, I hope you find peace and happiness."
He gently clinked his glass against hers, then drained his wine completely.
"Nicholas, please don't say goodbye tonight, okay?" Her beautiful eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "Today should be about celebrating your birthday. We should be happy."
Nicholas fell silent for several heartbeats, then forced a lighter tone. "You stopped at the second toast—I think you're trying to get out of this."
"Oh, really?" Emma rose to his challenge and grabbed her glass. "To Emma, to Nicholas, to our four bear paws."
She knocked back the wine in one go.
The oppressive mood lifted instantly.
Nicholas quickly served more food onto her plate. "Eat something now."
Emma happily dug in, praising between bites, "Nicholas, if you ever go bankrupt, you could open a restaurant. I'd be your best customer."
Nicholas watched her cheeks puff out adorably as she chewed and smiled at him, and pure happiness flooded through him.
In this moment, happiness became very concrete, like warm blankets on winter mornings, hot soup when hungry, embraces after long separations, and the upturn of a lover's lips...
She kept putting food in his bowl while eating, insisting, "You need to eat too. Even if you can't taste it, it'll keep your strength up."
He put the food in his mouth and chewed elegantly, finding it delicious.
Soon he set down his chopsticks and poured a third glass of wine.
He had no idea that tonight, alcohol would make him lose control completely.
He had no idea he would torment her for hours.
The sins of this night would make them miss their chance at happiness once again...