Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 142

Chapter 142: The Faith in Her Heart
After feeding the adorable ducks and spending some time by the pond, Lariette and Ruediger resumed riding the bikes. They eventually circled the public park, watching the lively ambiance in passing.

Biking around the park was such a nice thing to do. Taking in the scenery, seeing the people interacting with each other, and also feeling the nice breeze helped to lift one’s mood.

As the hours changed to late afternoon, more people visited the park. The children happily played at the jungle gym and also occupied the small football field.

“Papa! Throw the ball, please~”

“Should we sit there? I’m getting tired.”

“Oh? That’s so nice! What else did he tell you?”

Indistinct chatters and laughter blended with the other sounds, echoing in the air.

Ruediger cycled behind Lariette. Along the way, his eyes spotted something.

“Lettie! Wanna stop there? The cafe?”

“Oh? Okay!”

Ruediger shouted from behind, one hand pointing to a small cafe ahead. Lariette glanced behind her shoulder, agreeing with him.

Lariette and Ruediger slowed to a stop once they reached the cafe. The quaint building was nestled under the shade of an old oak tree.

The rustic wooden sign swayed slightly in the breeze. The sun filtered through the rustling leaves, casting a shimmer on its surface.

“That was so much fun,” Lariette stretched her arms, sighing in satisfaction, “But, I’m hungry now. What should we get?”

Ruediger dismounted the bike, parking it near the cafe. Raking his fingers through his crimson locks, he threw Lariette a look, “Knowing you, surely some pastries too, huh?”

“Hahaha! That’s true!”

Lariette also got off the bike and parked it next to Ruediger’s. She quickly followed him to the cafe, eager to get some cold drinks and buttery pastries.

Once Ruediger pushed the door open, the bell hanging above chimed, announcing their arrival. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and flaky pastries welcomed them, including the soft hum of jazz music.

Ruediger and Lariette headed to the counter. They browsed the menu, arms almost touching each other. He got himself an iced black tea while she opted for a chilled strawberry watermelon juice.

“Don’t you want some pastries?” Ruediger pointed to the display glass next to the counter, his lips curling up, “They have quite good selections.”

Lariette chewed her lower lip, unable to refrain from not getting any. She looked at the display glass case, seeing several of her favorites there.

“One matcha tiramisu,” Lariette told the staff behind the counter, “Also, two egg tarts.”

Chuckles slipped past Ruediger’s mouth. Lariette clearly wanted more but, holding herself back. He also refrained from buying more pastries, knowing both of them had eaten so much before.

Ruediger paid this time. He smirked when Lariette shot him a look. Arching his brows, he said, “We should take turns, remember?”

Lariette smiled in helplessness. She grabbed the pager from the counter before heading to one of the tables by the windows. Ruediger quickly trailed after her.

“Are you enjoying today?” Ruediger threw the question once he sat across Lariette. His smile mirrored the joy in his heart.

Nodding, Lariette laughed softly. She propped one arm up on the table, supporting her chin. Her sapphire eyes traced Ruediger’s soft countenance, a contrast to his naturally rugged features.

“I do,” Lariette said, her voice almost a whisper before she added more clearly, “Well, today is better than I expected actually. Thanks to you, Eddy.”

The smile on Ruediger’s lips faded slightly, understanding what Lariette meant. Still, he was pleased to know her emotions weren’t in such turmoil.

Lariette was mostly quiet when Declan revealed the shocking details behind what happened on the island. Ruediger’s worries for her made his heart more uneasy.

Despite knowing she possessed a strong heart and soul, he still couldn’t help but be concerned for her.

“It’s surprising. You’re dragged into this mess because of his malicious plan, but…” Ruediger’s tone changed, sounding firmer than before. His emerald eyes glinted sharply, “He won’t escape easily. He’ll pay for his crimes.”

Lariette blinked, sensing the determination in Ruediger’s tone. For some reason, just the sound of it helped to soothe the lingering uneasiness in her heart.

“Yes. I believe so, Eddy.”

Her lips melted into a safe, reflecting the faith in her heart.

Ruediger and Lariette were in no rush to finish their drinks and the pastries. They began chatting about random subjects, the ambiance around them softening as they no longer focused on Leon’s case.

“Oh, you hiked to Annapurna Base Camp? I’ve heard my colleagues talking about it.”

Lariette was amazed once Ruediger mentioned the mountains and places he had traveled before. She didn’t expect to hear him mentioning one of the world-famous trekking routes.

“I went there five years ago,” said Ruediger after sipping his drink, washing away the taste of the egg tart, “Saying the view was breathtaking kinda an understatement actually.”

“Wow~ That’s so admirable,” Lariette sighed, wondering how good she could view it herself, “I don’t really keep up with my fitness. I do enjoy dart throwing and archery tho.”

Ruediger grabbed the fork, slicing through the matcha tiramisu shared between him and Lariette, “When was the last time you did archery? I knew some basics. I can join you next time.”

“Hehe, kinda two months ago,” Lariette chuckled, happy with Ruediger’s suggestion, “Maddie usually accompanies me. We can invite her too. She’s a great archer.”

Ruediger smiled but, it didn’t reach his eyes. He made a mental note to persuade Madeline to give him some alone time with Lariette even if his cousin ended up joining.

Lariette and Ruediger left the cafe when the sun had begun its descent. A warm, golden glow was cast all over the park. Being summer, the sunset wouldn’t happen anytime soon.

“Do you still want dinner?” asked Ruediger after he and Lariette returned the bicycles to the rental stand. They strolled to the parking lot.

“I’m stuffed,” Lariette patted her tummy, feeling it bloated under her shirt. She added sheepishly, “I’ll just cook the wontons if I’m hungry later.”

“Sure. We still have many leftovers,” Ruediger nodded, approving Lariette’s plan.

Some of the wontons from before were still left in the freezer section. They could just either steam, boil or fry the delicious pockets if they were hungry.

Lariette and Ruediger climbed into the truck, getting ready to head back to the apartment. The golden rays of the sunlight shone on the metallic surface of the truck, leaving glitters in its wake.

Ring! Ring!

Ruediger had just buckled his seatbelt when his phone began ringing. He quickly fished it out of the jacket pocket. Recognition flickered in his eyes once he saw the Caller ID.

“It’s Nate,” muttered Ruediger, glancing at Lariette briefly before answering the call. He placed the phone next to his ear, “Hello, Nate. What’s up?”

Lariette silently watched Ruediger as he listened to Nathaniel at the end of the line. The latter’s voice wasn’t really audible but, somehow he sounded distressed.

Lariette’s guess turned right as Ruediger’s expression faltered.

“Did you really say… Elsie contacted you? She wants to meet you?”

Lariette blinked, surprised by Ruediger’s question to Nathaniel.

Elsie?

Wasn’t she… the lady in the photos with the younger Nathaniel?