Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 170

Chapter 170: They Changed into Deeper Feelings
Lariette ended up feeling drowsy, leading her to take a short nap. Ruediger lowered the volume after changing the playlist to soft country songs. The soothing melody filled the vehicle.

Glancing at the dashboard screen, Ruediger looked at the estimated time before reaching the rest area. It would take them forty-five minutes more.

The expressway was not as crowded as the city roads far behind. The lush greenery of the rolling hills and the golden wheat fields stretched far into the horizon.

‘Moonville… and Amberwood. Has it been years since my first and last visit?’

Ruediger’s emerald eyes rested on Lariette’s sleeping face for a moment before returning his focus to the road ahead. He couldn’t help but recall the very first time he stepped foot in Moonville Village in the north.

Ruediger initially visited Amberwood. No one recognized or remembered him, but they did so to Lariette and Mrs. Evans. They mentioned that the girl and her grandmother had already moved.

Then, Ruediger headed to Moonville, only to learn Lariette had already left the village. One resident mentioned that the Evanses were not her biological family.

Hearing the news surprised Ruediger. This was something out of his expectations. Sadly, he didn’t learn in-depth details from the villager.

“Her grandfather hires someone to take care of the old Mrs. Evans. The girl usually comes to visit during breaks.”

“Her family is sooo rich! Lari is so lucky! Still, she doesn’t forget about us here. Her grandfather helps to rebuild some old houses here as thanks.”

Ruediger didn’t press further about Lariette. Knowing the little girl from his past was found by her wealthy biological family made him glad. He believed her life had changed for the better.

The intention to repay his gratitude led Ruediger to begin his search. He was more than grateful to know about the positive changes in Lariette and Mrs. Evans’ life.

Believing the lady lived happily with her newly-found biological family made Ruediger cease his search. No matter how much he wished to meet her personally, he was still cautious.

After all, his appearance might trigger her to remember the unpleasant memory.

Unfortunately… what he envisioned was far from the truth. The one who led him to her, also the reality, was none other than his own cousin.

Indeed, fate was a mysterious thing.

Ruediger had never expected Madeline’s new friend to be Lariette Elsher, the one he was looking for. His cousin also filled him in with details about the lady’s new life.

Sure, Lariette received the best financial stability but, she had to trade her mental peace with it due to the Elsher family’s indifference. Luckily, she had Chairman Delaney by her side.

‘Will I tell her about me soon? But… what if she’ll tell me to leave?’

Ruediger had lots of worries after impulsively offering himself to be Lariette’s contracted husband. He had already foresaw her being so upset with him, and even feeling betrayed once she learned who he was.

Still…

He was selfish. He couldn’t deny that aspect of him. He approached the unsuspecting her after years of being in the shadows.

What began as concerns and gratitude for the little friend in his past eventually changed into deeper feelings.

‘Enough. Don’t wallow in self-pity.’

Smiling faintly, Ruediger tried to suppress his worry from flaring its tendrils within him. For now, he could only move along the route he had chosen.

If he was stuck, he believed he could clear the obstacles or dig other routes.

Ruediger continued driving in silence, occasionally glancing at Lariette. He remembered her offer to exchange as the next driver halfway to the north but, he didn’t intend to take it up.

“…emm.”

Blinking, Ruediger briefly looked at Lariette. She let out a yawn, stirred awake from her nap. He chuckled seeing her rubbing her eyes.

“Awake now, Sleeping Beauty?”

Lariette stretched her arms, trying to chase away her lingering drowsiness. Laughing softly, she turned her head, staring at Ruediger.

“Such a good nap. Now I’m hungry again.”

“Hahaha! We’ll reach our first stop soon. In fifteen minutes.”

Lariette smiled sheepishly. She drank some water, washing away her thirst. She felt better than before.

Not long after, the truck rolled into the rest area, coming to a smooth stop under a shady tree. Being a weekday, the rest area didn’t have many visitors.

Ruediger glanced out the window, thinking how particularly scenic this area was. Lariette also did the same.

Surrounded by the lush greenery, the abundance of tall trees swayed gently in the summer breeze. Colorful flower beds lined up the sides of the pathways.

“Eddy, hurry! Get out!”

Lariette had already climbed down the truck, eagerly telling Ruediger to alight the vehicle. The cool breeze tousled her long hair, spreading the scent of the freshly cut grass mixed with the floral fragrance.

Ruediger laughed in helplessness. Sliding out of the truck, he shut the door behind him. Lariette circled the vehicle, heading to him.

“I told you, didn’t I?” Lariette covered her beaming face, her eyes glimmering, “This is a nice stop. Great views, good food and even entertainment. Look! They have a play area.”

Ruediger’s eyes followed to where Lariette pointed at. He noticed the fenced-off game zone. Aside from the jungle gym for the children, the rest area also had a baseball track and a basketball court.

Placing his hands on his hips, Ruediger arched his brows, “Baseball, huh? Wanna play a round or two after eating?”

“You play baseball?” asked Lariette, inwardly thinking if this was another one of Ruediger’s many hidden talents.

“A little bit,” Ruediger’s lips spread into a grin. He added jokingly, “Well, I’ll let you witness another episode of how great your househusband is. What do you think?”

Ruediger’s remark spilled laughter from Lariette’s lips. Raising one of her brows, she replied, her tone playful, “I won’t say no to that. Which episode is this? The nineteenth? Or, thirty-seventh?”

“You’re wrong,” Ruediger shook his head, even making a gesture by wagging his index figure, “It’s the ninety-ninth.”

Glaring at Ruediger, Lariette openly scoffed. The man chortled out loud, amused by her reaction. His laughter echoed in the air, spreading in the parking lot.