Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 179

Chapter 179: Shimmering Lights By The Riverside
Lariette and Ruediger went back into the cottage after seeing Paul and Melissa off. They would go to the Campbells’ house later tonight to borrow their bicycle.

It was faster and easier to go to the festival by bicycle instead of driving a truck. The road might be congested by other visitors.

“I made some tea,” Ruediger told Lariette as he followed her to the kitchen, “Want some?”

“Have you eaten? Oh, thanks for the tea.”

Lariette replied to Ruediger with a question instead of answering him immediately. She glanced at the counter where she had put Melissa’s home-cooked meal earlier.

“I have,” Ruediger smiled. He opened the fridge, taking out a jug of chilled black tea, “You should eat now. We still have time before going to the festival.”

Lariette simply nodded. Patting her tummy, she couldn’t deny that she was hungry. She had long digested everything she ate at the rest area, including what she bought before leaving the place.

After reheating the meal, Lariette sat at the small dining table. Ruediger poured her a glass of chilled black tea while sitting across her.

The cottage was quiet, save for the little movements they made. The last rays of sunlight streamed through the open windows, blending with the lights from the lamps.

“Did you sleep well?” asked Lariette before taking a bite of her food. She wondered how Ruediger’s first nap was in this unfamiliar place to him.

“Yes,” Ruediger nodded, drawing his lips into a teasing grin, “I slept so well that I dreamed of Little Lettie running around the house.”

Lariette widened her eyes. Scowling, she launched a kick, hitting Ruediger’s left leg under the table.

“Eh? My leg felt funny,” Ruediger exclaimed, wearing an innocent face, “Lettie, do we have mice here? They like biting, huh? Quite ticklish. Their teeth are so tiny.”

“…”

Narrowing her eyes, Lariette didn’t break her eye contact with Ruediger as she chomped on her food. The man burst out laughing, the echoes bounced off the walls.

Lariette and Ruediger got ready for the festival at seven-thirty. Both of them were dressed casually. The night air felt nice as they walked down the road, going to the Campbells’ house first.

“Hello, you two! We’ve been waiting!”

Paul welcomed Lariette and Ruediger to the front porch. He was enjoying a cup of tea while reading a newspaper.

“Uncle Paul, where’s Aunt Mel?” Lariette glanced at the yard, looking for Melissa. Her eyes drifted to the closed windows.

“She’s at her mom’s. That’s the bike.”

Paul pointed to a bicycle parking under the porch. Ruediger and Lariette thanked him. The crimson-haired man hopped on the bike, steadying it with one foot.

Glancing behind his shoulder, Ruediger gestured at Lariette to sit behind him, “Aren’t you going? Hurry up.”

“Okay, okay. Oh… I’ll tell you the directions.”

Lariette climbed onto the back seat, her hands hesitantly clutching the back of Ruediger’s shirt. Sitting behind him like this reminded her of the time he carried her on his back[01].

They waved goodbye at Paul before Ruediger started pedaling the bike.

The wind carried the scent of the surrounding forest as Ruediger and Lariette rode through the streets. The moon hung low, bathing the area in its silver glow. They occasionally bumped into other villagers.

Lariette tilted up her chin, staring at the back of Ruediger’s head. Her gaze was fixated on his wavy, crimson strands which shimmered under the moonlight—like blazing liquid fire.

Lariette didn’t realize a faint smile curled on her lips, her heart fluttering with an unspoken warmth. Recalling the moment back at the isle brought along a familiar sense of security.

Soon, Ruediger and Lariette finally arrived at the festival ground. The visitors’ chatter and laughter, including the delicious scent of food and the bright lights strung around the area, welcomed them.

“Where should we go first?” asked Ruediger after parking the bicycle among the many others. He made sure to lock it before walking away with Lariette.

“Let’s go there,” Lariette pointed in a direction, “We can buy food or play games. That’s the bonfire.”

Lariette swept her gaze across the area, smiling seeing the riverside buzzed with life. The much-awaited summer festival unfolded beneath the clear night sky.

Stalls lined up the area, forming three rows. The scent of sizzling skewers, sweet pastries and roasted chestnuts filled the night air. The visitors, especially the children, happily darted between the booths.

The river mirrored the flickering lights. Some people enjoyed their food there while others chose to ride the small boats.

“That bonfire is quite big,” Ruediger commented, his emerald eyes focusing on the towering bonfire crackling against the night.

“Hehe, yes. It’s kind of a tradition to dance around the fire,” Lariette chuckled, agreeing with Ruediger, “Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go!”

“Hahaha! Okay, okay. Lead the way, my lady.”

Lariette grabbed Ruediger by his arm, tugging him to follow her. He simply let her hold him, enjoying the simple touch between them.

They walked past a few stalls while thinking of what to get until they paused at a booth selling skewered meat.

“Lettie! How have you been? I haven’t seen you in ages! Oh! Who’s this?”

A friendly lady around Melissa’s age welcomed Lariette. She operated the stall with her husband. He paused from grilling the skewers to greet the young lady.

“Aunt Nella! Hehe, I’ve just arrived this afternoon,” Lariette waved both of her hands, happy to meet the lady, “I brought my husband to visit Grandma’s grave tomorrow. This is Ruediger, my husband.”

“What?!”

Ruediger smiled sheepishly at the sight of the husband and wife’s shocked faces. He introduced himself politely.

“Aww! You didn’t tell us you’ve gotten married!” Nella shook her head in regret, “We can’t talk much now, what a pity. Oh, which one do you want?”

Lariette and Ruediger left the stall with some grilled chicken and beef. Nella insisted they were on the house before shooing Lariette who insisted on paying.

“Aunt Nella lived closer before,” Lariette explained with a helpless smile, looking at Ruediger, “She moved to the neighboring village when I was twelve.”

Ruediger nodded, happy to learn more about Lariette even though only tidbits. Arching his brows, he said jokingly, “Will the others give you food for free again? You’ll save so much!”

“Hahaha! You jest,” Lariette nudged Ruediger’s arm, pretending to frown, “We’re just lucky.”

Ruediger said nothing. In a happier mood, he continued following Lariette around.

They bought more snacks before heading to the riverside. Eating while looking at its pretty scenery helped elevate their appetite.

“Should we play some games?” Lariette suggested as she settled on a boulder, “We still have much time before the dance.”

“Sounds good,” Ruediger quickly agreed. While unwrapping the sandwich he bought, he said, “I saw a dart booth. You can show off there.”

“Yes! I’ll win the biggest prize!”

Ruediger laughed upon hearing Lariette’s determination. His lips softened into a smile once the laughter faded. His eyes remained on her face.

Today was so good. He wished the night would end well for both of them. He couldn’t wait to dance around the bonfire with her.

Unfortunately…

The universe seemed to be against his wish.

———-

Reference:

1 – Chapter 90