Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 183

Chapter 183: The Morning of the Quaint Cottage
The early, gentle rays of the sun woke Lariette up the next morning. Rolling lazily on the mattress, she forced herself out of bed and stretched her limbs.

The clock pointed to a quarter past six. The needles ticked in a steady rhythm.

Outside, the summer sun had already showered the tranquil village under its lights, but the area was still generally dim.

Most residents were already awake, ready to start the last weekday before the weekend arrived tomorrow.

‘So sleepy…’

After washing her face, Lariette headed out of the bedroom. She wore a thin cardigan over her nightgown. The hem lightly brushed her calves as she walked.

The morning air was cool, better and fresher than the air in the city. Lariette quietly walked down the hallway, her eyes darting to the closed door of Ruediger’s bedroom.

‘Still sleeping, I guess.’

Lariette recalled Ruediger’s injured back. She hoped the bruise didn’t worsen overnight. If that happened, she had, absolutely, had to drag him to the doctor.

Yawning, Lariette covered her mouth. She abruptly halted her steps once her eyes caught someone’s silhouette in the living room.

“…Eddy? You’re awake already? Since when?”

Ruediger looked up from his phone, flashing a soft smile to Lariette. He chuckled seeing the surprised look on her face.

“I woke up just now,” Ruediger answered easily. Turning around, he draped one arm on the couch cushion, his eyes remaining on Lariette, “You’re up early. Wanna pick the flowers?”

“Yes.”

Lariette learned that picking flowers at dawn was a good way to get the freshest. She wanted to make a beautiful bouquet out of the flowers available in the garden.

“I’ll join you,” Ruediger put his phone down on the coffee table, rising to his feet.

Lariette nodded, a soft smile spreading on her lips. She gestured to the door leading to the side porch. Ruediger followed her closely.

“How’s your back?” Lariette asked, her voice having a tinge of concern, “Did you get to sleep well?”

“Not as painful anymore. I slept well,” Ruediger chuckled. He raised one arm, reaching for his back, “I think it’s still swollen but… not sure.”

Shaking her head slightly, Lariette smiled in helplessness, “I’ll put the cold compress again. How about before we go to Aunt Mel’s house?”

“Okay.”

Ruediger didn’t hesitate to take up on Lariette’s offer. Thinking that it was not a hard task and wouldn’t burden her, he quickly agreed.

Well, it felt great to have her worrying about him even though it made him feel guilty too.

Ahem.

Lariette got a pair of scissors and a basket from the table near the door. Then, she and Ruediger walked along the dewy grass, the soft hues of dawn showering over their figures.

The cool morning air carried the faint scent of earth, infused with the fragrance of the blooming flowers. The birds chirped occasionally, the sound blending with the chickens cooing.

Lariette kneeled before a flower bed, followed by Ruediger. Her gaze scanned the sea of wildflowers swaying gently in the breeze.

Ruediger briefly looked at Lariette, seeing the warm shades of dawn cast on her face. Smiling, he slowly tore his eyes away, now staring at the flowers.

“White daisies, purple asters, yellow marigolds, and…” Ruediger paused, not recognizing another patch of flowers in the magenta color, “Lettie, which flowers are these?”

Lariette’s gaze followed where Ruediger was pointing. Grinning, she said, “Those are zinnias. Beautiful, aren’t they? Grandma liked them too.”

Ruediger’s smile softened, “Yes.”

‘As beautiful as you.’

Lariette began plucking the flowers, selecting the fresh ones before cutting the stem with the scissors. A light mist clung to the flowers, cooling her fingertips.

Ruediger watched as Lariette handled the flowers with care, his eyes catching the way the golden light illuminated her soft features. Without a word, he took the flowers handed by her before placing them carefully in the basket.

‘I like this.’

Ruediger couldn’t help but appreciate this little moment he shared with Lariette. He loved being surrounded by the tranquility in the morning as they greeted the dawn by plucking flowers in the garden.

It was quite embarrassing for him to admit it, but picturing such a slow and serene life with her in a small village like this made him happier.

Maybe, just maybe… it would become true in the future?

Lariette and Ruediger moved through the garden in comfortable silence. The basket became heavier as time passed, full of vibrant and colorful petals.

“These are enough already,” said Lariette after taking a look at the basket held by Ruediger, “Let’s get inside. We need to get ready for our breakfast.”

“Okay.”

Lariette washed her hands under the water tap, relishing from the cool water. Ruediger did the same. Then, they made their way back inside the cottage.

Before they got ready, Lariette insisted on checking Ruediger’s injury. Once again, he lay on the couch, letting her place the towel-wrapped frozen pea bag on the bruised area.

“It’s still swollen but not too much,” commented Lariette, a sigh leaving her lips, “I’ll put a hot compress on later once it’s not swollen anymore.”

Lariette still remembered what the medic had advised her. She also searched for some information on the Internet.

If Ruediger’s bruise had stopped swelling or being tender, she could switch to warm therapy. Just putting a warm towel or heating pad was enough to help the bruise heal faster.

“I’ll just listen to you, Dr. Lariette,” replied Ruediger, his voice muffled from resting his head on the couch seat.

Lariette huffed, crossing her arms together, “Yes, you really should listen to me.”

Ruediger bit his lower lip, holding back from laughing. He wanted to tease Lariette more, but refrained himself.

After being freed from the frozen pea bag, Ruediger got ready to go to the Campbells’ home. Lariette was already inside her bedroom, wanting to take a shower.

They left the flowers in the cottage as they headed to Paul and Melissa’s house for breakfast, only bringing along the bicycle. The husband and wife warmly welcomed them.

“We heard of what happened last night,” Melissa said as they dined, her voice having a mix of marvel and worry, “Are you alright, Eddy?”

Ruediger nodded, smiling, “I’m fine. Thank you for asking, Aunt Mel.”

Paul explained how the news about the old man—Grandpa Allan—was saved by a young man spread in the village’s group chat. The Campbells deduced it was Ruediger from the people’s descriptions.

“Are you sure you’re fine?” Paul frowned, his attention went away from the plate in front of him.

“I’m really alright, Aunt Mel, Uncle Paul,” Ruediger reiterated while thanking them once again, “Lettie takes good care of me. I had to ice my back before she let me go to sleep.”

“…”

Lariette shot Ruediger a glare, her cheeks flushing red. Melissa and Paul burst into laughter, the merry echo bouncing off the walls.

“Our Little Lettie is a good wife, taking care of her injured husband.”

“Hehe, her grandma will be so proud and happy for her. She gets a caring husband too.”

Lariette bit her lower lip. She swore that she felt the heat from her cheeks became hotter. Glaring at Ruediger, he simply winked at her.