Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 184

Chapter 184: The Husband of The Granddaughter You Cherished
After breakfast, Lariette and Ruediger returned to the cottage. They thanked Melissa and Paul for the delicious breakfast.

Then, Lariette and Ruediger headed out again, this time going to the graveyard. She carried the flower basket in her right arm while he brought a paper bag of pear cider.

“What are those for?” asked Ruediger the first time he saw three bottles of pear cider.

“Grandma loved pear cider,” Lariette chuckled. She lightly shook one of the glass bottles, “I’ll offer her some and drink one for myself. Or drink two, if I have lots to talk about with her.”

Ruediger arched his brows, learning something new about the late Mrs. Evans. Based on his faint recollections of her, he remembered she was an interesting and funny old lady.

“Eddy, this way.”

“Okay.”

Lariette pointed in a direction after they walked past the Campbells’ home. She directed Ruediger along the shaded pathway, leading to the village gravesite.

The morning air was crisp, blowing past the towering trees in the surroundings, spreading its lingering coolness. The sun had risen higher, its golden light filtering through the rustling leaves.

Lariette and Ruediger’s steps were quiet against the dirt path. Along the way, they didn’t see anyone else.

The birds chirped, followed by the crickets singing in the forests. The melody broke the peaceful silence.

“It’s just ahead,” Lariette murmured, pointing toward the direction at the end of the road. Looking at Ruediger, her sapphire eyes were calm, “I know my grandma’d love to meet you.”

“I can’t wait to meet her too,” Ruediger responded softly. Lifting the paper bag, he added, “Anyone who likes pear cider is fun.”

“Hahaha! What do you mean by that?”

Ruediger’s smile deepened upon watching Lariette’s face beam from laughing. The cheery sound echoed through the surrounding trees, harmonizing with nature’s songs.

After ten minutes of slow walking, Lariette and Ruediger finally arrived at the gravesite. A small and short iron gate waited for them at the end of the road, the entrance to the graveyard.

“We’re here. It’s not locked usually.”

Lariette bent down, unlatching the door before pushing it open. Ruediger silently looked at the neatly arranged gray headstones, all resting beneath the sky.

Each of them bore the name of someone once dearly loved—including Mrs. Evans.

Ruediger trailed after Lariette, stepping on the neatly trimmed lawn of the gravesite. As they walked quietly, he swept his gaze across the area.

The blooming flowers added colors to the gravesite while the gentle breeze spread its fragrance.

After weaving through the resting places of the past villagers, Lariette stopped before a simple yet elegant headstone. The light in her eyes lost a little of its spark.

Ruediger also paused beside Lariette, his eyes scanning the words inscribed on the stone. A motif of wildflowers was carved around the name and the phrase.

Linda Evans.

Too well loved to ever be forgotten.

A loving daughter, wife, mother and grandmother.

Lariette lowered herself, the hem of her pleated skirt touching the grass tips. She set the basket beside her before taking out the bouquet she and Ruediger had gathered earlier.

“Grandma, your Lettie is home,” Lariette said softly, clasping her hands together, “I brought your favorite flowers today and… there’s someone I want to introduce to you.”

Ruediger crouched beside Lariette, letting his knees touch the ground. He sensed her looking at him, leading him to turn before giving her a reassuring smile.

The glint in her sapphire eyes was ever so soft right now, like the clear blue sky above.

Ruediger returned his focus on the tombstone. Without waiting for Lariette to say anything, he bowed slightly, showing his respect.

“Hello, madam. I’m Ruediger. Ruediger Alvord. I’m the husband of your cherished Lettie. I’m glad to finally meet you here.”

Lariette quietly stared at Ruediger’s side profile. His husky voice had a hint of tenderness as he politely introduced himself to her grandmother.

The morning sun cast a soft light over his head, accentuating the vibrant hues of his crimson locks. His emerald eyes mirrored the surrounding forest, giving off a calm vibe.

Curling her lips into a smile, Lariette took the flowers from the basket. She began to arrange the blooms on the base of the grave, her motion was slow and careful.

Ruediger quietly took some of the flowers, following Lariette’s movement. They exchanged a smile. Soon, the grave was adorned with vibrant blooms.

“Grandma, you wanna get some of your pear cider, right? I brought some too.”

Lariette opened one of the glass bottles before placing it on the grave—offering to the late grandmother she dearly missed. She didn’t notice Ruediger took something out of the paper bag.

“Lettie, sit here.”

“…en?”

Glancing at Ruediger, Lariette saw him unfold a little blanket before laying it on the ground. He gestured at her to sit on the cloth, minimizing her skirt being dirtied.

“Thanks, Eddy,” Lariette mused gratefully, “I didn’t think to bring one. Hehe, let’s drink some?”

“Okay. Your grandma will like me better if I also drink her favorite cider, right?”

“Hahaha! That’s right!”

Sitting on the blanket, Lariette and Ruediger sipped the pear cider as they enjoyed the breeze. He listened to her as she talked to the late grandmother, sharing the ins and outs of her life currently.

The wind carried her words, spoken softly away. The flowers, the breeze and the tips of the grass bore witness to her longing for her late grandmother.

“My grandpa gets along well with Eddy. I knew you’d be like that too, Grandma.”

“En… So many things happened during the island trip, but I enjoyed most of it. Hehe, you know what? Grandpa, Maddie and Eddy threw me a birthday party. The cake was so delicious!”

“I’ll be quite busy this autumn. Our school will hold its annual sports day. Still, it’ll be fun.”

Lariette only spoke of positive news. She never brought up the accident after discovering Damien cheating on her, the trouble caused by the Elsher family and even the attack planned by Leon.

The tranquil morning air wrapped around them, infused with the earthy scent and the floral fragrance. The graveyard was peaceful, as though the departed were merely resting rather than gone.

As the sun rose higher, Lariette clasped her hands together and bowed, chanting a silent prayer. Ruediger followed her action, also wishing peace for the late Mrs. Evans.

They stood up, being so quiet. Lariette waved at the tombstone, promising to visit again before she returned to the city.

“Eddy, thank you for accompanying me.”

Lariette thanked Ruediger as they walked past the gate, now on their way to go back to the cottage. She gave him a small, grateful smile.

Ruediger met Lariette’s gaze, his emerald eyes steady, “I was accompanying my wife. No need to thank me for that.”

Lariette chuckled, amused by Ruediger’s reply. Carrying the empty basket, she said, “We should check your back again. How are you feeling?”

“Better, I guess?”

“I bet your fall last night was better than being chased by an angry ostrich, huh?”

“Haha… that’s so true. Urgh… I don’t want to experience that again.”

Soft laughter trailed after them as Lariette and Ruediger were engaged in a playful conversation. The sunlight filtered through the rustling leaves, illuminating their way back.