Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 255

Chapter 255: When I Really Come Alive

A/N: Please listen to When I Really Come Alive by Wildflowers for this chapter 🙂

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“Oh! Is this your mic, Eddy?”

An amazed Lariette stared at the large condenser microphone with a circular pop filter, mounted on a polished stand in the middle of the room. A high, velvet stool stood before the stand.

“Yes, it’s my current mic,” Ruediger explained. He pointed at the mic before flicking his finger in another direction, “It’s called condenser microphone. I have other instruments here too. See?”

Lariette glanced at the cables trailing toward the walls, where the instruments mentioned by Ruediger stood—a keyboard, a guitar and a snare drum.

This place was indeed perfect for him.

Returning her gaze back to Ruediger’s beaming face, Lariette asked quietly, “Since I’ve seen it all, can I watch Mr. Dreamer singing next?”

A helpless chuckle escaped Ruediger’s lips. Shaking his head, he put a hand on his hip.

“Consider it done, my lady.”

The time had come, the first stage before his confession.

“You’re still keeping which song you’ll sing from me, huh?”

Ruediger glanced at Lariette upon hearing her question. The light in his eyes mellowed as he playfully shrugged, teasing her.

“You’ll find out soon. Listen to me carefully, okay?”

Lariette chuckled, “Okay~ How can I not? I got the exclusive VIP pass to watch Mr. Dreamer sing live. No other fans get the same pass, you know?”

“Hahaha! I can’t deny that!”

Ruediger burst out laughing, amused by Lariette’s choice of words. The echo of his laughter was silenced by the foam pads from leaking outside. Conrad watched them with a smile.

“Go now,” Ruediger softly nudged Lariette’s elbow, “Conrad has ordered lunch. Let’s eat together once I’m done recording, okay?”

Ruediger had told Lariette that they might stay here longer after lunch. He had several things he wanted to talk about with Conrad, to which she had no objections.

“Okay. I’ll go next door, then.”

Then, Lariette quietly entered the control room while Ruediger stayed in the recording room. She smiled at Conrad who waved at her before settling into a cushioned seat not far from the sound engineer.

‘He still looks as relaxed as usual.’

Lariette smiled to herself as she looked beyond the double-paned glass that separated the mixing booth from the recording room. She saw Ruediger stepping behind the standing microphone.

The man reached for a pair of sleek, matte-black headphones. His crimson hair was tied into a loose bun like usual, with a few loose strands framing his chiseled face.

After wearing the headphones, Ruediger leaned in slightly as he tested the mic with a quiet hum. Back in the control room, Conrad adjusted a dial on the console before saying, “Man, we’re ready when you are.”

Looking up, Ruediger lifted one hand, giving Conrad a thumbs-up. His emerald eyes drifted from the sound engineer to Lariette. He grinned when she waved at him.

‘Which song will he sing? He didn’t even give me a clue.’

Anticipating to know Ruediger’s song choice, Lariette folded her hands together, placing them on her lap. She saw him close his eyes before he exhaled slowly. He leaned closer toward the mic.

Soon, the instrumental cue began. Warm, acoustic guitar chords drifted through the speakers, playing catchy yet mellow music.

“I used to stay up all night🎶”

“Tryin’ to find my place🎶

“Chasin’ neon lights or lookin’ for some kind of trace🎶”

Lariette’s eyes flung open the moment Ruediger sang. His voice was indeed the same deeper one she had heard from Mr. Dreamer’s previous videos. Without her realizing it, she leaned in with elbows propped on her knees.

‘I’ve never heard this song before. But it’s nice. Very nice.’

Besides her, Conrad also focused on Ruediger’s singing while checking levels and making small adjustments. Lariette didn’t notice because her eyes were solely fixed on Ruediger.

“Every time we touch I feel at home🎶”

“That’s the way I’d never let you go🎶”

“The way you put your hands in mine I know🎶”

“I’m gonna be alright🎶”

Lariette unconsciously held her breath when Ruediger suddenly looked at her. His gaze was intent despite the catchy song sung by him. Curling her fingers slightly, she returned her focus to his singing and the lyrics.

The lyrics weren’t exactly poetic, but held something intimate, and vulnerable, yet also hopeful. She wasn’t familiar with the song, but her heart was stirred by how soulful it was.

Lariette’s gaze softened as she watched Ruediger, the man she had married out of a whim. The same one who she shared laughter and sadness with despite only meeting him a few months ago.

‘…eh?’

Lariette’s breath hitched when her sapphire eyes collided with Ruediger’s emerald ones again. As if his gaze had enchanted her, she couldn’t tear hers away. He sang without missing a beat while keeping his eyes on her.

“Cause when we touch is when I really come alive🎶”

“When we touch when I really come alive🎶”

“Ooo, I couldn’t be without you now🎶”

“I just can’t see how🎶”

“Not even if I try🎶”

“Ooo I, I couldn’t be without you now🎶”

“I just can’t see how🎶”

“Cause I need you by my side🎶”

Yes. She was under an enchantment, for she didn’t have a plausible reason behind being unable to look away from him.

Then, the spell was broken.

Ruediger closed his eyes as he immersed himself deeper into the song. Lariette felt her heart skip a beat before it pounded rapidly in her chest.

“Cause when we touch is when I really come alive🎶”

Ruediger sang the last line, adding his own soulful touch, his hand holding one side of the headphones. The room was still for a beat too long when the last chord faded.

‘It’s… done?’

Lariette held her breath. She saw Ruediger unmoved in his seat. His head was bowed slightly, lips parted as he exhaled and inhaled repeatedly. When he looked up, his eyes immediately went through the window.

Once again, Lariette’s eyes were locked onto Ruediger’s gaze. His lips curled into a small yet soothing smile while she blankly stared at him.

That was just a song, but… why did it feel much more?

Lariette sensed something subtle and silent, yet undeniably real shifted in her heart. Pursing her lips, she slowly smiled, soft and unsure.

On the other side of the glass, Ruediger had taken off the headphones. He glanced at her, again with a smile tugging on his lips before he stepped inside the control room. The warm lights glinted off his towering figure, casting a sheen on his crimson locks.

Lariette didn’t notice that her gaze kept following Ruediger until he stood next to her chair. Arching her neck to look at him, she saw him placing one hand on the backrest before bending down slightly.

“How do you like it, Lettie?”

Shadows flickered on his face whose rugged features softened as he smiled. His voice was lower, unmistakably more sensual.

Lariette chuckled. She sensed a nervous tremble in her heart. Lifting one hand, she gently grasped Ruediger’s wrist, feeling its sturdiness behind the layer of clothes.

“It’s great, Eddy. I truly love it.”

Ruediger stared at Lariette for a moment longer without replying verbally. Then, his brows arched slowly before a satisfied glint flickered in his eyes.

Ruediger slowly pulled his wrist away from Lariette’s hold, then he enveloped her hand in his, his thumb gently pressing the center of her palm. He recognized the nervous smile on her lips, the ones he ached to claim with his own.

“I’m glad that you love it.”

That was enough for now.