Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 257

Chapter 257: The Real Reason Behind His First Song

“I’ll get going now. I don’t wanna disturb the newlyweds. Bye!”

“Conrad!”

“Hahaha! See you!”

Once Conrad was done with lunch and talking to Ruediger, he quickly left. Both Lariette and Ruediger were speechless by his unexpected action. In no time, the younger man’s figure disappeared from view.

“Haa… He always does what he wants,” Ruediger heaved a sigh. Looking at Lariette, he arched his brows, “Do you wanna stay here or return inside? You can take a nap in the break room if you’re sleepy.”

Lariette chuckled, amused by Ruediger’s offer. She replied teasingly, “You’re already adept to my napping needs, huh?”

No matter how much Lariette slept at night, she was bound to feel sleepy in the afternoon, especially after mealtimes. She would tough it up if she was at school, but sought any chance for a quick nap if nothing stopped her.

“That’s what you call a good and attentive husband.”

Ruediger shrugged while shooting Lariette a knowing look. He laughed when she glared at him in return.

“I’m not sleepy yet. Let’s stay here longer.”

“Okay.”

Lariette and Ruediger cleaned the table from the takeout boxes and drinks. After putting everything inside a trash bag, she settled on a cushioned bench while he rushed inside, saying he wanted to make some hot tea.

‘It’s so quiet here.’

Lariette leaned against the backrest while wrapping her arms around her legs, her feet settled on the seat. She slowly swept her gaze around the area, taking in the serenity of the place.

The afternoon sunlight filtered through the changing leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. When the wind picked up, the fallen leaves drifted in the air, dancing across the grassy yard.

To Lariette, this was still surreal, but she was glad for the chance given by Ruediger to step into his secret world.

“Lettie. Fancy some chamomile?”

“Oh, Eddy. I’m good with anything.”

Ruediger appeared with a teapot and two cups. A grin tugged on his lips as he placed the tray on the coffee table. Lariette quietly shifted a little when he sat beside her.

Once Ruediger poured the tea into both cups, the earthy scent of chamomile wafted in the air. He picked one of the cups, handing it to Lariette while telling her to be careful of its heat.

Lariette quietly thanked Ruediger. Her eyes drifted to her fingers, feeling a slight heat as their fingers grazed each other just now.

“Eddy, sometimes I still couldn’t believe you’re Mr. Dreamer. Until I came here.”

Lariette glanced at Ruediger, seeing the way the sunlight cast a cooper sheen on his crimson locks. His emerald eyes gleamed like precious jewels as he smiled at her.

“Did you enjoy what you’ve seen and experienced so far here?” Ruediger asked before sipping his tea. Then, he slowly put the cup on the coffee table.

“Yes,” Lariette nodded, her voice soft, “You’re really passionate about your craft. I can see it from the way you sang and how you discussed things with Conrad.”

No one could deny his fondness for music even though he usually kept it hidden. He was already charming, but his allures increased further as she watched him singing earlier.

Lowering his gaze, faint shadows were cast on Ruediger’s face. His heart trembled upon hearing the clear admiration in Lariette’s voice, but something tugged at his heartstrings.

“Actually… there’s another reason why I started to sing covers before. It didn’t begin on a whim as I’ve told you before.”

After a moment of hesitation, Ruediger finally spoke. He tilted his chin up, staring at Lariette’s eyes which flickered with curiosity.

“May I ask the reason? Eddy, you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”

Lariette quickly added the second half of her remarks once she realized a faint trace of sadness on Ruediger’s countenance. Whether she saw it wrongly or not, she hoped that he wouldn’t force himself to open up if he was not ready.

Ruediger was quiet for a long moment as his gaze bore onto Lariette’s concerned face. Drawing his lips into a smile, he said, “Only Maddie, Aunt Felicia and Nate knew about this. And now, I want to share it with you, Lettie.”

Lariette unconsciously clenched her hands around the cup. The heat seeped deeper into her skin.

Afraid of spilling the hot tea on herself, Lariette placed it on the table. When she returned her gaze to Ruediger, she saw him leaning back and his eyes looking at the sky.

The breeze softly ruffled his locks. For a second, she had the desire to untie his hair before stroking her fingers through his strands.

‘Focus, Lettie!’

Lariette inwardly shook her head. She didn’t want to distract herself from what Ruediger wanted to say as she caught a wave of sadness from him.

“When I was young,” Ruediger began, his voice slightly more raspy than usual, “I used to sing for my mom. Especially when she couldn’t sleep.”

The mention of his late mother sank her heart. In a split second, the horror of their unwanted encounter with his estranged father flashed in her mind.

After a brief period of silence, Lariette said, her heart shivered, “She must’ve loved your voice, Eddy.”

“She said it calmed her,” Ruediger murmured. Exhaling a sigh, he shifted his gaze from the sky to Lariette, “I didn’t think much before. It was just a way to make her smile, so I often sang to her. But… I stopped after she… died. Then… I… I…”

Ruediger paused. He blinked, slow and dazed, as if he looked for words to convey what he hoped for. The smile on his lips was barely there.

The very last time he sang for his late mother was mere seconds before the tragedy struck. Since then, his lips quivered and his throat felt clogged if he ever tried to sing. It remained that way until years passed.

“…Lettie?”

Lariette reached out a hand, gently placing her palm on the back of Ruediger’s hand. The little touch seemed to pull him back from his thoughts.

“The lovely memories you made with her remain with you, Eddy,” Lariette whispered, “I’m sure she’s proud of you.”

Ruediger’s gaze fell on their linking hands. Then, his emerald eyes returned to Lariette’s face. Gathering his courage, he resumed, “The first song I ever recorded was one of her favorites. Maddie encouraged me to upload it. Then… the rest is history.”

The breeze brushed through the yard again, silencing the last of Ruediger’s words as the leaves rustled.

Lariette blinked slowly. She still remembered the very first song on Mr. Dreamer’s channel. She used to think how the faceless singer turned the happy song into a heartwrenching one, yet still hauntingly beautiful.

Turned out… what was supposed to be a merry song became sorrowful because of his painful loss.

Ruediger ceased talking. The air was thickened by his unspoken grief. Lariette pursed her lips. She hesitantly raised her other hand, brushing her fingers over one side of his face.

“L-Lettie?”

“Hush.”

Lariette smiled. She locked her eyes on Ruediger’s, whose startled expression could clearly be seen by how close they were. Her fingertips brushed gently along his cheek, her touch was as light as a feather, and its tenderness made him unconsciously hold his breath.

“Thank you for bringing me here, Eddy. Also for opening up to me.”

There was so much she wanted to say to him, but everything disappeared as she saw his eyes shimmering with emotions. He laughed softly, then went quiet as he closed his eyes.

Lifting one hand, Ruediger gently grasped Lariette’s wrist. He whispered, “I’m happy, Lettie. I am happy.”

Beyond anything he could say.