Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 263

Chapter 263: This Comes from Her Heart
Did she ever see a glimpse of their future together?

The answer was…

For a moment, Lariette and Ruediger simply stared at each other. The autumn breeze howled again, cool and crisp, gently catching the loose strands of their locks.

Lariette’s fingertips still grazed Ruediger’s face, skimming the roughness of his jawline. She smiled softly when he leaned instinctively into her hand as if relishing the moment.

“Eddy, why you don’t want me to spare your feelings?”

Lariette asked, her voice hinting at a tease. She noticed the slight disappointment in Ruediger’s eyes the moment she lowered her hand.

“Because your feelings are more important to me,” Ruediger forced a smile on his lips, hoping to reassure Lariette of the truth in his words, “I never want to coerce you to accept me.”

That was his earnest desire. Her happiness and her wishes came above his own.

Lariette exhaled a breath. Despite how much her heart almost leaped out of her chest, she still tried to portray her unwavering exterior. But before she could speak, Ruediger added, this time he sounded more worried.

“Also… I have to let you know, Lettie. I’m a man with secrets. I can’t tell you yet, but they will either make you happy or upset with me.”

Lariette had only known one of his secret identities as Mr. Dreamer. Ruediger couldn’t imagine how she would react when she learned that he was Mr. R, also the boy from her forgotten childhood memory.

At times, he had a strong desire to reveal who he was. In others, he thought it would be the best if she never knew. The conflicting thoughts waged wars within him.

Lariette blinked, finding how strange Ruediger’s choice of words was. The somber look on his face and the seriousness in his tone told her that he wasn’t joking to enlighten the mood.

Unsure of what she should say, Lariette asked, “Are you in a drug cartel or anything like that, Eddy? Are you someone on the run?”

Ruediger almost choked. He hurriedly shook his head, “No! Never! I mean… I’m not a fugitive nor a cartel member, or any crime groups.”

“Hehe, sorry, sorry,” Lariette laughed, her chuckles chasing the silence in the maze garden, “I’m joking.”

“It’s fine,” Ruediger lowered his head, suddenly feeling self-conscious as his cheeks flushed red, “I’m just… I think I’ve to tell you that even though I can’t reveal… my secrets yet.”

A low, soft hum slipped past Lariette’s lips. Tilting her head, she assessed Ruediger’s countenance. A deeper frown marred his forehead as he looked more perturbed.

She couldn’t help but wonder what kind of secrets put a deeper crack on his calm facade.

Was there something more about his family?

Or about himself?

‘I’ve forgotten.’

In the new wave of silence, Lariette lamented her carelessness. Being with Ruediger, and establishing a closer relationship with him made her forget that he was an enigmatic figure in high society.

He remained hidden until he suddenly revealed himself to her in the hospital ward three months ago.

Based on his many talents, Lariette believed Ruediger was greater than what he had been showing to the world. He might work under Nathaniel, but perhaps his position was far more important than he had let on.

Nevertheless, those wouldn’t be her concerns. After all, she had faith in his character.

“This comes from my heart, Eddy.”

Ruediger froze when Lariette suddenly broke the silence. He anticipated to hear the rest of her words. Without him realizing it, he tightened his grasp on her other hand that remained in his.

Lariette parted her lips, her voice steady, “Your secrets are yours to keep. Only tell me if you want to. I won’t force you to disclose them to me either.”

“Lettie…”

Ruediger abruptly paused as he sensed Lariette wasn’t done. Pursing his lips, he waited for her to continue.

Lariette shot Ruediger a grateful smile. She said, “As for your previous question, my answer is yes. There are times I imagine how lovely it is to have a partner like you. So, yes, I do see a glimpse of us being together.”

Ruediger’s breath was caught in his throat. His heart shivered with a ripple of happiness, but he reminded himself not to be carried away. He noticed the slight trail at the end of Lariette’s voice.

“There is a but, right, Lettie?”

Ruediger’s gut churned when Lariette nodded. Still, he held on to the shred of hope left in his heart because she hadn’t verbalized any rejection.

Lariette felt bad for thinking how adorable the anxious Ruediger was. She resumed, “I do see that. But I’m still unsure of my feelings. I’m not sure if I like you because of you, or because you’ve become a constant presence in my life.”

Lariette’s further explanation flooded Ruediger’s heart with reassurance. He unknowingly exhaled a sigh of relief. A sheepish grin tugged on his lips, followed by a flush on his cheeks.

‘How cute.’

Lariette laughed inwardly at herself for thinking like that. She did think the rugged Ruediger was adorable sometimes, but tonight, it was more apparent to her.

When did his feelings for her begin? Just because he heard Maddie talking about her? Or was there other reasons still unknown to her?

For now, those were not important. She believed she would eventually find out, because…

Smiling softly, Lariette stated, “Eddy, this is my turn to ask you a question.”

Ruediger nodded twice, seeming too eager to know. Hope gleamed in his eyes, “Yes, Lettie. Please do.”

Without hesitation in her voice, Lariette made her thoughts known. She spoke with much clarity, her tone resembling the clear stream in spring.

“Are you fine with the extent of my feelings for you now? I can’t promise whether it’ll bloom into something more or not, but if you’re okay with it, I want to give us a chance.”

The sight of Ruediger’s eyes flung open earned chuckles from Lariette. She smiled as he stuttered, unable to believe his ears.

“L-Lettie… Are you serious?”

Lariette nodded, “Only if you’re fine with what I’ve just told you, Eddy. Let’s get to know each other more.”

Ruediger’s gaze on Lariette blanked for a moment before clarity returned. Pursing his lips, laughter almost slipped out.

“I agree. I… I agree. Lettie… Can I hug you?”

“Hehe, you can.”

Within the next moment, Lariette found herself in Ruediger’s embrace. She sensed how his body trembled, perhaps out of disbelief, and also the overflowing of different emotions within him.

Returning Ruediger’s hug, Lariette gently stroked his back. She closed her eyes, taking a moment to let the new reality settle in her mind.

Lariette believed she wasn’t as naive as before, back when Damien easily swept her off her feet with romantic declarations and showers of gifts. She wouldn’t daydream of a happy ending easily.

Both her heart and mind helped her come to a decision.

Ruediger was a great man, and Lariette couldn’t deny that she was attracted to him. Even though his feelings were deeper, it didn’t mean hers wouldn’t ever grow more.

Lariette refused to let her previously failed relationship hinder her from pursuing another, especially when she was no longer hung up on her past lover. After all, she did feel something when Ruediger was with her.

“Thank you, Lettie. Thank you… Thank you for giving me a chance.”

Ruediger’s voice, shaky but laced with suppressed joy, rang by Lariette’s ears. She simply nodded, a smile curling on her lips.

Tonight was like a dream.

In the soft glow of the lights, with the autumn breeze whispering around them, the time seemed to pause just for them.