Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 271

Chapter 271: Gifts Shopping and Halloween
On Thursday afternoon, Ruediger came to pick Lariette up from school by truck instead of on foot like usual. They planned to go to Edenia Avenue, intending to get some gifts for Nathaniel’s housewarming party tomorrow night.

Ruediger and Lariette decided not to get items that were common for housewarming. After all, Nathaniel lacked nothing. The gifts were more as a courtesy, including to greet Elsie and Lorianne.

“Ready to go?”

Ruediger arched one of his brows, looking at Lariette beside him. She nodded while buckling the seatbelt.

Then, the navy blue truck slowly left the curb. Golden and auburn leaves fluttered gently onto the pavement as it truck sped down the asphalt, heading to the expressways.

An upbeat country track played in the background. Lariette brought out the phone from her sling bag, looking at the list of gifts she made before.

“Candles for Elsie, storybooks and toys for Lorianne, and…” Lariette turned her chin, staring at Ruediger’s side profile, “Plant pots for Nate. Only these?”

Smirking, Ruediger drifted his gaze to Lariette for a moment before focusing on the road again, “I think those are enough. Actually, Nate told me not to bring anything, but, let’s just get some gifts.”

Lariette hummed softly, agreeing with Ruediger. Even though Nathaniel had already reminded them not to bother with getting gifts, she would feel bad attending the party empty-handed.

‘This gonna be the first time I meet Elsie and Lorianne. Should I tell her that I got a dress from her boutique?’

Throwing her gaze out of the windows, Lariette remembered Ruediger telling her about Elsie owning Anelle Style, the same boutique she got the dress for her marriage registration day.

Elsie sounded to be a lovely and great lady. Lariette knew she wouldn’t lose anything getting acquainted with her. She might get to learn interesting things from the former.

Soon, Lariette and Ruediger reached the mall. It was still early, around a quarter past four. The massive glass panels reflected the golden sunlight. The truck rolled down to the basement parking lot.

Being the weekday, the mall had fewer shoppers than usual. Ruediger easily found a vacant spot near the basement entrance. Then, they emerged from the truck.

“Should we go to the highest floor first, then go down one by one?” Ruediger asked as he and Lariette headed to the elevator, their hands linking, “So our first stop is the candle shop.”

“Yup, let’s do that.”

After finalizing the list, Ruediger suggested the stores to Lariette in an attempt to narrow their search. A store selling high-end body care items, a bookstore and a luxury home product store.

Ruediger mentioned each store’s specialties, and their popular products, including which ones aligned to the particular receiver’s interests. Lariette jokingly said he knew the mall like the back of his hand, only to earn a sheepish grin from him.

Autumn-themed displays greeted Lariette and Ruediger once they stepped out of the elevator. They saw most stores put up the warm-toned decor, including pumpkins stacked in pyramid shapes. A soft tune played in the background.

“Halloween’s coming soon. Should we put up some decor?” Lariette asked as her gaze found its way through the decorations.

“Let’s do that,” Ruediger nodded, easily agreeing with Lariette, “It doesn’t have to be too extravagant. Maybe some pumpkin ceramics, maple pillows and spooky lamps. ”

Lariette hummed, sharing the same view as Ruediger. Halloween wasn’t a major celebration in Velondia, but some areas put more effort into it, including throwing parties and trick-treating for children.

Ruediger quietly assessed the look on Lariette’s face. He smiled without realizing it, for he loved to see how radiant she was.

They walked toward the first store, their steps unhurried. Ruediger asked, his voice soft, “Lettie, how was it in Moonville? Did you celebrate Halloween there? Or just the harvest festival?”

Lariette returned her eyes to Ruediger, finding the familiar tender smile on his lips. The mention of Moonville washed over her heart with excitement.

“We did! Hehe, we usually celebrated it at the village square.”

Ruediger’s question led Lariette to recall the fond memories of her childhood, specifically the ones of Halloween. She was never alone because her dear grandmother, neighbors and friends were with her.

“Everyone brought delicious food to the square. Pumpkin pies, soups, bread, candies, you name it! Our trick-treating was done there too instead of door-to-door.”

“Once, Grandma knitted me a pumpkin basket. Everyone praised how cute it was. Hehe, I filled the entire basket with candies. My friends were jealous of me.”

Ruediger listened to Lariette’s story without interrupting. To him, her voice was more melodious than any song he had heard, and the evident joy on her face only made him happier.

“I talked so much, didn’t I?” Lariette chuckled. She covered her mouth, her cheeks flushing.

Ruediger raised his brows, his lips quirking into a teasing smile, “I’ll still listen to you even if you talk nonstop.”

“Such a smooth talker!”

“Only to you.”

“Hahaha!”

Laughing, Lariette slapped Ruediger’s arm. Her action only made him laugh along. Releasing his hand from hers, he placed his arm across her back, eventually pulling her closer.

“Someone gets more daring,” Lariette nudged Ruediger, mirth dancing in her eyes, “I still like to see you blushing tho.”

Shaking his head in helplessness, Ruediger rubbed Lariette’s shoulder. He did agree that he became a little bolder than the past weekend, but he was still mindful.

“Eddy, how about you? Any interesting story about Halloween?”

Lariette’s question brimmed with curiosity. She wondered what kind of Halloween celebration Ruediger had, especially during his childhood.

Despite being aware of Ruediger’s past, Lariette believed she hadn’t crossed any lines. At the same time, her desire to learn more about him kept growing.

Ruediger ceased laughing, yet his smile remained. He did have a few fond memories about Halloween, both with his late mother and also Madeline and Felicia.

“I have. But,” Ruediger chuckled as he tapped on Lariette’s nose, “How about I tell you over some s’mores tonight? Are you tempted?”

“Hehe, okay~ I can’t say no to s’mores.”

Shooting an approving look at Lariette, Ruediger smirked. Once again she nudged him, making him laugh.