Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 274

Chapter 274: She Still Lived On Through Him
After their brief encounter with Declan and Celina, Ruediger brought Lariette to a Thai restaurant for an early dinner. Outside the mall, the soft hues of amber and violet painted the sky as the sun dipped lower below the horizon.

The scent of jasmine rice and coconut milk infused the air, layered with hints of lemongrass, tamarind, grilled meats and bird’s eye chilies. Lariette and Ruediger enjoyed their meal while chatting. No one brought up their short meeting with Declan earlier.

“You gonna forgo dessert this time, really?” Ruediger asked at the end of their meal. He wiped his lips using a napkin. His tongue was quite numb from the spice.

“I’m tempted, but,” Lariette raised her brows, mischief flickering in her eyes, “A certain someone said he’d make s’mores tonight.”

Ruediger chuckled, amused by Lariette’s remark. He nodded twice, laughter still bubbling from his lips.

“No one can say no to s’mores.”

Lariette hummed, “Especially not me.”

The sky had completely darkened when Ruediger drove out of the basement, the headlights cutting through the dimness. The street lamps cast pools of light on the roads and the pedestrian walkways, as well as on the fallen leaves on the curb.

Sitting in the front passenger seat, Lariette threw her gaze outside, watching the passing scenery. Most office workers were still on their way home from work. The traffic was quite congested but bearable.

“…?”

Lariette smiled as she felt Ruediger reaching for her hand. Turning her gaze from the window, she laid her eyes on his side profile.

The passing light flashed across Ruediger’s face as he drove. His long, crimson hair was pulled back into a loose bun, a few strands escaping to frame his face.

Ruediger held the steering wheel with one hand, with the other gently playing with Lariette’s fingers. He traced little patterns on her small palm.

Smiling, Lariette pressed her thumb on Ruediger’s palm. She caught him laughing softly as he glanced at her. Despite not chatting, the silence was comfortable.

Once they arrived at the apartment, Ruediger said he would make the s’mores after bathing. Lariette’s chuckles easily told him that she agreed. They disappeared inside their respective bedrooms with the promise to meet in the living room later in half an hour at least.

Lariette took a warm, cozy soak in the bath. With her eyes closed, she felt the strain on her legs faded as she relaxed in the tub.

‘I certainly look better now.’

Lariette smiled upon recalling her encounter with Declan earlier. Despite feeling awkward, she couldn’t deny her eldest brother’s evaluation of herself.

Because she finally let go of her high and unfounded expectations of her maiden family, she no longer had to face countless disappointments.

Lariette knew she had the wealth needed to live independently from the Elsher family. At the same time, she still had a great support system despite being small.

Sometimes, one found a family in strangers instead of in the people they shared blood ties.

Steam still clung faintly to Lariette’s damp skin as she emerged from the bedroom, adorning a long-sleeved thick nightgown. She gathered her hair into a high bun, securing it with a claw clip.

‘Smells so yummy.’

The scent of something sweet and buttery came from the kitchen. Lariette quickened her pace, finding Ruediger before the oven. He changed into a sweater and pajama pants. His crimson locks fell loosely over his shoulders.

Approaching Ruediger, Lariette popped her head out from behind her back. She stared at the two small s’mores cups.

“Eddy, I need to hit the gym if you continue feeding me with yummies.”

Lariette’s remarks garnered laughter from Ruediger. Laying his eyes on her, he couldn’t help but reply, “No need to hit the gym. I can be your personal trainer.”

Staring at Ruediger, Lariette kept an innocent face as she said, “I’ll only agree if it’s for free.”

“Stingy!”

“I’m not. It’s called being economical.”

Ruediger shooed Lariette, telling her to get them some drinks. Her chuckles trailed after her as she grabbed two mugs before filling them with warm, plain water from the dispenser.

Soon, Ruediger nestled into a corner of the couch, one leg tucked up. Lariette sat beside her, putting both feet on the couch. He handed her a s’mores cup which she accepted with a grin.

Lariette eyed the s’mores cup. She almost salivated at the sight of the toasted white marshmallows, resembling soft clouds above the melted chocolate and graham cracker crusts.

“Careful,” Ruediger passed a small spoon to Lariette, “It’s still hot.”

Lariette dug the spoon into the cup, scooping a little bit of everything. She took a careful bite, a little chocolate smudging her lower lip.

“Mmm~ This is good!”

Ruediger chuckled, pleased with Lariette’s simple remark. He reached over with his thumb, gently wiping the chocolate away from her lip.

Lariette smiled shyly at Ruediger. Still, she curled closer to him, to which he responded by adjusting his position to make her comfortable.

“I used to make s’mores cup with my mom.”

Ruediger’s voice rang lower than usual, but enough for Lariette to hear. She looked at him and was relieved to find a smile on his lips as he brought up a story about his late mother.

Ruediger took a bite of the s’mores. After swallowing it down, he resumed, “Every autumn. Well, our family didn’t really celebrate Halloween either, but she loved treats.”

As Ruediger’s smile softened with the fond memory, Lariette quietly listened to him, her eyes remained on his face. His mellowed voice carried a quiet warmth with a hint of nostalgia and comfort.

“Mom usually hosted a small party for our live-in staff. Tables of warm and yummy food, even colorful drinks. I wore costumes and joined their children. We had our version of trick-and-treating.”

Lariette noticed the way Ruediger’s tone shifted into something more tender the more he spoke about his late mother. It was different from how heartbroken he was when he mentioned her at the studio last weekend.

“I admired my mother. She was kind and gentle, but fierce when she had to.”

Ruediger took a pause. He smiled seeing how attentive Lariette was to him. Once again, his voice echoed in the living room.

“Mom was big on charity. I always followed her to orphanages or any other charity events. She always reminded me to use the privileges I was born with for something good.”

That was the reason Ruediger strived to be like his deceased mother. Even after decades, she still left a huge and positive impact on him.

“Eddy, she sounded a great person,” Lariette spoke, her voice quieter, “I think I would’ve liked her if we ever met.”

Ruediger nodded, “I know that she also would’ve liked you.”

A slow, soft smile curled on Lariette’s lips. Seeing the glimmer of fondness in Ruediger’s eyes, she stated, “You know, I haven’t even learned her name yet. What a bad daughter-in-law am I.”

Chuckles slipped from Ruediger’s lips, entertained by Lariette’s remark. He slowly raised his hand, gently brushing her bangs aside, his eyes locking on hers.

“Luna. She shone like the moon.”

Lariette nodded, agreeing with Ruediger. She added, her voice gentler, “She was gone, but her light remains in you, Eddy.”

Her warmth and her glow still lived on, in the way he smiled, in the tenderness of his heart and in the quiet strength he carried.