Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 285

Chapter 285: In His Warmth and Quiet Affection
The hum of the washing machine echoed as Ruediger rushed to Lariette’s bedroom. He had changed into another pajama pants. She was still in the washroom when he fitted a clean topper and sheet to the mattress.

‘What should I cook today?’

Back in the kitchen, Ruediger scanned the fridge, thinking of Lariette who had a long day ahead. Sports Day meant running around and being under pressure despite the noise and excitement.

Lariette needed something warm and nourishing, also easy on the stomach. Ruediger decided on something simple but fulfilling. Grabbing the apron, he got to work.

Ruediger planned to make some ginger chicken congee. Instead of using the usual pot, he opted for the pressure cooker to save time. He would garnish it with chopped scallions once it was done.

Living in the same apartment for almost four months, Ruediger learned that Lariette usually didn’t have terrible period cramps. But he knew it could change. He learned a lot from living with Felicia and Madeline.

When Ruediger was still busy in the kitchen, Larietter had just emerged from the washroom, clad in a soft bathrobe. Her skin was still damp and flushed from the hot shower.

Lariette stood frozen right outside the washroom, her eyes assessing the bedroom, now brightly lit by the main lights instead of the table lamp.

The bed was clean, tucked with a clean sheet. Everything was pristine.

“Lettie, you’re done? Can I come in?”

Ruediger’s voice suddenly echoed from the outside, startling Lariette.

“Y-yes! Come in!”

In the next second, the door was pushed open, revealing Ruediger at the doorway. Lariette noticed he had changed into clean pajama pants. The familiar gentle smile was carved on his lips.

“Eddy… you cleaned everything?” Lariette couldn’t help but ask. Her chin tilted up to meet Ruediger’s eyes as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

“Of course. Are you hungry? I made some congee for you,” Ruediger replied with a soft hum. He chuckled when Lariette hugged him back, “It’s still early, but you should have some.”

“I’m a little hungry but still sleepy,” Lariette sighed. She buried her face in Ruediger’s chest, finding comfort in his embrace, “You’re too good to me.”

“No,” Ruediger said, pretending to sound serious as his hands smoothed down Lariette’s back, “I’m just good for you.”

Lariette laughed softly. She pulled away from Ruediger, “I gonna change. You can go first.”

“Okay. I’ll see you in the kitchen.”

Lariette smilingly watched Ruediger leave the bedroom. The remaining tight knot in her chest untangled as she appreciated how much he cared for her.

The scent of ginger and warm broth greeted Lariette in the kitchen. Ruediger beckoned her to come closer as he placed a tray on the island. She saw a congee in her favorite bowl, a cup of chamomile tea and sliced strawberries.

“Eddy, thank you.”

Lariette smiled at Ruediger. She knew he was accustomed to this because of his experience with Felicia and Madeline, but his gestures still touched her heart.

“Save your admiration for me for later,” Ruediger shrugged, joking with Lariette, “Eat now. You need something warm.”

“Okay.”

The clock ticked softly in the background when Lariette started eating. Ruediger sat on the high stool next to her, only having a cup of hot coffee. They didn’t chat much, but the silence was comfortable.

Lariette exhaled a soft sigh, leaning back after the last spoonful of congee. The flavorful meal settled gently in her stomach. Her lower abdomen still ached, but bearable.

Still, Lariette hoped the pain wouldn’t worsen when she was busy with Sports Day later. She made a mental note to bring a change of clothes, just in case she needed them.

Outside, the early rays of sunlight streaked across the horizon. The city was slowly awakened from its slumber. The golden glow painted the sky and shimmered on the fallen leaves, moistened by the dew.

After drinking the chamomile tea, Lariette reached for the strawberry slices. Ruediger put the empty congee bowl away, smiling seeing her relaxed countenance.

“Lettie, it’s still early. You should nap a bit,” Ruediger glanced at the wall clock before returning his gaze to Lariette, “You didn’t get to sleep much.”

Lariette blinked, but not refuting Ruediger. Her drowsiness returned, clinging to her after the surprise of the morning faded.

“Yes, I’ll do that. But on the couch. It’ll be painful to leave my bed this morning.”

Lariette sighed again. She was so tempted to sleep on her bed, but hesitant because school would start soon. She reminded herself that she could sleep in the next morning.

Ruediger shooed Lariette to the living room, saying he would follow soon. She smiled gratefully at him before leaving the kitchen, her steps quiet on the floor.

Lariette settled on the couch, curling sideways. Faint lights peeked through the curtains, illuminating the dark living room. Her eyelids dropped slightly.

Ruediger appeared from the kitchen. Lariette smiled when he tucked a throw blanket over her before sitting by her side, his arm draped around her shoulders.

“Lettie, wanna use it?”

Lariette blinked, seeing a familiar hot water bag in Ruediger’s hand. She didn’t notice he brought it from the kitchen. With a nod, she took it before letting the hot water bag nestled between her lower abdomen and her sweatshirt.

“This is nice,” Lariette exhaled slowly, eyes drooping lower.

“Warm enough, huh?” Ruediger asked, his voice barely a whisper.

Lariette nodded, leaning closer to Ruediger, “Yeah.”

Ruediger smiled in relief. Kissing the top of Lariette’s head, he gently stroked her arm, “Good. Sleep a little. I’ll wake you in time. Don’t worry.”

Lariette responded with a soft hum. Wrapped in Ruediger’s warmth and quiet affection, she drifted into slumber, her breathing steady.

Outside, the hum of traffic blended with the echo of the blowing breeze, birdsong and chatters of the early pedestrians. Inside, everything was still and peaceful.

Ruediger glanced at the windows, concealed by the curtains. He reminded himself to prepare some comforting drink for Lariette before they headed to the school.

Sports Day began in a few hours.