Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 286

Chapter 286: Sports Day Begins
Lariette and Ruediger left the apartment before seven. Instead of going to school on foot like usual, they rode the truck, joining the morning rush traffic.

Hues of burnt orange and honey gold painted the city, cast by the morning sun peeking over the horizon. Long shadows stretched across the pedestrian walkways, falling on the passersby in thick coats.

The morning breeze was crisp, biting gently at the skin. Compared to yesterday, the temperature went down slightly, but still perfect for a school’s sports day.

Lariette sat in the front passenger seat, completed in her sports attire and an additional jacket. She held a pink thermal flask, sipping the hot brown sugar ginger tea made earlier by Ruediger.

The dull ache from her lower abdomen made Lariette uncomfortable. Drinking the tea helped to ease a little of her throbbing cramps. Fortunately, the pain was still mild.

“Lettie, you sure you’re okay to go through the whole day?”

Ruediger glanced at Lariette as the truck closely approached the school gate. Students and parents flocked inside, leaving a long row of vehicles parked by the curb.

Everyone was dressed appropriately for the occasion. Students wore school-issued tracksuits, while the parents and guardians were in similar comfy getups.

“I’ll be fine,” Lariette nodded with a smile, appreciating Ruediger’s concern, “Since I handle the sales booths, I won’t be as busy as the others. Besides, I have an honorary cheerleader with me.”

Chuckles spilled from Ruediger’s lips, “That’s true. I’m your honorary cheerleader. But you’ll be one when I play the game later, right?”

“Tug-of-war? Of course!”

Lariette laughed along, warmth blooming in her heart, gently spreading in her. She was glad to have Ruediger as a volunteer.

The male teachers invited Ruediger to join them playing tug-of-war at the end of Sports Day. He readily agreed.

After parking the truck in the school compound, Lariette and Ruediger emerged from the vehicle. She shouldered a small backpack while he had a cross-chest bag to store personal items.

“Whoa, everyone’s so excited already,” Ruediger mumbled, earning laughter from Lariette.

“Hehe, let’s go over there. We need to assemble first. Nora said she and the others are already there.”

Without asking questions, Ruediger simply followed Lariette. Their feet brought them closer to the field where most people gathered.

The school grounds buzzed with enthusiasm, especially around the vast field. The area had been transformed, exploding with vibrant colors and excited movements.

Tents and booths lined the field, decorated with handmade banners, pom-poms and other artwork by the students. Colorful streamers crisscrossed above, extending from one side to the one across the field.

The students ran around, happily chatting and laughing, their voices rising in the air. Some of them stayed close to their parents, also chattering away.

Soon, students assembled before the grand stage, divided by their respective classrooms. They wore colored headbands and scarves based on their grade.

“Good morning, everyone! Students, teachers, and parents, welcome to our annual Sports Day!”

Standing on the stage, Principal Lawrence Smith gave a speech while also thanking the parents for their attendance. He joked about cutting his speech short before everyone fell asleep.

“I hereby declare, the 26th Sports Day of Blossom Phoenix Middle School, begins!”

Applause and excited cheers immediately erupted once Principal Smith ended the speech. The students clapped with enthusiasm. Some pumped their fists in the air, the others chanting playfully.

“Let’s go! Class 8-B!”

“Come on! We’ll get first place!”

Teachers smiled and chuckled, including Lariette. Some herd the students into order for the first activities. The breeze rustled past the autumn leaves as the games were about to begin.

Nora approached Lariette, lightly touching the latter’s arm, “Shall we go now? They’re heading to their booths already. Howard and Mr. Eastwood gonna take care of the rest.”

“Yup. Let’s go.”

Lariette followed Nora while Ruediger stayed behind. He had promised to assist the logistics team which required more constant manpower. He befriended a few of the male teachers already, including Benjamin, the PE teacher.

The autumn sun had risen high, casting a gentle golden hue over the school compound. Laughter filled the air as everyone, including the adults, enjoyed the event.

Booths lined the pathway around the field, decorated with hand-painted signs, colorful balloons and garlands. The students manning each stall proudly present trays of snacks, drinks, and other items while waving to attract customers.

Lariette and Nora visited from one booth to the next with a clipboard in hand. A soft sheen of sweat formed on her forehead despite the cool temperature of autumn morning.

“Everything’s under control so far,” Nora glanced at Lariette, her brows arching, “Howard said his side is doing well too.”

As a team of four, they divided the areas into a small group of two. Mr. Eastwood and Howard handled the booths on the other side of the field.

“We’re lucky we got an easier task this year,” Lariette chuckled, “Well, as long as no one set their booth on fire, we’ll be fine.”

“Hahaha! I agree.”

Lariette and Nora continued patrolling the area. Receiving no call of distress from the students, they hoped the rest of the time would still be well.

“Lari, are you okay? You…” Nora whispered, “Are you on your menses?”

Scanning Lariette’s face, Nora noticed the slight wince on her expression when they were done checking all of the booths. She also saw her colleague occasionally pressing against her abdomen.

The signs were too obvious to be missed, especially to Nora who experienced the same every month.

“Bad timing. It came this morning,” Lariette laughed, shaking her head slightly, “I’m fine. My cramps aren’t that bad.”

Nora patted Lariette’s back, shooting her with an understanding look. Lowering her voice even further, she said, “Get some rest if you need it. I can cover for you.”

“Hehe, thanks,” Lariette smiled gratefully at Nora, who gave her another pat on the back. She added, “My husband made some congee and hot tea for me. It’s much better than this morning.”

Despite feeling childish, Lariette couldn’t help herself from saying that. Her cheeks blushed upon recalling the tender care Ruediger showered her before dawnbreak.

“Someone is bragging about her husband,” Nora said teasingly, mirth flickering in her eyes, “I bet you gonna swoon when your husband play tug-of-war later.”

“Hehehe, it’s so obvious.”

Nora playfully swatted Lariette’s arm, earning more laughter from the latter.