Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 287

Chapter 287: His Lingering Warmth
The booths and the vast field continued buzzing with excitement. One of the games, the sack race for the eighth-grade students, began.

Parents took pictures as they joined the crowd gathering near the starting line. The teachers responsible for the game shouted instructions through megaphones.

“Class 8-D! GOOO!”

“Kenny! Hurry up!”

“Careful! Don’t trip!”

Cheers, applause, and groans filled the air, coming from the participants and the audience.

However, Lariette slowly faded into the background. She went through the morning on adrenaline and responsibility for her students, but it got harder to ignore her cramps.

Shifting her weight on one foot, Lariette pressed her lower abdomen discreetly. But Nora noticed her action immediately, including the discomfort evident on her face.

“Lari, you need a breather,” Nora murmured beside Lariette, “Go and get some rest. I can handle the rest. Staying in this cold won’t do you much good either.”

There was nothing much for Lariette and Nora to do. Howard and Mr. Eastwood also said the same. The flow for each booth was smooth and organized.

Lariette nodded reluctantly, “Yeah… I’ll go inside for a bit. Maybe to the sick bay.”

“Go. It’s closer than the teachers’ lounge,” Nora patted Lariette’s back, concerned about her colleague, “Tell your husband. The others can manage without him.”

Nora knew Ruediger mostly assisted the logistics department, but they could survive without the crimson-haired man. If not for Lariette, he wouldn’t even be here.

Lariette cast a look toward the field. It took her some time before finally locating Ruediger among the sea of people. He was moving some crates with a male teacher.

Lariette recalled the two texts she received from Ruediger throughout this morning. Both reminded her not to overstrain herself which put a smile on her lips.

“Yeah, I’ll do that later,” Lariette turned around, gently rubbing Nora’s arm, “I’ll just be gone for a bit. Call me if there’s anything urgent.”

Nora simply nodded. She watched Lariette walking toward the school building. Concern flickered in her eyes as she saw her colleague disappear inside.

Walking down the quiet hallway, Lariette pressed her lower belly. The silence inside the building was loud, the sound she heard came from her footsteps. The explosion of cheers from the field resonated from the outside.

When Lariette stepped inside the sick bay, she found no one there. The school nurse was at the first-aid tent, alongside a few students who were trained to assist her.

“Haa…”

Lariette put her backpack on a bed and rummaged inside, looking for her spare menstrual pad. She wanted to replace it before getting some rest. Then, she disappeared inside the ensuite washroom.

Less than ten minutes later…

“Lettie! Are you in there?”

Lariette jolted when Ruediger’s voice suddenly rang from the outside, never expecting to hear it. She rinsed her soapy hands before unlocking the door, and emerging from the washroom.

“Eddy… what are you doing here?”

Lariette blinked, surprised to see Ruediger standing near the bed where she put her backpack. A layer of sweat sheened on his forehead, his face flushed slightly from the continuous sun exposure.

“Ms. Nora told me you’re here,” Ruediger smiled, helplessness flickering across his face, “How are you feeling?”

Lariette blinked, never thinking Nora would tell Ruediger about her.

“Oh… I’m fine. I just need a little rest.”

Taking off her sports shoes, Lariette got on the bed while leaning against the headboard. Ruediger sat on the edge, facing her. He carefully assessed the look on her face, finding her slightly pale.

Lariette leaned sideways, one hand pressing her tummy as her legs curled. Ruediger glanced at her backpack, wondering how uncomfortable she was.

“Did you bring the water bag? How about a heat patch?”

Lariette laughed awkwardly, “I forgot them. I do have heat patches in my room.”

Ruediger exhaled. Sweeping his gaze across the sick bay, he eyed the drawers and hanging shelves.

“There should be some here. Or are the drawers locked?”

“Some do,” Lariette replied quietly, “It’s okay, Eddy. I’ll ask the nurse at the first-aid tent. I’ll just rest her for a bit.”

Ruediger returned his gaze to Lariette. He unzipped the cross-chest bag, looking for something. She was him taking out a clear bottle of medicated oil.

“Want me to help?” Ruediger asked quietly, careful not to push Lariette, “If you’re okay with it, I can try massaging your tummy.”

So far, Ruediger had only experienced massaging Lariette’s limbs and back. He brought the medicated oil out of habit. Just a small amount helped to ease muscle soreness.

Blinking, Lariette’s eyes darted from Ruediger to the small bottle. She couldn’t help but remember how good she felt after he massaged her aching limbs and back this week.

“Okay,” Lariette whispered.

“Lay back a little.”

Lariette adjusted herself, straightening her legs across the bed. Then, she slowly lifted her jacket and shirt, just enough to reveal the curve of her lower abdomen.

Ruediger washed his hands at the sink nearby. He returned to the bed, once again sitting on the edge while facing Lariette.

After rubbing the oil on his palm, Ruediger rested them lightly over Lariette’s belly, letting her get used to the touch first. Before he began the massage, he said, “Tell me if it hurts.”

Lariette nodded, her eyes fluttering shut. She felt Ruediger rubbed her belly with tender, circular motions. As usual, his touch was steady and calming. He didn’t speak, only focusing on his task.

Lariette exhaled a soft sigh, feeling her body begin to relax. The slight tension between her brows eased. This comfortable sensation almost lured her to sleep. The muffled sounds of Sports Day slipped inside through the windows.

Seeing the sleepy look on Lariette’s countenance, Ruediger smiled gently. He was relieved to know she felt better. Her eyelids were barely opened.

“Rest a bit, Lettie,” Ruediger stopped. Leaning forward, he pressed a featherlight kiss to her forehead, “I’ll stay here.”

Lariette gave Ruediger a sleepy smile, “Yeah. Thank you, Eddy.”

Closing her eyes, she still felt his lingering warmth on her skin.