Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 290

Chapter 290: 290. Tug-of-War
The afternoon sun shone high above, mellowing into soft gold. The hues stretched long shadows across the school field, the perfect warm palette for autumn.

The much more chaotic energy of the morning had simmered. The students particularly were still lively and spirited but touched with the exhaustion of a day well spent running around and cheering.

“Julia! Here, here!”

“I think Class 7-C will win first place.”

“If only the reward is no exam for the entire year.”

Laughter and chatter resonated in the air, followed by scuffles of sneakers against the grass and the chirps of whistles.

The final event before the closing ceremony would begin anytime now, the tug-of-war game. Parents and teachers joined together to form two different teams, ready to face one another.

Lariette stood at the edge of the field with Nora, balancing a thermal flask in one hand while staring at Ruediger. He gathered with his teammates across the field.

Rolling up the sleeves of his shirt, Ruediger laughed when Benjamin handed him a blue bandana. Then, he tied it around his head, the color was a contrast against his red hair.

Lariette couldn’t help but smirk, thinking Ruediger looked completely at ease despite sticking out among the group of teachers and dads. Tall and broad-shouldered, his wavy crimson locks caught the sunlight.

“Can’t take your eyes off him, huh?”

Lariette chuckled when Nora nudged her elbow. Raising her brows, she proudly said, “Of course~”

A group of students ran past Lariette and Nora, mostly cheering for their parents who joined the game. They waved handmade flags and chanted slogans, excited for tug-of-war to begin.

“Dad! Go! Go! Go!”

“Noah! Watch how your papa wins!”

“Mom, look at Dad! He won’t trip, right?”

One male teacher, Eric, acted as the referee. Standing between the two teams, he waved a light-colored stick, signaling the participants to get ready.

“EVERYONE! In your position!”

Lariette arched her neck, leaning forward slightly. Her sapphire eyes fell on Ruediger. She watched him take a squatted dance behind the rope, his brows furrowing as he focused on the game.

Eric blew the whistle, cheers erupting around the field.

“Eddy! GOOO! Blue team! GOOO!”

Cupping her hands around her mouth, Lariette shouted at the top of her lungs. Other teachers and parents nearby joined, also cheering for the teams. The students chanted loudly.

The thick, fraying rope pulled taut in an instant. The participants dug their feet into the earth, shoes squeaked. They heaved their bodies backward, hands tightened around the rope.

Ruediger’s stance was solid, knuckles white as he gripped the rope. Clenching his jaw, he groaned alongside his teammates. The red team also did the same, heaving while pulling the rope.

“Pull! Pull! Pull harder!”

“Papa! Pull the rope!”

“Ahhh! Don’t give up!”

The spectators continued chanting. Some shrieked and some pumped their fists to the air when the red team managed a mighty pull. The marker flag in the middle of the rope inched closer toward the red cone.

“BLUE! PULL!”

But the blue team rallied, roaring back with a synchronized heave. The flag jerked back toward the center, the distance from the red cone widening.

“You’ve got this! Blue team!”

Lariette shouted again, heart pounding. She winced when she saw Ruediger’s feet sliding slightly in the grass. In the split second, she also thought of the friction between his palms and the thick rope.

Another pull from the red team, harder this time. And then another.

With a sharp yank, the blue team was pulled past the center marker. Four members of Ruediger’s team toppled backward into the grass from a final, decisive tug from the red team.

“Fweeeeeettt!”

Eric blew the whistle, the sound cutting through the cheers, signaling the end.

Cheers exploded from the blue team. They celebrated their win with triumphant yells and fist bumps. Some of the dads bragged at their children who came running toward them.

“Penny! Did you see me? Aren’t you proud of your dad?”

“Wow! Papa! You’re the best!”

Lariette hurried forward, seeing Ruediger sit on the grass. He breathed hard, chest rising and falling with each exhale. His bangs clung to his sweaty forehead, face flushed under the sun.

“You did well, Eddy.”

Crouching before Ruediger, Lariette handed him a clean towel. A crooked grin tugged on his lips once he saw her. He took the towel and wiped his face.

“Sadly, Mr. All-Rounder didn’t win this time,” Ruediger sighed, “I’ve disappointed my wife.”

“Hehe, you didn’t,” Lariette chuckled. She reached out a hand, brushing Ruediger’s bangs from his forehead, “Actually, it’s quite refreshing to see Mr. All-Rounder lost.”

“Ouch,” Ruediger patted his chest, pretending to be devastated, “That’s quite a blow after a defeat.”

“How are your hands?”

Lariette couldn’t help but ask. Without caring for the others around them, she gently took Ruediger’s hands in hers. Worry was evident between her brows.

After the intense tug-of-war game, Ruediger’s hands displayed clear evidence of effort and friction. His palms were red and slightly raw.

Lariette saw the faint traces of rope burn crossing over Ruediger’s skin. Dirt dusted his knuckles and palms, and the faint scent of grass mixed with sweat.

Ruediger smiled, warmth blooming in his chest for the genuine concern shown by Lariette. He felt as if the other people around them did not exist as he relished the moment with her.

“It’s not too bad, Lettie. Just a bit of battle damage.”

Lariette glared at Ruediger, “Battle damage? Do you think this is a war?”

“You can say so,” Ruediger shrugged.

Lariette huffed but with a smile. Rising to her feet, she said while letting Ruediger’s hands go, “Enough joking around. Stand up. The closing ceremony is soon.”

Arching his brows, Ruediger did as he was told. Lariette waited for him to wash his hands and face at the nearby water tap. Then, they followed the others to gather before the stage.

Most of the crowd had already assembled there. Colorful banners were strung high, fluttering in the breeze. Wrapped prizes were piled on a table, ready to be handed to the winners.

The students buzzed with anticipation, bouncing on their toes. Their parents waited on the sidelines, and also couldn’t wait to witness the moment their children received the presents.

Principal Smith appeared with a wide grin on his face. Standing in the middle of the stage, he declared, “Ladies and gentlemen! Our wonderful students, hardworking teachers and supportive parents, thank you for making this Sports Day a success!”

A loud cheer rose from the field.

It was gift-giving time!