Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 298

Chapter 298: Her Special Hot Chocolate
The apartment was quiet when Lariette and Ruediger stepped inside, returning from their little romantic date tonight. The crisp scent of fallen leaves clung to their clothes.

Lariette and Ruediger exchanged silly smiles and glances, all indicating neither was ready for sleep just yet. The time inched closer to over half-past eleven.

“I crave hot chocolate,” Lariette said while brushing a few leaves from her sweater, “Do you want some?”

Ruediger nodded, already taking off his coat as he stepped into the living room, “Lettie’s special hot choco, huh? I can’t wait to try it.”

Lariette chuckled, shaking her head slightly. She quickly headed to the kitchen, her steps light on the floor. After putting on the apron, she washed her hands, ready to make a pot of delicious hot chocolate.

“You’re the star tonight!”

Lariette laughed at herself as she pulled a chocolate bar from the cupboard. She carefully unwrapped the foil. Then, she chopped the bar into small shards, the rhythmic sound echoing in the kitchen.

Pouring some milk into a saucepan, Lariette let it be on the stove over gentle heat. She would add the chocolate pieces next, then some vanilla, cinnamon and salt later.

The rich scent of chocolate wafted in the air, drifting to the living room.

When Lariette was busy making hot chocolate, Ruediger was in the mood for some sketching.

An idea struck his mind as he recalled the tender moments that he shared with her just now. He went to his bedroom, only to return minutes later with a black sketchbook and a worn tin of pencils.

He wanted to sketch her.

Ruediger rarely drew on the sketchbook, but he couldn’t let the image of Lariette standing under the old tree out of his mind. It was still vivid.

She stood under the lone tree in the park, the leaves falling around her. The moonlight caressed her face, highlighting the loose strands of her braid after they had run through the games and laughter.

And the way she smiled at him… it hadn’t left him since.

‘She’s… breathtaking.’

Taking a seat on the couch, Ruediger folded his long legs before resting the sketchbook on one knee. He drifted his gaze to the kitchen.

Ruediger heard Lariette’s steps echoing from there, including the sound of her stirring the pot on the stove. The delicious scent of the hot drink melted his lips into a smile.

Ruediger sharpened a pencil slightly, letting the small shavings of wood fall on a tissue paper. The tip touched the paper, and with deliberate strokes, he began.

In the kitchen, Lariette was unaware of what Ruediger was doing. She hummed quietly to herself, relishing the afterglow of the evening.

After placing two mugs on a tray, Lariette carefully poured the hot chocolate into both. She left the empty pot on the stove, ready to bring the drinks out.

When Lariette walked into the living room with the tray in hand, the sight of Ruediger on the couch made her pause.

‘He’s drawing, huh? I rarely see this.’

Ruediger, with his sleeves rolled just above his elbows, sat leaning into his sketchbook. Caught in a deep thought, his brows furrowed. The main lights caught the auburn tint in his crimson locks.

Smiling, Lariette didn’t say anything. She walked quietly to the coffee table and placed the tray down, careful not to disturb Ruediger. He glanced up at her, his lips curled.

“What are you drawing?” Lariette asked as she sat beside Ruediger, folding one leg beneath her, “Any inspiration from the Halloween party?”

Ruediger paused from stroking, his smile widening. He showed the sketchbook to Lariette, “You.”

Lariette blinked, caught off guard. She quickly shifted her gaze from Ruediger’s face to the sketchbook, looking intently at the strokes on the paper.

Her likeness slowly emerged. It wasn’t perfect yet, but she saw herself.

The curve of her jaw, the way her head tilted slightly to the side, her eyes cast upward to the drifting leaves. The arch of the tree behind, and the delicate leaves suspended midair.

“Eddy…” Lariette exhaled softly, “Your sketch is amazing!”

Ruediger chuckled. While shading the line of Lariette’s cheekbone with the side of his pencil, he said, “A certain someone’s beauty makes this sketch more gorgeous.”

Lariette flushed, her lips curling up. Without saying anything, she watched the way Ruediger moved as he sketched, gentle yet confident. Her heart gave a quiet yet soft flutter.

“Drink some hot choco while you’re drawing,” Lariette said after a period of silence. She picked up Ruediger’s blue mug, “Here.”

Putting the sketchbook and pencil away, Ruediger took the mug from Lariette, his fingers brushing against hers. His smile deepened as he took in the rich chocolate scent.

“I smell cinnamon,” Ruediger glanced at Lariette, also with her mug of the hot drink, “It looks so rich and creamy. Bet it’ll taste so good.”

“Of course! It’s my special hot chocolate!” Lariette declared proudly.

They sat like that for a while, enveloped by the tranquility in the air. She curled beside him, sipping her hot chocolate now and then. At the same time, he filled the shadows and lines on the paper.

Ruediger eventually set the pencil down. After stretching his fingers, he grabbed his mug, still half-full of hot chocolate.

“All done?” Lariette asked softly, intrigued.

“Yes,” Ruediger smiled, showing her the sketchbook, “What do you think?”

“It’s beautiful. You’re so talented,” Lariette chuckled, “It should be a crime to be this talented, Mr. All-Rounder.”

Ruedigerd laughed in helplessness. Leaning closer toward Lariette, he arched his brows, “But, lady, you can’t deny you’re impressed by my talents, yes?”

“Well~ I can’t deny that.”

Lariette shrugged. She quickly finished her last sip of hot chocolate. Ruediger’s soft laughter echoed right beside her, radiating heat on her cheeks.

Their mugs rested empty on the table as the clock went past midnight. The warmth of the chocolate still lingered on their lips.

Snuggling on the couch, Lariette laid her gaze on Ruediger’s face. Her hand found his check, thumb gently brushing the light graphite smudge near his temple.

“Hehe, how did you get a smudge there?” Lariette chuckled, the light in her eyes softening, “But, still handsome. Makes me want to kiss you again.”

Ruediger deepened the smile on his lips. He watched Lariette leaning in first, her lips brushing his in a featherlight kiss. He slipped his hand to the side of her waist to steady her.

He returned her kiss with quiet intensity. It deepened, naturally yet unhurried, just like everything about them.

“Lettie,” Ruediger whispered over Lariette’s lips, chuckles lacing his voice, “You taste like cinnamon.”

“It’s because of Lettie’s special hot chocolate,” she giggled.

Ruediger kissed Lariette again, slower this time, one hand drifting to the back of her head. When their kiss broke, she leaned toward his neck and gently bit the soft skin.

“Lettie…” Ruediger whimpered, his voice hoarser and his eyes lost focus.

Lariette’s eyes glinted mischievously. Laughing, she pushed Ruediger to lie on the couch before lying on top of him. He quickly cradled her waist in a tight hug.

Narrowing his eyes, Ruediger whispered, “You’re quite a seductress. Well, not that I’m complaining.”

Lariette laughed, amused by Ruediger’s remarks. Leaning in, she pecked on his lips before resting her head on his chest. She smiled in contentment as he gently rubbed her back, tracing lazy circles.

The soft, lingering warmth of the night cradled them as they stayed in silence.