Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 303

Chapter 303: The Drive Before Dawnbreak
<.Lumina Spring, Friday.>

Days went by, and it was already Friday. At half-past three, the city still slumbered under its velvet sky, waiting for the first ray of sunlight touching the horizon, but the same couldn’t be said for a particular apartment unit.

When most people were still sleeping cozily, Lariette and Ruediger had already woken up. They got ready for their trip to the north.

Their backpacks were already waiting for them in the living room. They didn’t pack much because the trip was only for three days.

Standing before the full-length mirror, Lariette tied her long hair into a high, messy bun. She changed her pajamas into a beige sweater and light pink loose denim pants.

A yawn escaped Lariette’s lips as she made sure she looked quite presentable. Rubbing her eyes, she tried to chase her drowsiness away.

‘I can’t wait to get there and sleep.’

Lariette and Ruediger went to bed early last night, as early as eight. Neither of them wanted to be so sleepy during the ride, especially Ruediger who acted as the driver.

“Lettie, are you done?”

Lariette heard Ruediger calling from outside the walk-in wardrobe. She quickly rushed out, seeing him walking a few steps from the door. He had also traded his nightwear for a comfy sweatshirt and khaki pants.

“Done!” Lariette grinned, more awake than earlier, “We can leave now.”

Ruediger chuckled at the sight of Lariette’s beaming look. Her excitement about going back to Moonville was so evident. He also shared a similar feeling.

“Let’s go.”

Before leaving, Ruediger and Lariette made a final check to the apartment. They also informed the management office about their absence for three days.

“Whoa!” Lariette laughed softly once she saw the thermal bag Ruediger put some snacks and drinks in, “Eddy, you’re so prepared. I’m hungry.”

Ruediger threw Lariette a meaningful look, eliciting more laughter from her. Slinging his backpack over one shoulder, he grabbed the thermal bag’s handle.

“I packed some tuna sandwiches, cookies, hot tea and coffee. Oh, also your favorite green grapes and strawberries.”

“Excellent!”

Standing on her tiptoes, Lariette pecked Ruediger’s right cheek. He groaned, seemingly dissatisfied. Laughing, she smooched his left cheek next. Only then did he grin.

“What a fool.”

Lariette playfully smacked Ruediger’s arm. He simply laughed. Then, they made their way to the basement parking lot.

Along the way, Lariette and Ruediger only saw the guards on duty who they exchanged morning greetings with.

Soon, Ruediger drove the truck out of the basement, heading to the expressway. The streetlights shone over the road and the surrounding areas.

Traffic was nearly nonexistent due to the early hours. They occasionally passed by several vehicles, their headlights flickering in the dark.

While Ruediger was driving, Lariette tapped on the dashboard touchscreen. She played a playlist of soft country songs to accompany their trip.

“Lettie,” Ruediger glanced at Lariette, laughter imbuing his voice, “What if I fell asleep?”

Lariette chuckled. Looking at Ruediger, she replied cheekily, “You won’t. I’ll pinch you if you’re sleepy.”

Ruediger groaned, “What? I expect you to say you’ll keep me awake with a hug or two.”

“Hahaha! Don’t be silly!”

When the city became a blur behind them, Lariette opened the thermal food bag. She and Ruediger ate some snacks to quench their hunger. The hot drinks helped to keep them warm.

The first streaks of violet, ruby and amber of dawn stretched across the sky by the time Ruediger slowed the truck. He drove into a rest area, the same stop where he taught Lariette to play baseball[01].

Despite only a few vehicles being parked there, the rest stop was brightly lit. The breeze sent a flurry of fallen leaves away, spreading the scent of dew and earthy soil.

“Let’s grab something hot and delicious,” Ruediger stated while unlatching the seatbelt, “My stomach will stage a rebellion at this rate.”

“You ate most of the snacks, Eddy,” Lariette laughed, “And you’re still starving?”

“What can I do?” Ruediger replied with a shrug, “Your dear husband eats a lot, Lettie.”

Lariette burst out laughing, shaking her head as she grabbed her sling back. Before exiting the truck, she said, “We better go before your stomach let out a war cry.”

A cold gust of wind blew past Lariette, leaving her shivering. Ruediger quickly moved closer and slipped an arm around her back. Smiling, she leaned in as they walked toward the eatery area.

Lariette and Ruediger entered a small cafe. A sleepy-eyed staff in an apron greeted them. They quickly placed an order at the counter before heading to a table by the window.

“We don’t have anything much to do today,” Lariette said while propping both elbows up, cupping her face, “Do you wanna trek the small hill near the gravesite?”

Aside from having meals with Melissa and Paul, Lariette and Ruediger had nothing else to do. They planned to go to the festival tomorrow.

If he didn’t like that idea, she still had more in mind. After all, her main goal was to spend more time with him.

“Sounds fun,” Ruediger nodded, his right brow arching, “We better pack some food. They’ll taste better in nature, isn’t it?”

Lariette beamed, happy to hear Ruediger quickly agreeing with her. She began chatting about the harvest festival, unable to hold her excitement back.

When Lariette and Ruediger were done with their meals, the sky outside had shifted to a deeper blue. The last stars winked out one by one as the sun slowly revealed itself.

“We should stop here and play some baseball this Funday,” Ruediger said as they walked back to the truck, “I need to check your current skill. What do you say?”

“I’m in!” Lariette declared boldly, “Let’s have a match. Shall we?”

“Sure. Hmm… I better think from now on what I, the winner, want you to do.”

“So conceited, huh?”

“That’s called being confident, my dear.”

“Hahaha!”

Engulfed in happiness, the couple hit the road again. The village was still a few hours away, but already closer than ever. As the scenery gradually changed, they saw the subtle rise of northern hills dotted with trees, clinging to the last of autumn’s fiery leaves.

———-

Reference:

1 – Chapter 172