Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 304

Chapter 304: Autumn in Moonville
The gray city was left far behind as they reached the scenic northern countryside. The sun had just begun to crest overhead when Ruediger’s truck rolled into Moonville Village.

The rolling hills were painted amber, some of the trees already half-bare from the leaves. A hint of winter could be seen here and there, waiting to be manifested after the last breeze of autumn blew.

Ruediger drove on the shortcut road Lariette showed him during their previous visit, heading to the cottage. At nine-thirty, the residential parts of the village were quiet, unlike the market square and farms.

“The air feels so nice. Don’t you think so, Eddy?”

Lariette hummed after wounding the window down slightly, taking in the fresh crisp air. The breeze ruffled through her bangs as it gently caressed her face.

Glancing at Lariette, a smile found its way to Ruediger’s lips, “It’s certainly way fresher than in the city.”

During their previous visit, Ruediger genuinely enjoyed the tranquility offered by the northern countryside village. He loved it more than a bustling city.

“It’s way chillier here,” Lariette pressed a button, raising the glass window up, “Aunt Mel said she switched on the heat already.”

During their last stop earlier, Lariette texted Melissa, telling her about their current whereabouts. The middle-aged woman stated she would keep the cottage warm while waiting for their arrival.

“That means we gonna have a cozy nap, huh?” Ruediger glanced at the beaming Lariette, chuckles dancing on his lips, “Can’t deny I’m so sleepy.”

“Who told you not to switch with me?” Lariette huffed, glaring at Ruediger, “You could nap a bit if I drove.”

Ruediger had nothing else to say to Lariette aside from laughing. Indeed, he stubbornly kept driving instead of passing her the baton. He believed he would fall asleep as soon as his head touched the pillow.

In a few minutes, Ruediger finally parked the truck in the front yard of the cottage. The Campbells had already opened the gate wide.

Autumn flowers bloomed in the yard, well taken care of by Melissa and Paul. Their vibrant hues added colors to the surroundings as they gleamed under the sunlight.

“Aunt Mel! Uncle Paul!”

Lariette jumped out of the truck, happily running to the Campbells who came out of the cottage. Ruediger laughed in helplessness at the sight of his beloved bouncing in happiness.

“Lettie! How have you been?” Melissa pulled Lariette into a tight hug, “Finally! You and Eddy made it here!”

“Hehe! Of course! Aunt Mel, how are you? Uncle Paul?”

While Lariette and Melissa embraced each other, Paul greeted Ruediger who had just climbed down the truck. The men shook hands before Paul patted the younger man’s back.

“Eddy, you and Lettie lookin’ good, what a relief. Hurry and get in. It’s much cooler these days. We can talk more inside.”

“You and Aunt Mel look as well too,” Ruediger chuckled, pleased by the warm welcome, “I do think the temperature is much lower here, being in the north and all.”

The four of them made their way inside the cottage. The chill that clung to Lariette and Ruediger faded as they walked through the warmly heated building, shouldering their backpacks.

“I’ve made some food for you both. It’s in the kitchen,” Melissa said while gesturing in a direction, “You two just need to reheat it. The rooms are all ready. Take some time to rest.”

Paul nodded, sharing the same sentiment as his wife. He added, “Listen to your Aunt Mel. You won’t go to the festival tonight, right? There’s plenty of time then. Also, come have dinner with us.”

Lariette had already shared her and Ruediger’s finalized plan with the Campbells of going to the festival tomorrow from late afternoon to night when it was at its liveliest.

It was better than going there twice as in their original plan, which was tonight and then tomorrow afternoon.

Melissa and Paul agreed with them.

“Yeah, I might bring Eddy to the hill near the graveyard this afternoon,” Lariette smiled, glancing at Ruediger whose eyes were quite droopy, “Gonna visit Grandma first.”

“That’s good,” Melissa smiled fondly, “Your Grandma surely missed you so much.”

Melissa and Paul left shortly after, understanding the pair needed rest after a long drive. Lariette and Ruediger sent the Campbells off to the door before exchanging smiles.

“Tired, huh?” Lariette chuckled. Lifting her hand, she brushed Ruediger’s face, “You should take a nap first. You didn’t rest much when we stopped.”

Ruediger did drop by a few rest areas after the first one, but only briefly. Lariette also offered to drive, yet he insisted that he could still go on. There was no wonder why he seemed less energetic than usual.

Exhaling a sigh, Ruediger pulled Lariette into his arms, leaning his face on one side of her head. He smiled when she returned the hug. She ran her palm on his back, gently stroking it.

“Yeah, I’m sleepy. If you’re not hungry, come and nap with me,” Ruediger replied, his voice echoing above Lariette’s head.

“That sounds tempting. Hehe, I’m in. Come now.”

Ruediger pulled away from Lariette, just enough to look at her. Arching his brow, he asked while showing an innocent face, “So, do I sleep in a different room like before? Or…”

“Hahaha! Don’t be silly! We’ll be in the same room.”

Bursting into laughter, Lariette pulled Ruediger by the arm, leading him to her childhood bedroom. Unlike their previous visit, they didn’t need separate chambers this time.

The gentle rays of morning sunlight streamed through the windows, filtered by the sheer curtains. Puffy white clouds drifted in the vast blue sky.

Sitting on the bed, Ruediger smiled at Lariette who had just changed into comfy loungewear. He stretched out his arms, his action lured laughter from the lady.

“Eddy, you really like to cuddle, huh?”

Lariette settled herself on Ruediger’s lap while encircling her arms around his neck. He cradled her waist, his lips curling into a smile.

“It’s so nice to hug you,” Ruediger chuckled, “Didn’t you say I’m your cuddly bear?”

“Hehe, that’s so true. Aaa! Eddy!”

“Hahaha!”

Ruediger suddenly threw himself on the mattress, pulling Lariette along with him. His laughter and her shriek resonated in the bedroom, quite a contrast to the tranquil air outside.