Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 66

Chapter 66: It’s Not the Right Time Yet
Lariette stared out the balcony, watching the scenic view of the vast ocean. The waters shimmered under the dazzling sunlight. The waves rolled in a rhythm, kissing the shore of the white sandy beach.

Glancing at her wristwatch, Lariette found that the time had just struck a quarter past one. A sigh escaped her lips as she tried to imagine what would happen next.

The meeting held at the Elsher family’s villa would begin at two. Lariette and Ruediger would head there with Chairman Delaney.

“The sooner it ends, the better.”

Lariette leaned against the balcony railing, throwing her gaze to the vicinity around the villa. The place was guarded well, not allowing trespassers, especially the tourists.

Lariette planned to bring Ruediger and Madeline to the nearby areas tomorrow morning. They could continue their adventure the day after tomorrow.

Chairman Delaney told Lariette and Ruediger to occupy this particular room. Aside from being spacious and comfortable, it also had an inner room.

A king-sized bed dominated the main area of the chamber while the inner room had a smaller yet equally comfortable bed. A cozy reading nook, walk-in wardrobe and washroom were also included.

“You don’t want people to be suspicious, right? Using different rooms will make them question your marriage so, this is the least I can do.”

The Elsher family had already doubted Lariette and Ruediger’s marriage. Chairman Delaney didn’t want other people to think the same.

Well, they could run their mouths off as much as they wanted but, they better not do it in front of him.

Lariette and Ruediger thanked Chairman Delaney for his consideration. The crimson-haired man agreed when the former insisted on using the inner room, thinking more privacy should go to her.

Without Lariette realizing it, Ruediger entered the room. He had been away for quite a few hours already.

Ruediger told Lariette that Chairman Delaney invited him for more chess games when the truth was, he was busy in the kitchen—making a special cake for her birthday this midnight.

Hopefully, the little surprise would lift her mood.

Ruediger’s emerald eyes immediately found Lariette. She was standing quietly by the balcony, seemingly enjoying the panoramic view from the third floor of the villa.

Standing not far from the balcony door, Ruediger silently gazed at Lariette. The warm afternoon light framed her figure, casting a soft glow around her silhouette.

The gentle sea breeze drifted in, carrying along the saltiness of the ocean. The wind lifted loose strands of Lariette’s long and luscious hair, dancing slightly against her summer dress.

Curling up his lips, Ruediger’s smile was faint. He brought his hands behind his back, silently fighting the desire to pull Lariette into his embrace.

He loved her.

But… this wasn’t the right time to profess his feelings yet.

Ruediger was happy with Laritte’s answer when he asked her about what would happen between them if one party fell in love with the other during this contractual marriage[01].

“If we fall for each other, I still want us to divorce.”

“I want us to start anew. I wish to have a decent proposal and a lovely wedding.”

Those words gave hope to Ruediger despite knowing there would be a chance of Lariette despising her once the absolute truth came out.

No matter what, he was still a deceiver.

A deceiver who was in love with her.

“Lettie.”

Parting his lips, Ruediger’s husky voice cut through the quiet moment, calling Lariette warmly. His gaze remained on her back as his voice slowly reached her.

Ruediger saw the tilt of Lariette’s head and a shift of her figure as if she was surprised to hear him. She turned around, letting her sapphire eyes meet his emerald ones.

“Eddy! I didn’t hear you at all.”

Ruediger chuckled upon listening to Lariette’s exclamation. Striding toward her, his steps were measured yet calm. He eventually stood by her side.

“Did you have fun with Grandpa?” Lariette squinted her eyes, her tone had a hint of playfulness as she asked Ruediger, “Seems like you’re a good buddy to him now.”

More laughter slipped out from Ruediger’s lips, his rough facial features softening. As the breeze ruffled through his crimson locks, the fringes swayed, casting a dance of lights and shadows on his face.

“I won’t steal your grandpa from you,” answered Ruediger, playing along with Lariette, “Anyway, should we head downstairs now? I’ve told Maddie we’d go there for a moment.”

Madeline was assigned to decorate the room for Lariette’s surprise birthday celebration. She happily took up the task, saying she would do it when they were away.

Exhaling a sigh, Lariette let her distaste toward meeting the Elsher family evident on her face. Frowning, she uttered, her tone sounding dubious, “They better not create a drama or something.”

“Don’t you like drama?”

Ruediger arched his brows, asking Lariette teasingly. Her cheeky response earned hearty laughter from him.

“Only if I’m the spectator watching with a bag of popcorn.”

“I should make some, coat with the classic sweet caramel.”

Lariette’s shoulders shook as she followed Ruediger laughing. The ambiance in the air softened further.

Lariette and Ruediger eventually left the room, their pace matching one another. Aside from them, Madeline also stayed on the third floor. Her room was just down the hallway.

Chairman Delaney occupied a room on the second floor. The presence of the home elevator saved his aching knees from going up and down the long staircase.

Only a few helpers were around. All of them were surprised to see Lariette coming with Ruediger, more so when it was known he was her newly married husband.

“Grandpa.”

Lariette and Ruediger greeted Chairman Delaney once they saw him appear at the lounge downstairs. A male helper escorted the elderly man to them.

Chairman Delaney smiled at Lariette and Ruediger before focusing on his granddaughter again. Touching her right arm, the elderly man’s gesture seemed to try to reassure her.

Chuckling, Lariette hugged Chairman Delaney sideways. She patted her frail grandfather’s back.

“Grandpa, why don’t we have tea together this evening? Eddy and Maddie should join us too.”

Lariette’s tone was full of hope, wishing to spend the evening with the people who cared for her. Chairman Delaney was relieved seeing the calm on her face.

“Yes, let’s do that.”

Lariette grinned. She exchanged a look with Ruediger whose lips curled up as well.

———-

Reference:

1 – Chapter 14