Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 70

Chapter 70: Happy Birthday, Lariette
Lariette thought an earthquake woke her up. Turned out it was Madeline.

“Lari! Quick! Wake up! It’s an emergency!”

“H-huh? What?”

Lariette jolted awake from her nap, heart pounding as the world seemed to shake. Blinking her eyes repeatedly, her disoriented mind finally registered Madeline shaking her shoulders.

Madeline’s hands gripped Lariette’s shoulders tightly. Her voice was laden with urgency.

“Come on! Wake up! Your grandpa called for you!”

“Ha?”

Abruptly sitting up, Lariette almost jumped out of bed upon hearing Madeline’s mention of her grandfather. She quickly rubbed her eyes, the lingering drowsiness vanished instantly.

“Did something happen to my grandpa? Where is he? What…”

Madeline quickly calmed Lariette down. She didn’t forget to drag her friend out of the bed. Securing her hands on Lariette’s arms, Madeline made sure her friend didn’t stumble on the floor.

“Easy! Easy, Lari! Your grandpa’s waiting for you. You’ve got a surprise coming!”

“Huh?”

Before Lariette could ask anything, Madeline shoved her toward the washroom outside the inner room she occupied. She noticed Ruediger wasn’t in the room; not at the reading nook or the bed.

Standing opposite the wash basin, Lariette splashed cold water, trying to clear her mind. She remembered finishing a mug of warm milk given by Ruediger before heading to bed.

“You’ve got a surprise coming!”

Lariette paused once Madeline’s remarks from earlier echoed again in her mind. Blinking, her brain cells started to connect the dots.

Oh… was it about that?

A wave of anticipation surged from Lariette’s heart once she looked at the wall clock near the mirror. After wiping her face, she combed through her hair, making sure she looked presentable.

Thinking that Madeline was in her pajamas, Lariette thought the nightgown she wore right now shouldn’t be a problem. The long-sleeved cotton nightwear was modest yet stylish.

“Where’s my grandpa?” asked Lariette once she emerged from the washroom, finding Madeline whose face gleaming with delight.

“Come with me!”

Pulling Lariette by her left hand, Madeline led the former through the dimly lit hallway. They went to the second floor below before stopping in front of a closed door.

“I’ll open the door now!”

Madeline exclaimed, her voice loud in the quiet hallway. She flung open the door before Lariette could respond.

“Happy birthday, Lari!”

Lariette froze seeing the room burst into light and color. Chairman Delaney and Ruediger stood facing the open door with the young man holding a cake with a 26-shaped candle flickering atop.

“My dear granddaughter, happy birthday,” Chairman Delaney smiled warmly at Lariette. Stepping out of the room, he embraced the lady, “May your future will always be blessed and bright.”

Despite half-anticipating this surprise because of Madeline’s uncanny behavior, Lariette was still in shock. She returned Chairman Delaney’s hug, feeling the warmth of his care for her.

“Oh… Grandpa, thank you.”

Lariette was touched because Chairman Delaney was still awake at this hour. She knew he usually went to bed early because of his health.

Chairman Delaney patted Lariette’s back twice before letting her go. Her eyes drifted to Ruediger who was also walking closer to her.

The golden glow of the flickering candles danced over Ruediger’s face, accentuating the crimson color of his locks. His rugged facial features were softened by the smile on his lips.

“Lettie, happy birthday. I hope you’ll achieve your dreams in the future. Hurry, make your wish and blow the candle.”

“Thank you, Eddy,” Lariette chuckled, her eyes darting from Ruediger’s face to the cake, “Hehe, did you make this?”

The round-shaped cake was in a lovely pink color, layered with smooth frosting. Delicate rose petals and fresh strawberry halves adorned one side on the top, appearing vibrant over the pastel pink color.

The words ‘Happy Birthday, Lariette’ were in a darker shade of pink, carefully piped on the part under the strawberries and petals. The 26-shaped candle stood proudly next to the script.

This cake was inevitably charming.

Lariette believed this was one of Ruediger’s creations. His silent nod answered her.

“Blow your candle, Lettie.”

The words were spoken tenderly, melting Lariette’s lips into a soft smile.

Madeline and Chairman Delaney also joined Ruediger, encouraging Lariette to make a wish and blow the candle.

Placing her palms together, Lariette closed her eyes and whispered the wish in her heart. With a honeyed smile on her lips, she opened her eyes and blew the candles.

“Yay! Woohoo! Happy birthday, Lari!”

“Hehe, hope you enjoy the surprise, my dear.”

“Lettie, come inside. We have other food. You haven’t eaten, right?”

Lariette laughed, unable to contain the excitement in her heart. She quickly stepped inside, finally properly seeing the small but cozy setup for her surprise birthday celebration.

Twinkling fairy lights were strung along the room, casting a warm, inviting glow. Balloons in white and soft pink colors floated around the area, tied to the chairs and the walls.

Walking further inside, Lariette saw the spread on the table.

Platters of finger foods and delicate pastries were served alongside colorful drinks. Two vases of red tulips—her favorite flowers—gave the additional sweet touch.

And…

Lariette bit her lower lip when tears suddenly pricked her eyes. She stared at the small banner reading ‘Happy 26th, Lariette’ hung across the wall, decorated by a bunch of balloons.

“…thank you, everyone. Really… thank you so much.”

Parting her trembling lips, Lariette’s voice cracked slightly as she tried not to cry. Waves of emotions hit her heart as she realized this celebration was only for her.

For once in a decade, she was not concealed in the shadows of Stephanie.

The Elsher family often threw a grand birthday celebration for Stephanie. Despite Lariette sharing the same birth date, her existence was often forgotten.

Lariette knew she was a grown adult. Still, she couldn’t help but wish for her parents and siblings to also focus on her during the special day.

The few people who cared for her birthday were her grandfather and best friend. And, now… her new husband was also there.

“My dear…”

Chairman Delaney stepped closer, wrapping Lariette’s figure in his arms. He silently hugged his granddaughter, feeling her body shiver.

Madeline and Ruediger exchanged a forlorn look. The man carefully put the cake on the center of the table as his cousin approached Lariette.

“Photo time, shall we?”

Chuckles slipped out of Lariette’s mouth as she heard Madeline. Nodding a few times, she rubbed her teary eyes, “Yes. How could I miss it?”

Lariette’s downcast mood was only momentary. She quickly regained her vigor as she wished to enjoy the celebration they carefully and thoughtfully prepared for her.

Lariette knew Stephanie was currently the center of her own birthday party held at the hotel. As always, it would be extravagant and lively. Stephanie would be surrounded by the people who loved and admired her.

Nevertheless, Lariette wouldn’t trade her simple and cozy celebration away.

“Lari, there! Stand behind the table. Yes, in front of the cake!”

“Oh, Grandpa, why don’t you sit there? Let Lari stand near you.”

“Rudy, move to the right. Yes, closer to Lari. Oh! Perfect!”

Madeline was eagerly taking photographs when knocks sounded on the door. All of them looked in the same direction, wondering who it was.

A male helper appeared at the entrance after Chairman Delaney permitted him to open the door. He nodded slightly before saying, “Mr. Chairman, you have guests.”

“At this hour?”

Frowning, Chairman Delaney stared dubiously at the helper. Lariette, Madeline and Ruediger also felt how weird the situation was.

The time was beyond midnight. Who dared to disturb the elderly man during such a time?

The helper’s next remark surprised the four of them.

“Young Master Declan and Young Master Rafael are here.”