Declan and Rafael didn’t stay longer at Chairman Delaney’s residence after conveying the important issue regarding Leon and Stephanie. The two brothers wished Lariette safe, promising they would handle this matter accordingly.
As for Lariette and Ruediger, they continued staying at the residence until it was ti for Chairman Delaney’s afternoon nap. The elderly man delayed his resting ti because of Declan and Rafael’s presence.
"We’ll go back now, Grandpa," said Lariette while hugging Chairman Delaney. The old man was already lying on his bed, "I’ll co to visit you again soon."
"Aren’t you busy with the school’s reopening soon?" Chairman Delaney patted Lariette’s back. Despite asking that, his voice was clearly hopeful to see his granddaughter again.
Lariette chuckled, knowing Chairman Delaney was afraid of imposing on her ti, "I still have over one week before that. And, it isn’t like your place is far from mine."
"Lari is right," Ruediger chid in, his lips curling into a soft smile, "Even if she’s busy, I can co and play chess with you sotis, Grandpa."
Ruediger wouldn’t mind coming here alone without Lariette if Chairman Delaney needed so company. He knew the elderly man most likely felt lonely.
"There you go again," Lariette clicked her tongue, playfully glaring at Ruediger, "Are you trying to usurp my throne as Grandpa’s favorite grandchild, en?"
"Why? Are you scared?" asked Ruediger teasingly. The light in his erald eyes softened.
"A little bit."
Ruediger and Chairman Delaney burst into laughter, amused by Lariette’s answer. She rolled her eyes, her cheeks flushing red.
After saying goodbye to Chairman Delaney, Lariette and Ruediger stepped out of the bedroom. They imdiately headed to the outside, intending to return ho.
Only, Ruediger suggested sothing to Lariette once they were on the road.
"Do you wanna go ho right away or go to a park?"
Lariette tore her eyes away from the road once she heard Ruediger’s question. Arching her brows, she asked him in return, "Go to a park? For what? Well, I don’t mind it."
"We can take a stroll or, even ride a bike there," Ruediger glanced at Lariette through the rearview mirror, his lips curling up, "The weather isn’t as hot as usual."
"That sounds nice. Let’s go!"
Laughter spilled out of Ruediger’s lips, echoing softly in the truck. Lariette’s quick agreent made him happy.
Ruediger brought Lariette to Blossom Grove Park. The place was only fifteen minutes away from Lumina Spring. Both of them used to go past the park during their car rides.
"Oh, there are so many people already," Lariette comnted as Ruediger parked the truck in the provided parking area.
"Let’s go," Ruediger unbuckled his seatbelt. His smile was bright as he gestured to the outside with a tilt of his chin, "The bike rental is over there."
"Okay~"
Lariette followed Ruediger to the bike rental place. She smilingly looked around the park, feeling her mood better at the sight of the blooming flowers among the greenery.
The park was bathed in the golden light of the sumr afternoon. The soft breeze helped to llow the warmth of the sun as it rustled through the trees and bushes.
The visitors strolled on the paved walkways, so walking their dogs. The others chatted while sitting on the benches shaded by the trees.
Soon, Ruediger and Lariette reached the bicycle rental stand. Rows of neatly lined-up bikes glistened under the sunlight, waiting for the next renters.
"I’ll pick that pink one."
Lariette quickly pointed to one of the bicycles once the attendant asked their preferences. Her sapphire eyes glead with anticipation, loving to see her favorite color on the bike.
"Then, I’ll get the silver one."
After making the paynt to the attendant, Ruediger and Lariette mounted their respective bicycles. A few other people also finalized their rental.
"Shall we race, Eddy?" Lariette teased, throwing Ruediger a playful glance.
Ruediger smirked, shaking his head, "You’ll only tire yourself out. Let’s enjoy the breeze. Shall we?"
"Okay~"
Laughing softly, Lariette pushed forward. Her long brown hair tousled behind her as she began pedaling down the winding path.
Ruediger followed at a steady pace, not too close to avoid any collision. He watched with a smile as Lariette got used to the motion before finding her rhythm.
The passing breeze felt refreshing despite the lingering heat of the afternoon. They pedaled the bikes, moving down the bicycle pathways.
Lariette occasionally glanced at Ruediger, her face beaming under the dazzling sunlight. He returned her gaze with a smile of his own.
"Eddy, look! Ducks!"
Lariette excitedly pointed at a pond. It shimred under the sunlight where ducks paddled lazily. A few people crouched near the bank, tossing cracked corn into the water.
"Should we stop here?" Ruediger shouted slightly, his voice reaching Lariette who quickly agreed.
They slowed down before dismounting the bikes. Lariette and Ruediger headed to the pond after parking their bikes under a nearby tree. She crouched by the water.
"Oh, they’re so cute. It’s a pity I don’t have any food for them."
Sighing in regret, Lariette held back from reaching out her hand to touch the ducks. She didn’t want to scare them.
"Wait here."
Ruediger turned around without giving Lariette an explanation. She looked behind her shoulders, finding him approaching a vendor sitting under a tree.
Oh, soone was selling the cracked corn. She didn’t notice the vendor earlier.
Ruediger returned with a small packet of cracked corn, his crimson locks shimred as he rushed to Lariette.
Kneeling next to Lariette, Ruediger handed her the packet, "Here you go. Ti to feed the duckies."
"Thank you!"
The childlike delight in Lariette’s sapphire eyes llowed Ruediger’s smile. He took out his phone, silently taking her photos as she began tossing a handful into the water.
"Aww~ Aren’t you a cutie? Hehe, you too."
Lariette chuckled when the ducks eagerly paddled closer, quacking softly before they ate the cracked corn, floating on the water. Ruediger watched her through the phone cara, his gaze shifting between Lariette and the ducks.
"Lettie, look here."
"En?" Lariette absentmindedly turned to Ruediger, only to be surprised by the phone, "Ah! You’re taking photos!"
"Hehe, smile."
"Wait!" Lariette hurriedly smoothened her hair, "Make sure I look pretty, okay? Oh, don’t forget the ducks."
"Haha, alright."
Ruediger swallowed the words he wanted to say the most.
No matter what, she would always be pretty in his eyes.
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