"See you this Thursday, Grandpa."
Giving Chairman Delaney a hug, Lariette smiled like a child when the elderly man returned her embrace. He also ran his palm atop her head before giving her a few pats on the back.
Her grandfather’s caring touches were always comforting. She was grateful for being loved unconditionally by him despite having flaws.
"The island trip might be stressful for you but, I hope you and Eddy can still find so joy in it."
Chairman Delaney couldn’t help but constantly worry about Lariette. Thankfully, he could tell that her granddaughter was stronger and more resilient than before.
"Hehe, we surely will," Lariette glanced at Ruediger after loosening her hug with Chairman Delaney, "I gonna bring Eddy on an adventure."
A smile curled on Ruediger’s lips, noticing the cheeky look on Lariette’s face. Tilting his head, he nodded once, "I can’t wait for it."
Lariette and Ruediger had a stroll in the garden with Chairman Delaney after dinner. Now it was ti to return ho. They had been away from the apartnt since this morning.
"Bye bye, Grandpa," Lariette waved at Chairman Delaney from the wound-down truck window, her tone cheerful, "Don’t stay up too late."
Chairman Delaney let out faint chuckles, the lines on his wrinkly face softening as he smiled. Waving back at Lariette, he said, "You two, be careful on the road."
"Okay, Grandpa," Ruediger nodded as he looked at Chairman Delaney through the window on Lariette’s side, "We’ll leave now. See you this Thursday."
The navy blue truck rolled out of the mansion’s driveway, heading to the giant wrought-iron gate of the compound. The gravel crunched under the tires, the sound was faint under the purring of the engine.
The garden lights cast a warm, ambient glow across the vehicle’s dark, polished exterior. Ornate lamps lined the driveway, their soft glow highlighting the accompanying small topiaries by each side.
Lariette glanced at the rearview mirror, finding Chairman Delaney still standing under the roofed porch. The elderly man was watching the truck leaving.
One of the male staff appeared, approaching Chairman Delaney. Most likely the forr would escort the old man back to his bedroom.
"Happy today, Lettie?"
Ruediger’s velvety tone pulled Lariette’s attention to him. Glancing at the crimson-haired man, a soft smile played on her lips.
"Yes."
Lariette’s answer was short but, her chirpy tone was enough to show how aningful and delightful today was to her.
Ruediger’s smile deepened. His erald eyes glanced at Lariette for a mont before returning his focus to the road ahead.
The bright towering lampposts basked the area of the main gate, clearly showing the intricate wrought-iron patterns. They slowly parted to grant the truck exit.
Two bodyguards at the guard post bowed as Ruediger drove passing the gate. Through the rearview mirror, Ruediger and Lariette saw how quickly the estate receded from view.
The ride was generally quiet, save for the pop songs played by the radio station of Ruediger’s choosing. The upbeat sumr lodies helped to deter their sleepiness.
Blinking, Lariette couldn’t help but glance at Ruediger a few tis. Her mind was reminded of the conversation she had with the nurse back at the hospital this morning.
’Now can be said a good ti to ask, right? I’m so curious.’
As Lariette was thinking, she didn’t realize that Ruediger had noticed the subtle glances she cast his way. He wondered what did she have in mind but, he refrained from pointing it out.
Lariette simply looked curious about sothing. As long as she didn’t show any signs of being upset or sad, Ruediger didn’t feel the urgency to pry.
When the truck stopped at the red light, Lariette finally decided. Delaying inquiring about this issue would just let the question live rent-free in her mind.
Turning her look at Ruediger, Lariette said, "Eddy, I have sothing to ask."
"Yes?"
Ruediger shifted his gaze from the front window, staring back at Lariette. The intense look of curiosity in her sapphire eyes carved a tiny smile on his lips.
"I want to know. I hope you’ll answer truthfully, Eddy," Lariette began, her tone had a hint of caution, "Were you the one who donated blood to ?"
Ruediger blinked, never expecting that question to co from Lariette. Instead of looking uncomfortable, the arc of his smile softened as the light in his eyes llowed.
It seed like the event reached her ears even though he was unsure how.
"Yes, I did," Ruediger answered with a nod, his velvety voice echoing alongside the lody played by the radio, "From who did you hear about this? Maddie?"
Lariette’s gaze at Ruediger beca blank for a fleeting mont. She actually assud he would take his ti in answering, perhaps even trying to change the subject.
Ruediger acted as if he didn’t intend to hide this matter despite not bringing it up even once. Like...
’He thinks this is nothing.’
Was her assumption correct?
If this was Damien, he would constantly remind her about his act of generosity. He would even manipulate her into doing things she was reluctant about because this ant she owed him her life.
"I heard it from a nurse," Lariette replied after a period of silence, "She took care of when I was hospitalized. She asked who you were because she saw us together today."
Ruediger nodded lightly, thinking it might be the case. Before responding to Lariette, he slowly drove once the light turned green, the truck gradually speeding down the road.
"Do you wanna ask why I haven’t told you about this until you found it yourself?"
Ruediger’s guess indeed hit the mark. Lariette quickly nodded a few tis, her eyes never leaving his side profile.
"Wouldn’t it be easier to convince if you said you’re the donor? I an, about picking you as my partner for this marriage?"
Amused by Lariette’s questions, Ruediger couldn’t help but laugh softly. Glancing at her, he noticed the confusion on her face only intensified.
"Lettie, I could choose that route, but..." Ruediger paused, a few more chuckles escaping his lips before he resud, "I think it’s far better to charm your tummy instead."
"...what?"
Blinking, Lariette blankly stared at Ruediger who continued laughing. She ended up giggling along as a sense of helplessness and awe washed over her heart.
Really, this man.
How could he think like that?
Reviews
All reviews (0)