Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire-Chapter 322: I Never Regret Meeting Him

The last of Lariette’s words reached Ruediger before silence fell, enveloping the small living room. Their eyes remained on one another, her faint yet genuine smile was reflected in his emerald orbs.

’She... that’s what she remembered.’

The details were not vivid, but the essence of the story didn’t change. He didn’t know whether to be relieved or sad upon learning she remembered that day.

Ruediger parted his lips, intending to say something in response, but all the words stuck in the lump of his throat. He blinked slowly, trying again, yet nothing came out.

In the end, Ruediger lowered himself. He pulled Lariette closer, letting her bury her face in the crook of his neck as he tightened his arms around her.

When Lariette responded by encircling his neck and chuckling, a pang of ache constricted Ruediger’s heart. A mix of emotions raged a quiet storm within him, of regret, relief and anger at himself.

Useless.

He felt so utterly useless.

Even though Lariette insisted that she was pleased to share the story of that boy with him, Ruediger couldn’t help but think how worthless he was.

Ruediger quietly embraced Lariette as he battled with his inner thoughts. He was pulled out of his trance when she broke the silence, her voice lacing with a tease as she spoke.

"Eddy, do you feel sorry? Don’t be. I’m not that traumatized little girl anymore. You saw that I could tell you the story quite smoothly, right?"

Lariette sensed the heaviness of the mood surrounding Ruediger. The way he hugged her was different than before as if unspoken apologies lingered in his touch.

Did he still feel bad?

But she never felt forced.

Smiling, Lariette ran her fingers through Ruediger’s crimson locks. She inhaled his clean, comforting scent before continuing the end of her story.

"Eddy, the police uncle said that boy wasn’t injured badly. He might be traumatized, but I hope he got to restart his life." fɾēewebnσveℓ.com

Time might not be able to completely erase his pain, but she wished his scars had long healed.

"I won’t get to meet him ever again, Eddy. That’s the least I can do. I pray that his life gets hundreds, thousandfold better than before. I never regret meeting him."

Lariette was beyond glad to be able to share about her old, peculiar friend with someone. Especially with Ruediger, the one man whose presence only grew bigger in her heart.

Her sincerity touched him, mirroring the warm touch of sunlight on a spring day when the first bud sprouted after a long and dreary winter.

Ruediger swallowed, telling himself to accept and appreciate Lariette’s sincere gesture. Once again, he opened his mouth. This time, he successfully uttered something, his voice hoarser.

"Lettie, I believe your wish comes true. He is happy and safe, healed from his past."

Lariette blinked, then giggled. Nodding a few times, she said, "Right? Thank you, Eddy. It feels more real because you also think so."

Ruediger simply hummed, unable to say anything further. He secured Lariette in his arms until she pulled back slightly, enough to look at him with a tired but affectionate smile.

"I like that I got to talk about him because of you. Thank you again, Eddy."

Ruediger smiled, "It’s because I want to learn more about you, my dear Lettie. Next time, I’ll share my story, en?"

"Hehe, that’s a promise. I’m curious about you too."

Laughing softly, Lariette ran her fingertips on Ruediger’s face, her touch tender. Then she rested her palm on his chest, feeling the steady beat underneath before leaning in to peck his lips.

What began as a soft, butterfly touch ended into something more ardent.

Ruediger tilted Lariette’s chin gently as he returned the kiss, his lips brushing hers. Slipping his hand to the nape of her neck, he drew her closer.

As their lips parted and met again, he traced his tongue against hers, coaxing her for a deeper kiss. She responded with similar fervent, her hand holding his jaw as she tasted beyond his lips.

"Eddy..."

Lariette arched her neck when Ruediger kissed her throat. He let out a grunt before burying his face in her chest, his arms cradling her tighter.

Her cheeks flushed, Lariette played with Ruediger’s hair. She could feel how much warmer his breath and body was. At the same time, being this close to him made her aware of a certain part of his body.

"Eddy, if you want..."

"You’re tired, not tonight," Ruediger breathed, his words muffled as he still hid his face, "Sorry, Lettie. I shouldn’t push it further."

Blinking, Lariette chuckled. She dipped her head in, kissing atop Ruediger’s head as warmth flooded her heart. She had always loved this side of him, of his consideration and understanding.

"It’s getting late, Eddy," Lariette grinned. She ran one palm across Ruediger’s back, patting it gently, "Go and get ready for bed. I’ll wash the dishes. We’ll have a long drive tomorrow."

"Let’s do it together," Ruediger sighed. He reluctantly released Lariette as he sat up, his eyes finding hers, "It’s quite a long day for us, right?"

"Hehe, yes."

Lariette cupped Ruediger’s face, pecking his lips again. She chuckled when he pretended to scold her for trying to seduce him. Then, they moved to the kitchen, bringing along the empty bowls and mugs.

As the clock hit midnight, Lariette and Ruediger were already huddling under the thick blanket. She was the first to fall asleep while he was still wide awake.

Softly stroking Lariette’s head, Ruediger recalled the past hours. Finally, he got to hear her story, of how the past was in her perspective.

"I never regret meeting him."

Lariette’s words echoed in Ruediger’s mind, leading one question to follow.

Did it mean she would be glad if she got to meet that boy, him, again?

Exhaling a soft sigh, Ruediger knew he was still uncertain about his future choices. But one thing was for sure, his heart and guilt were less heavier than before.

Ruediger closed his eyes, wishing for sleep to come. The distant memory of his past tugged at the depth of his mind, struggling to come beyond the surface.

Without him wanting to, the scene of that particular day haunted his sleep.