Ruediger and Lariette's first date ended well. Offering her a ride with his four-wheel-drive truck, he drove her back to Madeline's apartment.
The lingering awkwardness between them faded more.
They chatted casually over the pop songs, voices soft but relaxed. They gradually adjusted themselves to each other's presence.
"So, our second date is on the day after tomorrow?" asked Ruediger once he pulled up under the roofed porch of the luxurious apartment complex, "Where should we go, Lettie?"
Lariette didn't realize how her smile softened as she heard Ruediger calling her with that nickname. Chuckling to herself, she unlatched the seatbelt.
"I wanna go dress shopping. Is it okay with you? We'll register our marriage next week. I wanna pick up a nice dress before that."
Lariette was aware her matrimony with Ruediger was based on a contract but, this was still her first marriage. She hoped to dress prettily on the day of their marriage registration.
Once they left the courthouse, Lariette planned to bring Ruediger to meet Chairman Delaney. She wanted to introduce him as her husband to her maternal grandfather.
And...
To claim the treasure her grandfather had been safekeeping for her all these years.
After meeting Chairman Delaney, their destination was the Elsher family home for the dinner Samantha had told Lariette about.
Ruediger arched his thick brows, amused with Lariette's suggestion. Lightly tapping a finger on the steering wheel, he smiled at her, his emerald eyes flickering with anticipation.
"Since my future bride says so, I better pick a good suit for myself too. Deal?"
Laughter slipped out between Lariette's plump lips. Nodding once, she uttered, "Deal."
Lariette thanked Ruediger for giving her a ride. He simply smiled before waving at her, inwardly telling himself not to stop her from leaving.
"Be safe on the road," said Lariette through the wound-down windows, smiling at Ruediger.
"Thanks. Go inside," Ruediger gestured to the lobby with a tilt of his chin, "Bye, Lettie."
"Bye, Eddy."
Ruediger didn't drive away until he saw Lariette walking into the lobby. Despite knowing the security guards were nearby, he still wished to see her going inside safely.
Curling his lips, Ruediger whispered, "I enjoyed today, Lettie."
Ruediger earnestly enjoyed every moment he spent with Lariette today. He couldn't wait to experience more in the future.
Pulling away from the curb, Ruediger drove toward the main gate of the apartment complex. The dazzling summer sun showered upon his navy blue truck, leaving shimmers in its wake.
Instead of returning to his residence, Ruediger drove the four-wheel drive to the southwest of the metropolis. His destination was Seacastle, a district in the coastal part of the city.
Ruediger turned off the car AC as he drove down the winding seaside roads. The salty air blew inside the truck once he wound down the windows, earning a relaxed smile on his lips.
Everything had been going smoothly so far. Ruediger hoped there wouldn't be any mishap before their marriage registration day.
'That trash should still be busy after the warning. Let's hope he's not foolish enough to disturb her again.'
Ruediger still remembered the evening he threatened Damien at the back alley of the hospital. The cheating scumbag hadn't appeared in front of Lariette again so far.
'Let's give him bigger trouble next week.'
Ruediger's emerald eyes glinted dangerously as the thought of Damien's misbehavior occupied his mind.
If not for wasting his time and physical energy, he wouldn't mind directly dealing with the trashy man.
In another five minutes, Ruediger finally reached the small hill overlooking the sea. The weathered tires of his truck steadily climbed the tarmac slopes.
Ruediger snickered at the sight of a two-story manor standing proudly on top of the rugged cliff, overlooking the sea below.
'Like always, he should be in the garden.'
His truck drove past the main gate without being stopped by the two bodyguards patrolling the spot. Parking the vehicle in the familiar area under a willow tree, Ruediger climbed down from the truck.
His languid steps brought him closer to the manor. Instead of going to the front door, he went to the backyard. The scattering gravels crunched under the soles of his boots.
Putting both hands into the pocket of his denim pants, Ruediger halted in his tracks. His emerald eyes fell on the familiar back of someone.
A man older than him was crouching opposite a flower bed, pulling up the weeds. The glossy sheen of his short hair in the shade of ebony caught the sunlight.
"Nate."
Ruediger's husky voice resonated in the air, calling for the man. The latter paused what he was doing before looking to the right side.
"Rudy."
Ruediger resumed his steps, approaching his long-time friend, Nathaniel. The latter rose to his feet while taking off the thick gloves from his hands, sweat beading on his forehead.
"The flowers are in good shape as always," uttered Ruediger as he swept his gaze to the backyard, "Especially those hibiscus and lavenders."
The large and colorful hibiscus added a tropical touch to the garden with their pink, red and yellow petals. The calming scent of the lavenders nearby drifted in the air, carried by the breeze.
Nathaniel's deep brown eyes lingered on the blooming flowers. Clenching his hands, he uttered quietly, "...come here. Let's have some tea."
Ruediger noticed the slight hesitation in Nathaniel's voice but, pointed out nothing. He followed his friend to the pavilion built in the backyard.
Nathaniel's live-in housekeeper, Tristan was nearby as he helped around in the backyard. He cheerily greeted Ruediger. They had known each other for years.
Tristan hurried inside to get some tea and snacks for Nathaniel and Ruediger. The friends settled themselves on the wrought-iron chairs, facing opposite each other.
Crossing one leg onto the other, Nathaniel quietly took in the beaming look on Ruediger's face. A question slipped out of his mouth.
"Happy with your first date, aren't you?"
"Of course," Ruediger replied without missing a beat. The sparkles in his eyes reflected his joy, "We'll meet again in two days. She wanna buy a new dress for our courthouse wedding."
Nathaniel nodded once, already aware of Ruediger's contract marriage with Lariette. He pondered for a moment before bringing up his inquiry.
"Then, will you ever disclose who you are to her?"
Ruediger's smile faltered. Understanding the concern beneath Nathaniel's question, he replied, "I will but, not this soon. For now... I'll be a deceiver."
"A deceiver who loves her," Nathaniel exhaled a sigh. Smiling weakly, he added, "I can only wish you the best, my friend. Don't be like me."
Ruediger said nothing. He let Nathaniel's words sink into his mind.