Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire
Chapter 358: Along the Familiar Streets, Alone

Chapter 358: Along the Familiar Streets, Alone

<.Blossom Phoenix Middle School.>

Lariette glanced at the clock on her work desk, the needles pointing to half-past five. She quietly put her belongings inside her backpack, ready to go back home.

The place where she would be alone tonight.

Nora, Benjamin, Howard and several other teachers were still busy with their work. Only a few managed to leave early today, including Phoebe.

Lariette tied the scarf around her neck after putting on her coat. Then, she wore the crossbody bag before shouldering the backpack. Her actions caught Nora’s attention.

"Going home now, Lari?" she asked, her voice having traces of exhaustion.

Lariette smiled, "Yeah. See you tomorrow, Nora."

"Bye~"

Turning around, Lariette stepped out of the teachers’ lounge. The chill air of the quiet hallways met her skin, slipping into the spaces between her scarf and her neck.

’I better get my takeout soon.’

After a long and tiring day, Lariette didn’t feel like cooking. She hoped to have a fulfilling dinner, and then have a good soak in the tub before unwinding before bedtime.

The school was quiet. The sky outside had already begun to dim, the softened hues of late autumn evening painting the horizon. Her steps were slowed yet steady on the ground.

"Lari! Where’s your darling husband?"

Bill, the guard on duty, cheerily greeted Lariette as she approached closer to the gates. The retired veteran had struck quite a friendship with Ruediger due to the latter’s frequent appearances[01].

Lariette chuckled upon hearing Bill’s question. Like him, she also felt weird not seeing the familiar tall figure of Ruediger waiting for her at the gates.

In fact, her silly heart hoped to catch a glimpse of him despite knowing he was over a thousand miles away from here now.

"He’s away," Lariette replied to Bill, her hand clutching the coat, "He has work to do. You won’t see him until next week, I guess."

"That’s a pity," Bill smiled, "Be careful on your way home. You’ll be alone at home, right? Don’t forget to check the doors and windows. Our city is safe, but better to be alert."

Lariette thanked Bill for his advice. The older man waved at her, his smile was kind. Then, she resumed walking. Her cheeks were already flushed by this time, pinkened by the cold air.

The streets were busy at this hour. Passersby walked past each other, their figures illuminated by the streetlights.

Most of the trees that lined the sidewalks stood nearly bare. The wind rustled a few dried leaves along the pathways, sending them skittering like crumpled pieces of paper.

Lariette’s shoes made soft, steady sounds on the pavement as she followed her usual route home, only alone this time, surrounded by hurried passersby.

’It’s kinda weird.’

Chuckling to herself, Lariette’s mind inadvertently reminded her of Ruediger. He seemed to be busier after the only phone call this afternoon. He did send her a quick message later, saying he was in a meeting with his aunt.

Lariette turned a corner, and her gaze settled on the cafe she and Ruediger used to frequent for breakfast. The wooden sign above the door swung gently in the breeze.

Inside, golden light pooled across tables and walls, making the place seem warmer. She saw a couple sitting by the window, their heads bowed close together and smiles painting their lips.

Lariette paused for just a moment. That was their favorite seat. Just thinking back of the memories curled her lips into a beautiful arc. Then, she looked away and continued walking.

The flower shop where he often got her fresh flowers, the old pharmacy, the laundromat — everything was as familiar as they could be.

Another gust of wind blew past, biting into her exposed skin. She quickened her steps, thinking to drop by the small noodle shop along the way home.

She didn’t eat much for lunch. Her stomach had been growling.

Lariette had some sandwiches bought by Nora and Phoebe, and then some cookies. She canceled her initial decision to go to the cafeteria after grading the essays.

As Lariette walked, the scent of warm bread hit her next, wafting from the small bakery before the noodle shop. With a glance, she saw a few people inside as they made purchases.

’I’ll just have the bread Eddy made for breakfast tomorrow.’

He baked a loaf of milk bread yesterday, most likely done when she was at work. He also prepared some caramel puddings, now stored in the fridge.

She was both amused and grateful for his actions. He didn’t have to do all that, yet he still did before his trip abroad.

Soon, Lariette saw the noodle shop. The place was small, but famous among the locals here. The delicious scents of spice lingered in the air.

She lined up at the counter for a little bit before she could place her order. She greeted the cashier with a smile.

"One braised beef noodle soup to go, please. Also, one pack of fried chicken wontons."

After making the payment, Lariette sat at the low stools provided for people who ordered takeout. Her phone suddenly vibrated in her coat pocket, the buzz filled her heart with joy. She quickly pulled it out.

Luckily, the caller was the very one person she hoped to hear from right now. The corners of her lips lifted easily.

"Hey, Eddy," Lariette answered softly, pushing the phone close to her ear and cheek. Her eyes lit up with delight.

"Lettie," Ruediger’s voice came through, warm and a little tired, "Home already? I just arrived at Aunt Felle’s house. Gonna have dinner with her and her parents."

She tilted her chin up, staring at the ceiling of the small noodle shop. With a smile, she said, "I just clocked out. Now getting takeout. Remember the noddle shop, en? I’m waiting for my order now."

His soft hum came from the end of the line, followed by chuckles. Then, he said, "Don’t miss my cooking too much. I’ll prepare a feast for you once I’m back."

"Hehe, shouldn’t I do that to welcome you back?" she laughed, "By the way, how was the meeting? Is everything well?"

Ruediger’s answer elicited chuckles from Lariette.

"We’re almost halfway through, but it’s safe to say we’ll make it."

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