"A dress?"

Blinking, Lariette's gaze landed on the navy blue dress and the flower bouquet. Without a doubt, Ruediger prepared both for her with the candlelight dinner in mind.

In actuality, she had expected to come home and maybe stare into her closet for thirty minutes, debating with herself what to wear. But this gift that had been awaiting her stopped her breath short.

Lariette stepped closer, a smile curving on her lips. She reached out a hand, gently touching the fabric that looked soft and elegant in a luxurious dark blue.

The color shimmered subtly under the overhead lights. It had the kind of modest and timeless style she loved, made up of a high gathered neckline, long sleeves and a gently flared ankle-length skirt.

Also, this was perfect for an autumn night.

Knowing how meticulous Ruediger was, Lariette believed this dress was exactly in her size. Her soft gaze drifted to the gorgeous bouquet of blush tulips and creamy roses. She saw a small card tucked between the petals.

Lariette raised her brows, her smile deepening. She held the bouquet up, taking a breath in, and then reached for the card. Ruediger's familiar, neat handwriting was scribbled on the white card.

[To my Lettie,

Tonight is for us. I saw this dress and imagined how much more beautiful you'd look in it. I can't wait to see you.

Love you always,

Your Eddy]

Lariette's cheeks warmed, the hue resembling the blush tulips. Her heart fluttered like the flapping wings of a dove.

After setting the card back down, once again, she pressed the bouquet to her face and breathed in the delicate scent.

"Eddy... always the romantic one," she whispered, hugging the bouquet close before placing it on the bed.

The past few weeks had been long, full of lesson plans, correcting assignments and restless students. But suddenly, none of that weighed on her anymore.

Lariette decided she would take her time preparing. She believed Ruediger planned this candlelight dinner carefully, pouring his heart into it.

The gesture itself was enough to make her want to look her best.

Instead of resting as she initially planned, Lariette went to the bathroom to run a bath. She poured in rose-scented bath salts.

The water turned cloudy while wafting the floral-sweet scent in the air. Dried petals drifted like miniature boats atop the water, inviting her in.

After having a quick rinse, Lariette slipped into the warmth with a sigh. The tension in her limbs and shoulders loosened as she leaned her back and closed her eyes. The reference version of this chapter is on *.

'I should wear a sheet mask later.'

In half an hour, Lariette emerged from the washroom, clad in a comfy bathrobe. Her skin was flushed and her hair was slightly damp.

Her face was fresh after cleansing, and she applied toner and serum before wearing a cooling sheet mask. She lay reclined on the bed.

Afraid she would accidentally fall asleep and lose track of time, she didn't forget to set an alarm for twenty minutes.

Her thoughts wandered to him.

She loved the way he thought of everything about her. He noticed her comfort and her style, and remembered the details, the little things.

He made her feel seen, loved and appreciated.

'I'm lucky.'

Somehow, she could hear him chuckle and reply, 'No, we're both lucky.'

Once the alarm rang, Lariette tossed the sheet mask away. She gently massaged her face, letting the precious essence be absorbed better into her skin.

Then, she sat by her vanity, proceeding to apply the moisturizer before putting on makeup. The clock continued ticking as time kept flowing.

Lariette styled her hair into a low chignon bun, pulling a few soft tendrils loose to frame her face. It was an elegant and understated look, much to her preference. Tiny pearl hairpins adorned the chignon.

'Maybe... I should pick something sexy?'

Lariette opened the closet where she kept her more delicate items. After a small hesitation and a blush on her cheeks, she picked a lacy red lingerie with a certain expectation in mind.

Then, it was time to wear the dress.

Lariette held it against herself first, admiring the way the skirt swayed gently with every motion. Once she wore it, the fabric hugged her waist delicately. The sleeves helped to combat the chill.

Lariette brought out the jewelry box where she kept the Mermaid's Heart jewelry set. They would be a perfect pair to the deep navy of the dress. But she only wore the bracelet and the earrings, leaving the necklace behind.

"Oh... It's 6:10 already," she murmured once she saw the clock.

Lariette looked at herself in the mirror, satisfied by how elegant and poised she looked. She believed she wouldn't disappoint Ruediger.

Even though the man loved every version of her.

As Lariette wore a cream-colored wool coat, her phone rang with a new message. She smiled as she read it.

[Ruediger: The driver'll be there soon. I can't wait. You'll take my breath away, sweetheart]

His message was simple but enough to melt her heart. Laughing softly, she instinctively placed a hand over her chest before replying to him.

[Lariette: All ready now. I love the dress! See you soon, honey]

Putting the phone in her small clutch, Lariette made a final check of her appearance. Satisfied, she headed to the door, going down to the lobby.

Her closed-toe black block heels clicked gently against the floor. At this hour, the lobby was brightly lit by the recessed lights. She saw a car through the glass.

'Is that the driver?'

A polished, luxurious white sedan waited outside, gleaming under the evening lights. A young man in a formal black suit stood. Once he spotted her through the glass, he offered a polite nod.

Lariette's breath caught. She quickened her steps, finally walking out of the lobby. The chill brushed her cheeks. The man smiled as he greeted her.

"Mrs. Alvord, I'm here to bring you to your husband. Please get inside."

"Thank you."

After the driver opened the back door, Lariette slipped inside. Her heart thumped with anticipation, thinking how the night felt like something out of a dream, like a romantic fairytale.

As the driver pulled away, she smiled, her eyes bright, ready for the night he planned for them.