"Thank you for your patronage, sir."

"You're welcome."

Ruediger left the boutique with one big, exclusive paper bag. The lights overhead cast a shimmer on the bag's glossy surface. Then, he made his way to the luxury body care shop a few stores down.

The scent of lavender, eucalyptus and freshly bloomed roses hit him as soon as he entered. His eyes quietly swept across the store, finding only a few customers inside, most of them were women.

Elegant shelves lined the walls, filled with glass jars and scented candles. A small fountain in the center trickled gently, surrounded by Himalayan salt lamps and glass jars of dried petals.

Striding further inside, Ruediger went to the right side of the store, his steps unhurried. A sales assistant noticed him approaching in that direction.

"Welcome, sir. Anything we can help you with?" asked the young man.

"It's okay. I'll look around by myself."

Ruediger politely dismissed the shop assistant who wanted to help him. The young man nodded, respecting his choice without forgetting to hand the former a shopping basket.

Standing before the rows of bath products, Ruediger gently lifted a jar of rose and sandalwood bath bombs. He held it to the light and read the neatly printed label.

Lariette loved floral scent like this, something soft, fragrant and calming. Ruediger couldn't help but smile to himself as he imagined drawing a warm soak for her later.

'This one... this... that one looks good too.'

Ruediger picked three varieties of bath bombs, filling the basket with them. Then, he moved to check the bath oils and scented candles, a smile never leaving his face.

These would be perfect for tired evenings. He didn't mind pampering her more and more because to him, she deserved it.

His beloved deserved everything good in this world.

After picking a few of each, he settled his purchases at the counter. He waited for the cashier to pack the items.

Without him realizing it, two young ladies were quietly staring at him while whispering to each other. Their eyes trailed him a few minutes ago.

One had a soft wave of blonde hair and wore a wool blouse tucked into a checkered skirt. The other was a brunette with a beret.

"Should we?" the blonde nudged her friend, a teasing smile hanging on her lips, "There's no harm in asking."

The brunette blushed, "What if he already has a girlfriend? Look at what he's buying."

Everything the crimson-haired man chose was something ladies usually favored. Just seeing his gesture was enough to say he chose each item with careful consideration.

"Like I said, there's no harm in asking," the blonde raised her delicate brows, "Don't retreat without trying. Who knows? He's buying things for his sister. Look! He's leaving!"

Under her friend's meaningful gaze, the brunette finally relented. Her cheeks flushed, she mustered up her courage to approach the young man. She smoothed her hair, hoping to look good.

"Excuse me. I'm sorry to bother you."

Ruediger halted his tracks and glanced toward the voice, slightly surprised to see a young lady greeting him. Still, he nodded once politely, "Yes? Anything I can help you with?"

From his peripheral vision, he saw a blonde lady approaching before stopping by the brunette's side. He vaguely thought they might be friends.

The brunette smiled shyly. She glanced at her friend, then back at him while saying, "I... my friend and I just noticed you from over there... We wondered if we could maybe... get your number? And maybe get some coffee together?"

The blonde nodded, looking hopeful too. Neither of them seemed pushy, just sweetly bold.

Ruediger blinked, finally knowing their intention. He chuckled softly, more amused than flustered.

"I'm flattered," he said sincerely.

Then Ruediger lifted his left hand and subtly turned his palm, letting the light catch the simple wedding ring with a small sapphire resting on his finger.

"But I'm married, very happily."

His emerald eyes were warm with gentleness that held no malice, only clarity.

The two women blinked in surprise before looking at each other. Embarrassment flushed their cheeks.

"Oh... sorry," the brunette said quickly, awkwardly touching her hair, "We didn't mean to offend you."

"We're sorry," the blonde smiled sheepishly.

"Not at all," Ruediger waved one hand, not wanting to make the situation more awkward than necessary, "My wife will just laugh at me if I told her about you two."

That earned a chuckle from the two ladies, diffusing the tension. He nodded politely before turning to walk away, the soft tap of his shoes echoed on the polished floor.

The little scene with the ladies faded from his mind, being replaced by the thought of going home and what to cook for dinner.

'Maybe chicken and radish soup. I'll steam some rice and add other dishes too.'

The temperature had dropped even further. Lariette often craved something soupy during such days. Ruediger had to drop by the grocery market for a few ingredients.

But just as he stepped out of the store, something in the corner of his eye made him stop.

It was a store with floor-length dusty rose curtains on either side of the entryway. Inside, the muted lighting bathed the displays filled with silk, lace and satin.

Then he read the cursive signage above the entrance.

Chérie Intimates.

It was a lingerie shop.

Ruediger blinked and swallowed. He hadn't been planning to shop here, and yet...

A sudden, vivid image flashed in her mind, a memory from last night.

She smiled shyly and her eyes sparkled as she lay on the bed, wrapped in the lacy red lingerie that he hadn't seen her in before. His mind went blank temporarily. Th%is c^ha$p.t@e!r was o!r&i#g^in*all@y p@os*t*e+d@ on *.$

She was always beautiful, but like that? She was simply unforgettable.

He remembered kissing her lightly, tracing her smooth skin as he slowly untied the ribbons of her lingerie. Then, the red pieces were scattered on the floor.

Ruediger blinked again, feeling his ears burn. He rubbed the back of his neck, awkward and hesitating, outside the shop.

Then he made up his mind.

'Come on. You revealed you're Mr. R today. You can walk into a lingerie shop like a grown man.'

Ruediger walked inside. He heard soft music play overhead, slow jazz with sultry piano. The shop assistant at the front looked up, quite surprised to see a man walking in alone.

"Good afternoon, sir," she greeted politely, "May I help you find something?"

Ruediger approached her, still slightly flushed but composed. He internally sighed in relief upon seeing no other customers there.

Once he spoke, he sounded calm, but the tips of his ears betrayed him.

"I'm here to pick some lingerie for my wife."

The assistant smiled warmly, "Of course. Is there any specific occasion, sir? Maybe your anniversary? Or honeymoon? I can give suggestions."

Ruediger hesitated for half a second and answered frankly, "No special occasion."

"Well, let's find something she'll love, and also you'll love seeing her in," she said playfully, one hand gesturing in a direction, "We've just released our winter collection. Would you like a mix of styles?"

"Yeah," he replied, following the shop assistant deeper into the boutique, "She loves pastel colors. Anything sweet and elegant. Well... maybe something a little bold too."

She smiled knowingly, "Say no more."

Ruediger exhaled lightly, thankful that the shop assistant acted professionally. His ears were still burning, but he kept a calm face while strengthening his mental.

First, the sales associate led him to an area.

"Sir, how about this? White is one of the popular color choices, especially in this style."

She showed a delicate white set, almost bridal in its elegance. The soft lace cups had dainty embroidery, and a satin ribbon tied at the front of the matching panties.

Innocent and ethereal.

Ruediger touched the lace, imagining Lariette's shy smile if she wore this one, "I'll take this."

Next, after a few rejections, he came across a pale blush pink set with floral appliques on the sheer chiffon. The soft triangle bra and high-cut panties had a youthful and romantic air.

"This, too."

Then, Ruediger picked a deep black one and a crimson set. He swallowed as his arms were full of delicate fabrics and heated thoughts.

Haha... she might burst like a tomato.

Despite cooperating well with him in bed, she was still shy sometimes. But he found it endearing, especially when she tried to take the lead.

He made his way to the counter.

"She's going to kill me," Ruediger muttered with a grin, more fond than fearful.

The assistant laughed and corrected him, "She's going to adore you, sir. We rarely have male customers come alone. They often order online for convenience."

He smiled and said nothing more, understanding why. Even he himself couldn't believe he had come to such a store.

Anyway, he couldn't wait to surprise her with all this and see her adorable reaction.

Then, Ruediger came out with another paper bag, this time in the color red with white stripes. Without wasting time, he headed to the basement parking lot.

Ruediger didn't know whether Chairman Alvord, Vincent, and George have leave or not, but he didn't care. For the time being, he would still continue monitoring their movements.

One couldn't be too careful when dealing with snakes.

The board meeting was soon. Chairman Alvord's fate had been decided, especially Ruediger, with Nathaniel's involvement, took extra measures.

The side that had been dissatisfied with the older man would ensure his swift removal after so much delay.