After an amiable lunchtime, Declan and Rafael prepared to leave, not wanting to overstay their welcome. Lariette, Ruediger and Chairman Delaney sent the brothers off to the main door.

The cold air hit them once they stepped outside. Fortunately, they were dressed warmly. The sky above was overcast with a hint of incoming rain.

Rafael drove Declan here. The valet drove the former's sports car out of the garage. The brothers greeted their grandfather, sister and brother-in-law before getting inside the vehicle.

"We'll leave first, Grandpa."

"Lari and Ruediger, see you again."

Lariette and Ruediger watched the sleek sports car leave the driveway before supporting Chairman Delaney inside. The elderly man walked with a cane, his steps slow.

"Your nap time already, Grandpa?" Lariette asked jokingly as she held her grandfather's arm, "You won't duel with Eddy yet?"

Ruediger chuckled, understanding what she meant, "We can play chess after your nap. Since we're staying overnight, we'll have plenty of time to play."

Every time the pair visited Chairman Delaney, the elderly man wouldn't go without dueling in chess with Ruediger. The former even recorded their scores in a book.

Lariette usually acted as a spectator. She only joined Chairman Delaney and Ruediger when the men played a different board game.

"Haa... The older I get, the easier I get tired," Chairman Delaney sighed in regret, "You two should go and rest too. Don't think that just because you're younger, you can slack off in resting."

"Yes, yes. We'll do that," Lariette mused, understanding why her grandfather was worried.

Still, she was not in need of an afternoon nap yet, perhaps in an hour or two. She didn't want to sleep right after having lunch.

After sending Chairman Delaney to his bedroom, Lariette led Ruediger to one of the hallways. She chuckled when he slipped his hand into hers.

"Where are you taking me?" he smiled, his gaze full of affection, "Are we having a tryst? But it's not a moonlit night yet."

Lariette laughed, her voice tingeing with amusement. Lifting her chin, she winked at him, "I wanna admire my dear hubby playing piano for me. What do you say?"

"It's a great honor," he quickly agreed, fingers squeezing her cheek, "You can admire me all you want."

After walking through the wide corridors, Lariette and Ruediger arrived at the piano room. She pushed the door, revealing a softly lit chamber.

This place was quiet, adorned with bookshelves and tall windows overlooking the yard. A few of the shelves stored Chairman Delaney's treasured vinyl records.

A grand black piano stood in the center with a velvet bench. Even though it was rarely played by anyone, the piano was always well-maintained.

Lariette had brought Ruediger to this piano room before. She enjoyed watching him play as she sat beside him. Sometimes, she joined along despite being unable to match his skill.

Her darling looked more charming and romantic when his well-defined fingers danced seamlessly on the glossy keys. She fell in love with him all over again.

Lariette started learning piano late, not long after she entered the Elsher family's household. With a lack of practice, her skills became more rusty.

Still, Ruediger patiently taught her. Lariette still remembered the first time he did. It happened during her first visit to his studio[01].

"Quick, sit here."

"Okay, okay."

Lariette settled beside Ruediger, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. He glanced at her after lifting the piano cover. His heart melted at the sight of her starry gaze.

Instead of playing the piano, his fingers gently gripped her chin before he seized her lips for a quick kiss. She patted his chest, her cheeks flushed with a rosy tint.

"Are you that addicted to kissing me?" she narrowed her eyes.

He stared pointedly at her, the tip of his tongue licking his lower lip, "I'm addicted to the woman I love."

"..."

Lariette averted her gaze, feeling her heartbeat in disarray. Ruediger's soft chuckles echoed by her side. The gentle sound drew her lips into a smile.

Ahem. If not for her period currently, she would already pounce on him. Who made him so sinfully irresistible?

Leaning closer, she whispered, her warm breath tickling on his skin, "You're a drug to me too, you know?"

"Great. We're addicted to each other," Ruediger pecked her lips again.

"Cheesy."

"Thank you for your compliment, my love."

She laughed, and she took this chance to kiss him. Her heart skipped a beat when she looked into his loving eyes after breaking their kiss.

After a moment of fooling around, Ruediger skimmed his long fingers over the keys. Lariette smilingly watched him. His profile was serene in the soft afternoon light.

Once he began to play, the soft, flowing notes danced into the air. The melody was calm and tender, gently touching the hearts of the listeners.

Lariette closed her eyes, letting the music wash over her. Without looking at Ruediger, she imagined his hands moving gracefully on the ivory keys.

Such a peaceful afternoon with her beloved by her side. She missed nothing.

When the last note lingered, Lariette finally opened her eyes and turned to Ruediger. She whispered, "That was beautiful, honey."

Ruediger looked at her, "Will you believe me if I say I'm actually nervous every time I play for you?"

Lariette blinked, "Nonsense. Why are you nervous?"

Even though he didn't play piano for her often, she had never perceived signs of this so-called nervousness.

Ruediger arched one of his brows, smirking, "Because I'm playing for a celestial maiden. How can I not get nervous?"

Lariette laughed, lightly punching his arm, "Such a sweet talker."

He replied with nothing, only smiling deeply.

The pair of lovers stayed there for a while, letting the tranquil silence settle in again. Sometimes, the breeze outside the windows interrupted the peace, followed by the slow ticking of the wall clock.

"...I feel sleepy now," Lariette yawned.

"Let's go to our room," Ruediger said, putting down the piano key cover. Then, he stood up.

Their feet brought them upstairs, going to Lariette's bedroom in this manor. Her eyes were already half-closed by the time they reached the chamber.

"Sleep," he kissed her forehead once she lay down, "I'll wake you up in an hour, okay?"

"Mm..."

Ruediger stayed until Lariette fell asleep. After making sure she was tucked properly in bed, he quietly left.

His destination was her grandfather's room, following the instruction messages sent discreetly by the old man.

[Grandpa: Come to see me alone when you can. Don't tell Lari]

[Grandpa: This is related to her. Don't say anything to her yet]

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Reference:

1 - Chapter 258