That night, Lariette had a long soak in the bathtub. Ruediger treated her like a queen, much to her delight. She only went out when the water cooled down, all satisfied.

After having dumplings for dinner, they cuddled on the couch while watching a short movie. They left the box of Christmas decorations untouched, intending to open it after the tree arrived tomorrow.

At half past nine, Lariette could barely keep her eyes open. She patted her cheeks a few times. Ruediger laughed as he saw her fighting drowsiness, only to fail.

"How about going to bed?" he suggested.

"Not yet," she shook her head, resisting her sleepiness, "The movie's not finished yet."

Ruediger let Lariette be. Then, thirty minutes later, she kept yawning nonstop. Eventually, she curled in his arms, and buried her face into his chest.

In her sleepiness, she felt him gently stroking her hair, making her feel more comfortable. She really loved it when he pampered her like this.

"Bedtime, sweetheart," Ruediger whispered while pressing a kiss on her face, "We've had quite a tiring day today. You'll be busy tomorrow, remember?"

"Ugh..." Lariette groaned, clearly unwilling, but knew she couldn't escape from the busy week, "You're right. I don't wanna be sleepy tomorrow."

Aside from giving lessons, Lariette also had more tasks to be completed before the final exam began. She would be at a disadvantage if her lingering sleepiness hindered her from staying focused.

It's okay! Everything would end soon!

In a few weeks, she could be as lazy as she wanted!

"Let's go."

"...okay."

Ruediger switched off the TV, then led Lariette into her bedroom. Because of her hectic work-life recently, he hadn't had the time to bring up them sharing a room completely yet.

It was fine. He could wait. Maybe he could mention it after she was done with all of her busy tasks before the winter break started.

Lariette fell asleep as soon as her head touched the pillow. Ruediger chuckled softly while covering her properly with the blanket. The excellent heating system made it possible for them not to use a thick comforter.

His beloved had escaped to dreamland, but he was still awake. The wall clock ticked softly in the background, audible above the gentle hum of the city outside.

Lying on his side, Ruediger cradled the sleeping Lariette in his arms. He couldn't help but think of Declan's surprise visit to Chairman Delaney's house yesterday.

Declan told Chairman Delaney he was in the early stage of investigating the switch, but Ruediger believed he had found more.

Declan Elsher was known for his meticulousness. He wouldn't have brought the issue up if he weren't certain of some aspects.

Ruediger voiced his thoughts to Chairman Delaney. Unsurprisingly, the elderly man had also assumed the same, but they didn't want to press for the answer yet.

Most likely... the baby switch was far from being an accident.

To think that someone went above and beyond to change the child... this was never a simple issue, despite over two decades having passed.

Ruediger narrowed his eyes, thinking about whether to have his people investigate the issue or cooperate alongside Declan. One thing was certain, he would only do it if Lariette agreed.

She hadn't mentioned anything after saying she would think more about it. He didn't want to pressure her either, particularly not when she was already busy enough from work.

Exhaling a sigh, Ruediger forced himself not to think about it. He glanced at the wall clock, finding that the hour had shifted to eleven.

Thinking that he had to wake up early to make breakfast, he forced himself to sleep.

When Lariette woke up at six, all fresh and energized, the other side of the bed had already lost its warmth. Rubbing her face, she caught the sound of Ruediger walking around outside.

He most likely woke up around five.

Lariette hurried into the washroom, wanting to get ready before having breakfast. She had informed Nora and Phoebe that she would clock in earlier today.

Twenty minutes later, Lariette emerged from the walk-in wardrobe, dressed warmly for the day. She was checking her backpack when Ruediger stepped inside the room, still in his pajamas.

"Breakfast's ready, my dear."

Lariette ran to Ruediger, and pecked his face, "Good job~ My househusband is so capable."

He said nothing, but the smile tugging on his lips was enough to tell how giddy he was on the inside.

Lariette and Ruediger had a simple yet fulfilling breakfast. He even packed some snacks, just in case she was too busy or had no appetite for lunch.

Chocolate-dipped biscotti, green grapes and egg muffins filled the lovely pink snack box. He also included some sliced red apples, soaked in salt water for a few minutes before being rinsed and patted dry to prevent browning.

At a little over seven, Lariette and Ruediger left the apartment. Despite the cold weather, they decided to walk to school instead of riding the truck. The layers of coats and scarves kept them warm.

"Mr. Eastwood!"

Lariette blurted out once she spotted the middle-aged man walking in the lobby. Her voice attracted the latter, causing him to halt his steps and turn around.

"Ms. Elsher and Mr. Alvord, good morning," said Mr. Eastwood with a smile, "I didn't expect to see you this early."

Lariette and Ruediger exchanged a look. Then, they properly greeted the older man.

"Hello, Mr. Eastwood."

"Good morning. We forgot that you've moved here. How was your move?"

Mr. Eastwood briefly told them about yesterday's move. Even though he had hired a moving company, a few male teachers, including Benjamin, came to help.

"I still have boxes to be sorted out. But other than that, everything's going smoothly. Anyway, I'll hold a housewarming party in a week or two. Maybe just before the holidays. I'll surely invite you."

"Then, we'll wait for your invitation."

"Congratulations on your move."

After exchanging more words, Mr. Eastwood left first. He joked about being unwilling to be the third wheel, even though they were heading in the same direction.

Understanding the older man's awkwardness, Lariette and Ruediger said nothing. They resumed walking after Mr. Eastwood left, their pace unhurried.