Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire-Chapter 297: Indeed, I Attract What I Like

After nearly an hour, Lariette’s backpack was finally empty from the candies. She and Ruediger wandered toward the games section not far from the trick-or-treating booths.

There were pumpkin ring tosses, a beanbag pumpkin smash, a guessing jar contest and even ghost-themed hopscotch.

"I’ll win the plush ghost for you," Lariette declared once she decided to play the pumpkin ring toss.

Ruediger shrugged, "For sure you’ll bag the first place."

Flipping her bangs, Lariette smirked, not even trying to act humble. As expected by Ruediger, she easily won the first place.

"For you," Lariette grinned, handing Ruediger the soft ghost plushie, "So you’ll always remember this spooky night."

"I’ll do even without it," Ruedger replied, laughter lacing his voice. He brushed Lariette’s fingers gently as he accepted the toy.

The couple returned to where Maggie, Bill and their neighbors were. Sitting together with them, they munched on hot dogs, pumpkin-themed pastries and other bite-sized foods.

Lariette took one of the fried pumpkin fritters dusted with cinnamon sugar. With just one bite, she let out a happy hum, "Yum! This is happiness."

Ruediger smiled at Lariette across the table. He had just taken a few sips of the cider, "Always so easily impressed with yummy foods."

"Of course!" Lariette nodded, not denying the fact.

As the couple chatted with the others, they learned that the community actively held social activities. Despite not living in the same neighborhood, Maggie and Bill encouraged Lariette and Ruediger to join.

Lariette half-joked, half-truthful, "My husband is a skilled baker. Is there any communal picnic? He’d love to supply his baked goods."

Ruediger laughed when Lariette bragged about his baking skill. The older ladies, including Maggie, were excited upon hearing that. Their chatters rose in the air.

"Sure! Sure! We do host them before!"

"Young lady, you’re so blessed! Your handsome husband looks so capable."

"We even have outdoor gatherings in winter. You guys should join us."

To their amusement, Lariette and Ruediger secured a spot in Maggie’s community. They didn’t mind much about it. Socializing with other people sometimes was what they needed to unwind.

Later, the park slowly turned quieter as families with young children began to leave. Maggie and Bill also left alongside their elderly neighbors. The booths dimmed one by one.

Lariette and Ruediger remained in the park. They assisted the volunteers to clean up the area. There was not much to do because the others had done their share of self-cleaning, thus the task was easier and quicker to finish.

Glancing at Lariette, Ruediger held the trash bag in his right hand high, "It’s just yesterday we cleaned up for Sports Day."

Amused, chuckles spilling from Lariette’s lips. She replied teasingly, "You attract what you like. Don’t you like cleaning?"

Ruediger hummed, pretending to think about something seriously. Gazing at Lariette intently, he said, "Indeed. I attract what I like. I’m not only like cleaning, but also you."

"Cheesy."

Ruediger arched one of his brows, smirking at the sight of Lariette blushing. He couldn’t help but find her adorable when she glared at him.

In half an hour, the volunteers dispersed from the park. Lariette and Ruediger were still there, not showing signs of going back home yet. The clock had just struck eleven.

"Wanna take a stroll?" Ruediger tilted his chin.

"Sounds good," Lariette easily agreed.

Holding hands, they walked down the cobbled walkways. Night joggers and cyclists occasionally passed by them, including lovers who also took a stroll like them.

Ruediger and Lariette walked into a darker part of the park, where the lampposts shone faintly and the old trees stood tall in quiet sentry. They had been here before.

The wind was softer here, rustling the canopy of reddish leaves above. The path curved around a small clearing where a lone tree stood. The fallen leaves blanketed the ground in gold and rust.

"The last leaf will fall soon, I guess," Lariette whispered as they reached the tree, chin tilting up. Her eyes gazed at the remaining leaves on the extending branches, rustled by the breeze.

"We’ll get to see its new leaves sprout."

Ruediger’s quiet voice echoed in the air. He smiled as he saw Lariette stepping forward. A few leaves drifted into her hair and caught on her sweater.

The moonlight bathed her in a soft silver glow, sprinkling its light on her shoulders. His heart was full, not of roaring passion, but something calmer like a slow-moving stream.

They had experienced summer and autumn. He dearly hoped they would pass more seasons together in the future.

Ruediger walked up to Lariette slowly, stopping just behind her shoulder. He chuckled when he saw one reddish leaf fluttering down, catching in her air.

Lifting one hand, Ruediger reached up to gently remove it, his fingers brushing the side of Lariette’s face. The touch made her turn slightly, and their eyes met as his hand still lingered on her cheek.

Neither spoke. The silence between them was palpable, deeper than words.

Ruediger parted his lips, saying something that lured laughter from Lariette.

"Trick-or-treat. Pretty Lady Bat, can I get two candies and a kiss?"

Chuckling, Lariette replied, "I’m out of candies already. How about three kisses?"

"Actually, I love that more."

Ruediger leaned in as Lariette burst up laughing, swallowing the rest of her giggles once he sealed her lips with his. He gently secured the nape of her neck while his other hand held her waist.

The kiss was slow and soft yet sensual. His lips brushed hers, whispering his ardent affection and it deepened gradually.

Lariette reached up, her arms circling around Ruediger’s neck as their kiss lengthened, warm and breathless despite the chill autumn breeze.

When they finally pulled apart, Ruediger rested his forehead gently against Lariette’s, their breaths mingling in the cool night air.

"Can I save the other two kisses until we get home?"

Lariette couldn’t help but laugh. Cupping Ruediger’s face with both palms, she asked with one brow arching, "Well, I don’t mind if we multiply them."

Once again, Lariette’s chuckles were silenced by Ruediger. The pair of lovers entangled under the tree as the leaves gently fell in amber spirals.