Chapter 427: Was That a Crime?
Everything felt so surreal that she was afraid it was merely a dream, but his tender kisses grounded her in reality, telling her this was real.
He was speaking the truth.
That boy was him!
Caught in the middle of overwhelming joy and sadness, she smacked his chest, "Eddy, you... You make me cry!"
Ruediger’s soft chuckles echoed above Lariette’s cries. His broad palms cupped her face as his lips brushed her teary eyes, damp cheeks and moist lips again and again.
Each of his touches conveyed his feelings for her, as deep as the ocean and as pure as freshly fallen snow. What began as gratitude changed into something more profound.
"I’m sorry, my love. I don’t mean to," he whispered gently, his thumbs pressing her skin, "I was a coward. But you gave me courage when you said you hope that boy lives better."
Lariette bit her lower lip, still sniffling. She remembered telling Ruediger that. That was one of her earnest wishes, praying for the boy’s well-being.
Choking on her sob, Lariette lifted both hands, looping them around Ruediger’s neck. He swiftly supported her waist, and his heart ached upon feeling her body tremble.
She pressed her face on the crook of his neck, her cries were muffled. She really had never seen this coming.
Who would have ever thought that the forgotten boy from her childhood was actually right by her side? Not only that, he had also deeply cherished her, being the one she could rely on.
Lariette’s tears had run dry, but her sniffling lingered faintly. Ruediger didn’t say anything, only holding her in his arms while stroking her shivering back.
"Lettie," he called, his gentle voice edged with caution, "I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hide it from you until now."
She almost laughed, thinking how silly this man was.
He sounded like a little puppy afraid of being abandoned amid a cold, snowy night. She also felt his hands tremble as he held her.
So what if he had just told her? Was that a crime?
If she was in his shoes, she might be even more cowardly. He was also the bigger victim. What she had experienced was insignificant compared to him.
He was abducted, and watched his mother dying right in front of his eyes before the kidnappers took him away. After months of suffering under the criminals’ hands, his return was loathed by his own father.
Just imagining what he had gone through was enough to bleed her heart dry. To know that he had grown so well and was able to stand on his own filled her with relief.
Thus, she had nothing but gratitude. She also didn’t want to dwell on the past by condemning him for what he couldn’t control.
Those days were already far behind them. Shouldn’t they treat the present and future better? After all, they still had a lifetime ahead of them.
She said firmly, "Eddy, I don’t blame you."
He froze. Even though her voice was muffled, he still could hear her properly. His fingers jerked before he tightened the hug.
"...you don’t blame me?"
"No, I don’t," she stated, voice steady, "Not even for leaving without words before."
Lariette took a deep breath, trying to stabilize her emotions that began to rage again. If possible, she no longer wanted to cry and made him worry.
She pushed away slightly, just enough to look at him. Chuckles escaped her lips at the sight of him holding back tears and his trembling lips.
"I was surprised, I can’t deny that," Lariette smiled from the heart, "Still, I want to thank you."
Ruediger opened his lips, seemingly wanting to speak, but no words came out. After several failed attempts, he gave up. As he held her gaze, his heart thumped rapidly.
Her eyes were bright, clear and beautiful, causing his tumultuous heart to be at ease.
She reached for his hands, taking in the familiar feeling and warmth. She parted her lips, and each word was laced with affection and appreciation.
"Thank you for climbing the tree with me before. Thank you for living so well. And thank you for loving me."
Unable to say anything, he drew her into his arms again. She chuckled when he started peppering her face with little kisses, understanding that he was too overwhelmed to speak.
When he pulled away to look at her, she giggled before cupping his face to kiss him. He was flustered for a second, and then pushed her to the car seat.
He usually kissed her gently before deepening it, but not this time. As if possessed, he kissed her without any restraint; all the air was stolen away. Firmly held by him, she felt like only they were left in the whole world.
Ruediger painstakingly released Lariette, leaving her gasping for air. Hugging her tighter, he whispered hoarsely, "Lettie, my love... I’m happy... I’m so happy."
Words and actions weren’t enough to convey the depths of his feelings.
She gently patted his back, hoping to reassure him. Still panting, she said with a smile in her voice, "Our main aim is to live better and better, okay? Let’s always be happy, Eddy."
No matter which hurricane came next, she would weather it together by his side.
"Yes. I promise you," he replied, his resolve was as firm as the dawn that rose even after the darkest night.
They remained hugging each other, as if reluctant to part even for a second. But Lariette knew they couldn’t possibly stay inside the truck. At the same time, a mischievous thought flickered in her mind.
"Eddy," she wriggled out of his arms, eyes staring at him, "I have a question."
He sighed when she left his embrace, but still answered, "Yes, my love?"
Lariette tilted her head, and asked with a feigned innocence, "You put on a grand display when you confessed to me and before our first time. Also, that time when you revealed you’re Mr. R. But why did you simply tell me about this in our basement parking lot?"
Ruediger almost choked, never expecting her to come up with such questions. The heartwarming and romantic ambiance quickly disappeared.