"Good morning, Miss Elsher."
Ruediger's husky and velvety voice gently pulled Lariette out of her trance. Realizing that she was staring openly at him, she quickly responded.
"Good morning, Mr. Alvord. Have you been waiting for long?" asked Lariette, hoping her voice didn't suddenly crack under her inner tension.
"Not really," Ruediger waved his hand, beckoning at Lariette to come inside, "You've been here many times, don't you? Come."
"Yes."
Lariette took a step forward, tension brimming in her gaze. Walking past the door, she unconsciously squared her shoulders.
"You're not going to greet me, Rudy?" asked Madeline, pretending to sulk with her older cousin, "Am I invisible now? Or, a mannequin?"
A low and throaty chuckle escaped Ruediger's lips. His gaze wandered from Lariette to Madeline. A playful light glinted in his green eyes.
"Oh? Should I greet you too? Good morning, Maddie."
Putting both hands on her hips, Madeline rolled her eyes. Ruediger laughed at the sight of his younger cousin's dissatisfied look.
Lariette quietly looked at the cousins' interaction. This was the first time she witnessed Madeline and Ruediger being at the same time and place.
"Let me clean up a bit," Ruediger smiled at Lariette, gesturing at the flowers in his hands, "Oh, this is for you, milady."
Taking one of the flowers, Ruediger handed a stalk of tulip to Lariette. The vivid red petals were reflected in her eyes and so did the man's messy crimson hair.
Ruediger tied his locks into a small bun, like the first time Lariette saw him at the hospital. She couldn't help but think how loveably charming the hairdo made him.
"Thank you," Lariette received the tulip with both hands. Smiling at Ruediger, she softly uttered, "It's my favorite flower."
"I'm glad to hear it, Miss Elsher."
Ruediger's smooth tone had slight roughness in the edges, complimenting his rugged features. With a turn of his palm, he gestured to the chair near Lariette.
"Sit down. I believe we'll have a long discussion today."
"Yes."
Lariette and Madeline sat side by side. As Ruediger completed the flower arrangements, he placed the vase in the middle of the table. The centerpiece added allure to the room.
"I better close the windows, lest someone else hears us."
Lariette simply nodded. She looked at Ruediger as he turned around to latch the windows, the lights from the candelabra wall lamps sprinkled on his broad back.
William and Joshua arrived with tea and desserts. They quietly left after serving everything on the table, sensing the slight tension in the air.
"Mr. Alvord, are you still up with your offer?" asked Lariette without beating around the bush. Her eyes were focused on the man sitting opposite her, "To be my husband, a contracted one."
"I do," replied Ruediger smoothly. Tilting his head slightly, a few of his fringes swaying over his forehead, "I don't mind for how long. To clarify, I'm not in a relationship so, you don't have to worry about it."
"I'd decline your offer if you're seeing someone," said Lariette matter-of-factly, "Even though we'll be in a contractual relationship, it's still unfair for your partner."
Lariette had heard about Ruediger's past relationship—or the lack of it—from Madeline. Her friend convinced her that a situation like the one with Damien wouldn't ever occur.
"Yes. Your view is right, Miss Elsher."
A chuckle escaped Ruediger's lips. He liked hearing how straightforward Lariette could be.
From Madeline's stories, Ruediger knew Lariette suppressed this side of her because of the Elsher family. She tried to be meek like the fake heiress, hoping she would be accepted.
Fortunately, Lariette would no longer restrain this aspect of her.
Lariette traced the edge of the saucer of the tea cup, feeling the smooth gold-plated border.
Hot steam spiraled from the reddish-brown liquid. Its earthy scent with a hint of rose fragrance wafted in the air.
"This started on an impulse. For the first time, I want to rebel against my family," Lariette lifted her gaze from the tea cup back to Ruediger. A sly smile was crafted on her lips, "So, why not take this as far as I can?"
Ruediger arched his thick brows, his lips curled on the right corner. As he smiled, his high cheekbones appeared more prominent, giving off a roguish vibe beneath his calm demeanor.
"I don't have anything much on my name, Miss Elsher. Even if you can anger your father because I'm an Alvord, other people will think you're a loser to marry an outcast like me."
"Aren't we a perfect fit?" Lariette snickered, a hint of mischief glinting in her sapphire eyes.
"You're indeed a perfect
"How cheesy," Lariette playfully smacked Madeline's left arm. Her laughter broke the subtle tension in the air.
"Well, that's the truth."
Madeline shrugged. She exchanged a teasing smile with Lariette.
Ruediger stifled his laughter as he watched the two friends' interaction. He had always known how close the ladies were but, he couldn't witness it up close until now.
"Miss Elsher, you can set a prenup," said Ruediger after Lariette and Madeline were done fooling around, "Our marriage is a contract one, all the reason to protect your assets."
Ruediger didn't intend to claim any of Lariette's properties and assets upon divorce but, it was better to make it legally binding. His smile masked his inner feelings.
They hadn't even married yet but, the thought of divorcing pricked his heart.
Lariette blinked, never expecting Ruediger to bring this matter up himself.
"Think of the possible terms you want in the contract and tell me. I'll send mine to you too. I want to register our marriage before my family dinner next week. I'll introduce you to them on that night."
"I will do that," Ruediger nodded firmly, "I'll tell you by this weekend."
"Oh, before that," Lariette suddenly recalled what she had thought last night. Staring into Ruediger's green eyes, she asked, "Can we go on dates before we register our marriage?"
"To familiarize ourselves with each other, right?"
Lariette nodded, confirming Ruediger's thoughts. She didn't know how happy he was upon hearing her suggestion.
"How about we meet this Saturday?" suggested Ruediger, "Can I choose the place?"
"Yes, you can."
"Great. I'll text you about it."
Madeline quietly listened to the future husband and wife's conversation. She couldn't help but think how happy Ruediger was on the inside even though this plan originated from Lariette.
Would her friend ever know about her cousin's lasting feelings for her?
Madeline could only hope everything would be well between Lariette and Ruediger.