A few hours later, Lariette stirred awake, and a low grunt escaped her lips. She shut her eyes tightly before slowly opening them. Her blurry gaze quickly regained its clarity.

Her lips curled once she saw the one by her side.

'Still sleeping. How cute.'

Lying on one side, Lariette smilingly watched Ruediger, still deep in sleep. One of his arms draped loosely over her waist while the other lying flat under her head.

His chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm. His bangs partially obscured his face as his free locks tousled on the pillow. The upper border of the blanket settled over his waist.

Lariette shifted slightly, looking at the wall clock. The needles pointed to a quarter past eleven. They went to bed at a little over five in the morning.

Although the hour almost inched to noon, the bedroom was still dark, thanks to the blackout curtains. Only thin rays of light sneaked in through the tiny gaps between the curtains.

'Let him sleep longer. What should I make for lunch?'

Lariette carefully moved Ruediger's arm away from her waist, wanting to slip out of the bed. She chuckled when he shifted, now lying on his back, eyes still shut close.

It seemed like he wouldn't wake up until much later, something she was relieved about. He needed all the rest he could have after the hectic days.

After bundling her hair into a bun, Lariette leaned over, gently kissing Ruediger's forehead. She held back from laughing when he instinctively tilted his chin toward her.

Stepping quietly on the floor, she left his bedroom, going to hers across the hallway. After freshening herself up, she checked her phone.

Chairman Delaney and Madeline sent Lariette a few texts. Smiling, she replied to them while heading to the kitchen. She even chided her friend about the latter's fabricating trouble at the cafe to play along with Ruediger's whim.

In the kitchen, Lariette checked the fridge. She already knew what to make for Ruediger.

Herb-crusted chicken breasts and creamy mushroom and spinach pasta.

But she ran out of certain ingredients. For example, the mushrooms and spinach because she used them to make the oatmeal before.

Lariette decided to head to the grocery market. The freezer had chicken breasts but lacked the other items. Oh, she still had fusilli in the dry pantry area.

'So... what I already have is the chicken, parmesan, lemon and fusilli.'

Lariette brought out two chicken breasts from the freezer, letting them thaw at the sink. She planned to speed up the process by using the microwave once she returned from grocery shopping.

After changing into a sweater, joggers and a coat, Lariette went to check on Ruediger. He was still sleeping soundly on the bed, seemingly unaware of his surroundings.

Then, Lariette quietly stepped out of the apartment. She didn't forget to text Ruediger about her going out, just in case he woke up when she was away.

The sky was overcast but gentle, having a hue of soft gray instead of the darker ones. A cool breeze brushed past as she headed to the grocery store, easily and quickly reachable on foot.

The pedestrian walkways were not crowded with passersby. Despite being the weekend, people might opt to stay in the warm confines of their homes instead of venturing outside.

The sliding door opened with a soft chime, allowing Lariette in. The warmth and gentle scent of produce and baked goods welcomed her. She smiled at the elderly shopkeeper before heading toward the vegetable section first.

"Spinach... spinach..."

Lariette chose two handfuls of crisp and vibrant baby spinach leaves, enough for the pasta but not too much to wilt in the fridge. She also picked a small pack of arugula.

Next was the mushrooms. Instead of the pale button ones, Lariette got some of the cremini which had more earthy, robust flavors. Without wasting time, she moved to the chilled section next. Help us continue by reading at the source: *.

After getting fresh rosemary and thyme, Lariette grabbed two packs of bright red strawberries and some ripe pears. They could have these fruits as desserts after lunch.

Soon, Lariette lined up at the cash register. The cashier packed her items neatly while chatting politely, "It's rare to see you alone without your husband."

Lariette chuckled, understanding that the cashier was familiar with Ruediger as one of the regular customers at the grocery mart. Then, she answered.

"He's busy today. I gonna cook something for him."

Before going home, Lariette entered the small bakery in a corner of the building. She bought some garlic croutons and a loaf of milk bread. Only then did she walk back to the apartment.

'He's still sleeping, good.'

Lariette smiled as she stepped inside the quiet hallway. Ruediger hadn't woken up yet. She placed the bag on the kitchen counter, intending to do some prepping.

Instead of cooking everything while not knowing when he would be awake, she opted to let the chicken marinate longer in the chiller. She also washed and sliced the other ingredients while measuring out the pasta and cream for later.

While Lariette and Ruediger's love nest was quiet but filled with contentment, the same couldn't be said for Chairman Alvord's luxurious manor.

At this time, the middle-aged man stood facing the door of his home office. His expensive wool cardigan was draped over his shoulders, but the tension on his face was more frigid than the coldest winter day.

"Still no word from them," he muttered to himself.

Chairman Alvord's mind was drawn to Felicia, his former sister-in-law. He deliberately caused trouble to the company she cherished, but she hadn't reached out to obey his orders.

Gritting his teeth, he cursed under his breath, his hands clenched into fists.

Chairman Alvord knew Ruediger was already aware of what he did to Felicia's company. He heard that useless son of his flew to Norvonna a few days ago, most likely trying to salvage the trouble.

And he succeeded!

That damn son of his succeeded!

What the hell had he done?

Why was he so capable of undoing everything he had painstakingly crafted?!