A brand new week began, signaling the end of November.

Lariette, clad in a crochet cardigan, walked down the hallway to the teachers' lounge. She had just returned from the library. She held a supplementary class for her students.

In less than two weeks, the end-of-term examination began. It only took four days at most. Then, the teachers would be preoccupied with grading papers and overall evaluations.

Everything would be over soon! They just had to grit their teeth and endure the busy period before enjoying winter break.

Lifting her hand, Lariette gazed at the dainty watch strapped around her wrist. The silver needles pointed to five minutes past three.

She managed to complete everything earlier than expected, much to her delight. She could return home before four o'clock.

Before leaving for school this morning, once again Ruediger reminded Lariette about their date tonight. He was proud as he ensured she would love the surprise for the candlelight dinner.

She jokingly asked if he planned for another grand confession. He simply smiled as his eyes glinted mysteriously.

Looking out of the windows, she saw the sky was overcast and the sun hid behind the gray clouds. A few students headed to the gates, some in groups while a few walked alone.

A thought crossed Lariette's mind as she excitedly thought of the closely approaching December. Her heart thumped in anticipation.

'Should we go shopping for ornaments next week?'

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Lariette still remembered their plan to decorate the apartment with a Christmas tree and other decorative items. Ruediger was as excited as she was, more so because this would be their first Christmas together.

"Oh."

As Lariette returned her gaze ahead, she saw Mr. Eastwood walking forward with Benjamin by his side. The two men stopped before her, and then they exchanged greetings.

"Lariette," Benjamin beamed, his voice tingeing with joy, "I heard you met Mr. Eastwood the other day. You guys will be neighbors, right?"

Lariette blinked, realizing that Mr. Eastwood had mentioned their chance encounter at the lobby to Benjamin. Considering the latter helped him to get a new place, it was not weird.

"Yes. I was surprised to see him there," Lariette smiled, glancing between the two men, "Mr. Eastwood, you'll move in this week, right? My husband offers his help if you need it."

Ruediger brought it up while he walked Lariette to school this morning. She said she would tell Mr. Eastwood when she met the middle-aged man later.

"That's so kind of him," Mr. Eastwood said appreciatively, "I'll take up the offer if I need it. I want to move there before the weekend, but seems like Saturday is still the best choice."

Lariette chuckled, understanding Mr. Eastwood's dilemma. Because of how busy all the teachers were currently, moving houses added more to the man's plate.

"Mr. Hayes is a good apartment manager. You can rely on him for anything involving your residence," Lariette spoke further, hoping to help her fellow colleague, "Don't hesitate to ask him."

"Yes, he's a good fella. He has been helping me a lot. I'll keep that in mind. Thank you again."

After exchanging a few more words, Lariette resumed walking, letting the two men go to their destinations. The teachers' lounge was still full as everyone was immersed in their tasks.

Before organizing her things, Lariette texted Ruediger, saying she could go home now. A reply came in a few minutes. He said he would come soon.

Lariette chatted with Nora and Phoebe while waiting for the time to pass. As she estimated Ruediger might arrive soon, she left the teachers' lounge with her backpack and sling bag.

"So cold..."

Lariette shuddered once she stepped out of the building. A gust of wind passed by, brushing against her face and tousling her hair. Its chill seemed to bite into her skin.

As Lariette walked to the gates, she recalled her latest message exchange with Melissa. Her old neighbor said winter had begun in Moonville Village, including the rest of the northern countryside.

When Lariette mentioned that to Ruediger, a wide grin broke on his face. He mentioned how he couldn't wait to return to Moonville and celebrate Christmas there.

His evident excitement washed over her heart with warmth. She loved to see how much he looked forward to their holiday plans.

Lariette initially expected to see Ruediger's figure standing near the gate, but she saw the truck and the man instead. He rarely drove here. Perhaps he came from somewhere else.

Standing outside the truck, his back leaning on the door of the driver's seat. His lips curled into a lopsided grin once he saw her.

"Eddy~"

Ruediger moved forward, reaching for Lariette's upper arms, "Hello, my sweetheart. Time to go home."

"Okay~"

Lariette exhaled in relief once she sat in the truck, already warm from the heater. As she closed her eyes, her ears caught Ruediger chuckling softly before his remarks followed.

"Since it's quite early, I assume you can get some rest before tonight, right?"

"Yes!"

Lariette blurted out, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Ruediger's side profile. He simply glanced at her, laughing while continuing to drive.

The truck pulled away from the curb, joining the other vehicles on the main road. At half past three in the afternoon, the traffic rush hadn't begun. They arrived at the apartment in less than ten minutes.

After parking the truck in the basement, Ruediger held Lariette's hand, both walking to the elevator. She chuckled as she realized he had been smiling and looking at her nonstop.

"What? Can't wait to show me how you plan our candlelight dinner?"

Lariette told Ruediger this morning that she didn't even mind if he did it at home, but he insisted on planning it at a special place.

"Sort of," Ruediger hummed, nodding once, "I have something to tell you tonight."

Lariette blinked. She wanted to ask why, but swallowed her words. Then, she smiled before giving him a reassuring look.

"Okay. I'll wait."

Soon, they arrived at their apartment. But he didn't step inside even after she opened the door. Realizing he remained standing outside, she glanced at him confusedly.

"Eddy?"

Ruediger smiled. He only took one step inside before pulling Lariette into his arms. Then, his lips met her forehead, leaving a warm sensation.

"My love, rest well before tonight, en? Someone will come to pick you up at six-thirty. I'll meet you there."

Realizing what he meant, she was baffled. She stared at his smiling countenance, seeing his eyes glimmering as he gazed at her.

"Okay, I understand. See you tonight, Eddy."

Ruediger's smile deepened. Dipping his head in, he seized Lariette's lips, slightly cold from the outside air. His right hand gently held her chin, his fingertips grazing her skin.

Lariette tiptoed, allowing Ruediger to deepen the kiss. His tongue explored her mouth before he retreated and nibbled her lower lip, breaking the kiss slowly.

"See you tonight, sweetheart."

"En, see you tonight, honey."

Ruediger gave Lariette one last smile before he closed the door, his eyes never leaving hers until the door was entirely shut. She stood frozen in the same spot, cheeks flushed.

What kind of surprise was he planning?

What kind of thing did he want to tell her?

Lariette shook her head. After making sure the door was locked, she walked down the hallway while taking off her coat. A gasp escaped her lips once she entered her bedroom.

A beautiful dress lay on the bed alongside a bouquet of tulips and roses.