As the luxury white sedan glided smoothly through the city, Lariette sat quietly in the back seat, her hands holding the clutch. The driver hadn't spoken a thing and she didn't know whether to feel relieved or not.

Looking out the window, Lariette watched the blur of lights and buildings pass by, her heart still fluttering with nervous excitement. She had already texted Ruediger that she was on her way even though the driver did the same.

'Where are you waiting for me, Eddy?'

A soft smile played on Lariette's lips. Ruediger hadn't told her where he was, only that the driver would bring her safely to him. The mystery kind of thrilled her.

At over six-thirty, the sky outside had deepened into dusky blue with purple undertones. When the car turned down a road, she saw the familiar building of Edenia Avenue, glowing softly in the cold evening.

'Is it there?'

Aside from the luxury mall, this commercial district had several other popular spots for couples. But she wondered if he was there, the very place they went shopping for her wedding dress and their rings a few months ago.

A dozen memories from that day rushed in like warm spring light through an open window, softening the curl on her lips. Her fingers instinctively touched the wedding ring on her left hand.

What began as an impulsive contractual marriage brought her happiness like no other.

Lariette's guess was correct, her heart thumped. The driver entered the luxury mall's area, gliding into the basement parking of the VVIP section.

"Mrs. Alvord, we're arrived," the driver announced politely.

Lariette had just unbuckled her seatbelt when the door was opened from the outside. Instead of the driver, a well-dressed attendant stood there while bowing lightly.

"Good evening, Mrs. Alvord. I'll be guiding you to your destination."

"Thank you."

Lariette stepped out, the soft rustle of her navy blue dress brushing against her legs as she adjusted her cream wool coat. Her heels clicked against the polished, gleaming marble floor.

Glancing around, she found no one else nearby. This level was reserved for the elite. It was quiet, spotless and so exclusive that most people had never even seen it.

Lariette followed the attendant down a private hallway lined with warm recessed lights and subtle floral arrangements. The scent of roses filled the air.

The deeper they walked, the more curious she became. Her brows furrowed gently as a helpless smile lined her lips.

'Is this really just dinner? It feels more elaborate than his previous surprises.'

Lariette looked at the attendant who walked one step ahead, "Excuse me. Where exactly are we going?"

The attendant smiled politely, "You'll see soon, ma'am. Everything has been arranged for you. I'll take you to the elevator first."

Blinking, Lariette was both amused and more nervous than before. She tightened her hand over the small clutch bag, the blue diamond bracelet around her wrist catching the light as she moved.

After a few minutes, they stepped into a private elevator. The attendant swiped a security card, and Lariette noticed the button he pressed had no label indicating which floor it was for.

Her heart thumped.

The elevator rose swiftly and silently until it chimed. The doors opened with a quiet ding, revealing the rooftop of the luxury mall.

"We're here, ma'am," announced the attendant.

Lariette froze for a moment and gasped. Her mind was blank as she stepped out, her motion slow.

A soft yet chilly breeze kissed her cheeks, but she barely noticed. She was too stunned by what lay ahead.

Rows of delicate flower arches lined the path ahead, covered in fresh flowers of roses and peonies, all in soft pinks, creams, pale blues and vibrant reds. Intertwined among the blooms were strings of fairy lights, twinkling like stars brought to Earth.

'This is the rooftop... isn't this where the CEO lives? I think I heard about it somewhere.'

Lariette was still caught in a trance as the thought crossed her mind. She recalled overhearing someone mention that only the CEO had access to the rooftop penthouse, as well as Mr. R, the mysterious ghost owner of the mall.

'How... how did Eddy get permission to use this place? Is it from Nate? I think his company is the major investor.'

Blinking, Lariette turned to look at the attendant. Before she could ask him anything, he bowed once more, "Please follow the path, ma'am. Your husband is waiting for you at the annex."

"Y-yes... thank you."

The attendant smiled before leaving. The elevator doors slid open and closed before her eyes. Please read this chapter on its original platform—*.

Lariette exhaled, returning her gaze to the trail, which shimmered with golden lights. The luminous floral pathway looked like something out of a romantic film, grander than the maze from the night Ruediger confessed his feelings[01].

"Haha... this isn't a prank, right?" she muttered under her breath, half-laughing in disbelief.

Lariette took her first step onto the path, and the gentle hum of romantic string music began to play. She couldn't help but think if Ruediger was watching her movements from a camera or something.

Her heartbeat quickened as a soft warmth bloomed in her chest. She walked slowly through each arch, the fairy lights flickering above her like candlelight and the hem of her skirt ruffled around her ankles.

'He outdid himself again. What will he do if he runs out of ideas next time?'

Lariette laughed, thinking of pointing that out to Ruediger soon. She believed he would smirk and say he would always find a way.

Despite the cool late November air, Lariette felt warm all over and her cheeks flushed in a lovely shade of pink.

As she neared the annex of the grand penthouse, she could see more clearly through its tall glass walls.

Inside was a cozy yet lavish space where a dining table was covered in white linens. She also saw a dozen lit candles of varying heights, more flowers in elegant arrangements and soft golden lighting from crystal chandeliers above.

And then she saw him.

The one in her heart.

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Reference:

1 - Chapter 261