Chapter 449: The Last Night
The days of small yet fulfilling happiness went by until finally, it was the night before the pair had to leave for Velondia.
By this time, all the relatives had already returned home. With them gone, the townhouse was relatively quieter.
Lariette and Ruediger received quite a number of gifts from the Walter family relatives. Most of them were simple items, but meaningful.
Felicia suggested shipping the presents instead of stuffing their luggage full. The pair agreed easily, thinking that the option was better.
On that final night, the Walters decided to make dinner special. After all, Ruediger and Lariette most likely wouldn’t have time to come to Norvonna very soon, especially the latter, who only had a long break during school summer and winter vacations.
Felicia prepared a small feast with Madeline’s assistance. The mother and daughter shooed Ruediger and Lariette when they tried to help.
The elderly Mr. and Mrs. Walters had also joined forces with Felicia and Madeline. They dragged Lariette and Ruediger to accompany them, forbidding the pair from sneaking into the kitchen.
By six, plates of homemade dishes were served on the dining table. Roast chicken with herbs, fish stew, honey-grilled beef, bread, cucumber and carrot salad, warm bread rolls from the oven and a fruit tart glowed under the amber, small chandelier light.
As the air smelled faintly of herbs and butter, the old radio in the corner was on. The lighthearted melody reminded everyone of the feel of belonging to a warm home.
"Come, come," Mr. Walter said cheerfully. He clapped his wrinkled hands as he took his seat at the head of the table, "Don’t let the food get cold. Hurry and sit."
Mrs. Walter looked at Madeline, and then to Ruediger, "Maddie, my darling, pass me that bowl. And Rudy, slice the roast, will you? You always do it neatly."
"Okay, Grandma."
Ruediger smiled while reaching for the knife, as obedient and helpful as ever. His sleeves were already rolled to his elbows, revealing the lean muscle of his forearms. He began to cut the meat into even slices.
As Lariette sat beside Ruediger, she watched the usual calm yet precise way he worked. It wasn’t a rare sight because he was always like that, even at home, but she couldn’t take her eyes off him.
What to do? She found herself to be more in love with him as days went by.
When Madeline handed a plate to Lariette next to her, she said jokingly, "Lari, pity this single lady, okay? You keep looking at Rudy. I get goosebumps. Aren’t you bored? You see him 24/7."
Lariette’s cheeks flushed in an instant, her heart thumping wildly. She threw Madeline a warning look while the others, including Ruediger, chuckled.
"Don’t be jealous of me. Get yourself a man too," Lariette huffed as she pinched Madeline’s arm, "Didn’t Grandma say her friend’s grandson’s interested in you?"
Mrs. Walter quickly chimed, "Lari’s right! Don’t you want to meet Connor first? He’s been asking about you. He’s a good guy. Maddie, he’s only a few years older than you."
"Oh, please," Madeline quickly wriggled free from Lariette’s crab claw, "Don’t matchmake me! It’s the era of finding a lover yourself! Anyway, Grandma, don’t you think I should just be a fun single aunt to their babies later?"
Mrs. Walter’s eyes lit up, while Lariette froze and Ruediger coughed awkwardly. Their funny reaction cast a ripple of laughter at the table.
"Maddie~" Lariette hissed, and once again Madeline’s arm became her victim. The latter squirmed like a worm, trying to escape her friend’s dangerous pinching.
After the short bantering, everyone began to enjoy dinner.
As Madeline helped herself to another serving of roasted chicken, she shamelessly brown-nosed her own mother.
"Mom~ You’ve outdone yourself again. You’re making it hard for me to leave. I might just hide in the pantry and stay. What to do?"
Madeline wouldn’t return with Lariette and Ruediger. She had planned to stay for a few more days before flying back to Velondia. Her butler cafe was still on a holiday break.
Felicia shot her daughter with a look of mock disdain, "You say that every time, my dear. But you’re off to leave your old mom like usual."
The others laughed when Madeline pouted before pitifully claiming her mom no longer had her child in her heart. Felicia scoffed and rolled her eyes.
As dinner almost came to its end, Mrs. Walter gazed from Ruediger to Lariette, full of affection. She began, "Rudy, Velondia isn’t that far, but we old folks can’t stand the travel much anymore. Bring Lari here if you’re free. We’ll miss having you both here."
Ruediger and Lariette exchanged a look, their expressions tender as they smiled at Mrs. Walter. He replied, "I promise, Grandma. I’ll bring Lari back."
Lariette added, wanting to reassure the elderly lady, "Summer break is still far, but we can still come on the weekend. It’s just around two hours by flight. Grandma, you might get tired of seeing us."
The pair understood the feelings of the elderly, like the Walters and Chairman Delaney. As their ages continued to advance, they hoped to spend as much time as possible with their precious family.
Both Lariette and Ruediger had experienced losing their loved ones. They might not be able to accompany the elderly every single day or week, but they would keep their connection alive.
This time, Mr. Walter chimed as he scoffed, "Tired of you two? You silly child, that will never happen. Well, we can talk on the phone if you’re too busy. We know it’s much harder for younger generations now."
Mrs. Walter nodded, agreeing with her husband, "Your grandpa is right. But beware of him sending you his garden and fish photos every single day."
"Hey! What do you mean? I’m not like that."
"Oh? Old man, you’re guilty as charged. Go and check your chat history."
More laughter rippled as the elderly couple bantered. Lariette reached for Ruediger’s hand under the table, seeking its warmth. She smiled when he squeezed her hand.