Chapter 468: Do You Remember What Day Is Today?
Their days on the island fell into a blissful rhythm.
In the mornings, they went snorkeling near the coral reefs. The water was so clear that fish shimmered like colorful jewels beneath them.
Ruediger manned the boat himself, bringing Lariette to the perfect place to snorkel.
She laughed as small, curious fish darted past her hands. By her side, he couldn’t help but watch the joy on her face more than the sea life itself.
"Careful," she said one afternoon after surfacing beside him, droplets glistening on her wet hair, "Eddy, you’re supposed to be looking at the corals, not me."
"I am," he replied with a cheeky grin, "You’re part of the view."
She splashed him with seawater, laughing and dodging as he caught her wrist. Far away from the shore, he kissed her under the dazzling sunlight.
In the afternoons, they explored the island. They hiked the forest trails, lined with wild orchids and other plants. They also visited small seaside towns, as well as tasted tropical fruits and local dishes.
Every evening, before sunset, they returned to their treehouse to watch the sky turn from gold to indigo. The hum of the forest and ocean surrounded them.
Lariette felt as though time itself had slowed. She didn’t have to worry about anything as she enjoyed the quiet rhythm of waves and the warmth of the man beside her.
One evening, the air was particularly quiet. The sky had just begun to darken, painted in soft streaks of coral and lavender.
Lariette was in the washroom, brushing her damp hair after a long and relaxing bath. She had just changed into a silk nightgown, the lacy hem falling over her thighs. Then, she heard noises beyond the washroom door.
"Eddy?" she called, stepping outside. And then, she halted.
The lights were dim, and the air scented faintly with ocean breeze and something floral. A small table was set near the window, overlooking the sea. Two candles flickered in the middle.
Ruediger emerged from the small kitchen area, wearing a dark shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He carried a tray of dishes; grilled seafood with herbs, freshly baked bread and a chilled bottle of wine.
Lariette blinked, surprise, "Did you cook?"
"No, ordered," he smiled faintly, placing the tray down, "The hotel just sent this. Right on time."
Lariette took a long bath. She had even fallen asleep for a moment. She didn’t notice when did the hotel staff came to deliver food.
"Hehe~ Is there anything special tonight?" she approached him, her shoulder brushing his arm.
He looked at her for a long moment before replying, "What do you think?"
At the sight of his tender gaze, her heart skipped a beat. She recalled which date was today, August 7th.
Of course, she knew what kind of special event that was worth celebrating happened on this date last year.
But...
She hadn’t expected him to, either.
The pair simply dropped the subject at that. They dined as the last flicker of sunlight faded. The sound of waves filled the silence between soft conversations.
The food was delicious. The fish was very tender and seasoned perfectly, the bread was warm and buttery, and the wine was smooth. The accompanying side dishes were also good.
But more than that, it was the warmth in his gaze that made her heart flutter.
When the meal was done, he rose and extended his hand to her, "Come with me, sweetheart."
Lariette let Ruediger lead her out onto the deck.
The stars had begun to appear, twinkling on the vast night sky. Lanterns glowed softly in the trees, and below them, the sea shimmered under the silver moonlight.
As they stood by the railing, Ruediger hugged Lariette from behind. She leaned backward, melting in his touch. His soft laughter echoed beside her.
"Lettie, do you hear that?" he asked, almost a whisper, "The waves?"
"What about it?" she glanced at him.
He kissed her neck, feeling the beating pulse under her skin, "They remind me of your heartbeat."
She laughed, one hand playfully smacking his arm, "You’re being cheesy tonight."
He simply chuckled, not denying it. Then, he reached into his pocket, pulling out something small. He presented a delicate seashell necklace, threaded with silver, in his palm.
"I saw this at the harbor the other day," he said, "Reminded me of you. What do you think?"
She beamed, "Eddy, it’s pretty! Thank you~ Quick! Put it on me."
Ruediger did as he was told. Lariette pulled her hair aside. His fingers brushed her neck as he clasped it behind her. The shell gleamed faintly in the golden lights of the lanterns.
"Thank you," she lightly touched the seashell, eyes shimmering like the stars above, "Hehe, I wonder how it looks under the sunlight."
She truly loved it, like everything he had done and gotten for her, because she knew he had her in mind.
Ruediger exhaled a sigh of relief. His heart began to thump wildly for what he planned to do next. He reached out both hands, trapping Lariette between him and the railing behind her.
"Eddy?" she looked up.
"Lettie, my love," he tilted his chin down, eyes searching her face, "You know what day it is today, right?"
Giggles spilled from her lips. She lifted her arms, encircling them around his neck, "Of course~ We registered our marriage on this day last year. Tho a contractual one."
When they signed the papers to legalize their sudden, contractual marriage last summer, she hadn’t expected how far they would come. She also knew nothing about the secret feelings he bore for her.
"Then, what do you think if..."
Ruediger stepped backward, holding Lariette’s hands in his. Under her surprise gaze, he knelt on one knee. His smiling lips trembled, carrying the uneasiness in his heart.
"My love, what do you think if we become true husband and wife?"
A soft gasp escaped Lariette’s lips. Her widened eyes took in the nervous yet expectant look on Ruediger’s face as he continued, voice softer than the breeze.
"I will accompany you to the end of our lives. Lariette, I love you. May you take me as your true husband?"
Tears spilled from her eyes. When she rushed forward to hug him, she heard herself sobbing, saying yes over and over again.