Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire
Chapter 326: Of Baked Apple Brioche French Toast

Chapter 326: Of Baked Apple Brioche French Toast

When Lariette finally stirred awake, the clock was over nine in the morning. Curling under the blanket, she grunted, her eyes still shut close, and her lashes fluttered.

Lariette heard nothing aside from her soft breathing and the gentle hum of the breeze outside the windows. Sleepiness still clung to her.

"...hmm."

Eyes closed, Lariette absentmindedly stretched her arms, patting the other side of the bed. Her senses told her something was lacking, but her half-awake mind hadn’t registered what it was.

Then...

’Eddy!’

Lariette abruptly opened her eyes. Blinking, she rubbed her face, trying to force herself to snap out of her drowsiness.

Ruediger was not here.

Pushing herself upward, Lariette sat on the mattress, her tousled hair falling over her shoulders. Her gaze landed on the other side of the bed. Once again, she patted on the surface, feeling no lingering warmth.

’When did he wake up?’

As clarity returned to her mind, and so did what happened last night.

Lariette recalled waking up to a sweaty Ruediger screaming as a nightmare haunted him. Then, the moment she spent trying to calm him down. Fortunately, he slept again without any disturbance.

As Lariette was thinking, an alluring scent of butter and cinnamon wafted in the air, sneaking past through the door.

’...is he cooking?’

Patting her face, Lariette held back from running out of the bedroom, rushing to the kitchen where Ruediger might be. She made the bed, then dashed to the washroom. She had just been hit by the urge to relieve herself first.

Lariette emerged, refreshed after washing her face and brushing her teeth. Her feet quickly brought her out of the bedroom, following the scent in the air. Her hands deftly tied her locks into a high bun.

"Eddy."

Lariette called, slightly cautious once she saw Ruediger. He was standing before the kitchen table, slicing through the dish in a casserole. A smile found its way to his lips as his eyes met hers.

"Lettie," Ruediger put the knife down, arms reaching out to Lariette, "Morning."

"Morning, Eddy," Lariette smiled, returning Ruediger’s embrace. Her face nestled on his chest as he hugged her tight.

They stayed like that for a long while, basking under the bright morning sunlight streaming through the kitchen windows. The scent of butter, caramelized sugar and cinnamon wrapped them in a cocoon of warmth.

"Lettie," Ruediger whispered, his voice lacing with affection as he kissed Lariette’s head, "Thank you for last night. I’ve surprised you, didn’t I?"

Blinking, Lariette pulled away, just enough to look at Ruediger. Without saying anything, she searched his face, finding the remnants of his nightmare from last night.

Despite his smile, he was evidently less spirited and energetic than usual.

Lifting one hand, Lariette gently brushed her fingers through Ruediger’s crimson bangs. The hue appeared brighter under the morning light. Then, she traced one side of his face before pressing her thumb under his right eye.

"I was quite shocked," Lariette finally said, admitting her feelings. Then, she added, "Did you get to sleep better afterward? How are you feeling this morning?"

The genuine care in her tone and the warmth in her clear gaze unknotted the twist in his heart. He could tell she tried to approach the subject delicately, trying to be mindful of his feelings.

"I feel better, truly," Ruediger smiled, still holding Lariette close. The light in his eyes softened as he said, "How can I not? You were there with me."

"Oh... such a sweet talker."

Lariette’s cheeks flushed, dusting by the lovely shade of pink. Ruediger chuckled, he playfully pinched her cheek before pecking her lips, sharing a few morning kisses and chuckles.

Neither of them mentioned what happened last night again. At least, not now.

"Come, Lettie. Uncle Paul sent brioche bread Aunt Mel made this morning. I made some French toast casserole. We have some bacon on the side too."

"That toast sounds so yummy," Lariette giggled, gleeful at the idea of having a sweet breakfast from Aunt Mel’s famous brioche bread, "Oh, how lovely~ Apple and maple syrup, en?"

Standing before the table, Lariette saw the golden and puffed casserole, its surface lightly crisped with caramelized edges. The toasted peaks of brioche glisten with melted maple butter. The apple slices nestled between the layers, some peeking through the surface.

Ruediger smiled, delighted to see Lariette looking amazed. Nudging her shoulder, he said teasingly, "Don’t drool here. I’ll make some black tea, unsweetened, okay?"

"Ah, let me brew the tea," Lariette shook her head, patting Ruediger’s back on reflex, "Eddy, you can bring this outside. Let’s eat in the living room, okay?"

"Sure."

While Lariette was busying herself making a pot of tea, Ruediger put two portions of the toast on the plates. Then, he carried a tray, bringing along the crispy bacon and cut apples.

Then, the pair sat on the same couch where they had tomato soup last night. The village was quiet on the weekend morning, save for distant chatter and the echoes of nature in the surroundings.

Lariette crossed her legs and balanced the plate on her lap. Ruediger smiled seeing the delightful grin on her lips once she took a bite.

"It’s so good~ You know, Aunt Mel’s brioche bread is always the best here. Hehe, you make it tastier with the apples and maple syrup."

Melissa rarely made her famous brioche, but once she did, she made a huge batch before giving some to her neighbors. One of Lariette’s favorite childhood memories was getting the freshly bake buns, delivered by Paul.

"We still have plenty. I’ll send some to Aunt Mel and Uncle Paul later."

"Hehe, okay~"

Ruediger lifted one hand, gently brushing the corner of Lariette’s lip, smeared slightly with the syrup. Under her bashful gaze, he licked his thumb and thought it turned sweeter.

Wrapped in the tranquility of the northern village countryside with her, he couldn’t help but think this morning was the most peaceful he had after suffering from the same nightmare.

And for that, he was grateful.

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