Chapter 15: A Deceiver Who Loves Her
Ruediger and Lariette's first date ended well. Offering her a ride with his four-wheel-drive truck, he drove her back to Madeline's apartment.
The lingering awkwardness between them faded more.
They chatted casually over the pop songs, voices soft but relaxed. They gradually adjusted themselves to each other's presence.
"So, our second date is on the day after tomorrow?" asked Ruediger once he pulled up under the roofed porch of the luxurious apartment complex, "Where should we go, Lettie?"
Lariette didn't realize how her smile softened as she heard Ruediger calling her with that nickname. Chuckling to herself, she unlatched the seatbelt.
"I wanna go dress shopping. Is it okay with you? We'll register our marriage next week. I wanna pick up a nice dress before that."
Lariette was aware her matrimony with Ruediger was based on a contract but, this was still her first marriage. She hoped to dress prettily on the day of their marriage registration.
Once they left the courthouse, Lariette planned to bring Ruediger to meet Chairman Delaney. She wanted to introduce him as her husband to her maternal grandfather.
And...
To claim the treasure her grandfather had been safekeeping for her all these years.
After meeting Chairman Delaney, their destination was the Elsher family home for the dinner Samantha had told Lariette about.