Chapter 264: Her Boundaries and Expectations
That midnight, Lariette lay awake on her bed, still recalling the moments she shared with Ruediger today—especially in the maze garden. Her eyes traced the ceiling where soft lights from the outside left shimmers on its surface.
’We’re dating now, right?’
Blinking, the heat radiated from Lariette’s cheeks while her heartbeat sped up. She patted her face, trying to keep her composure instead of being carried away by the excitement.
After sharing the heartfelt embrace, Ruediger and Lariette shyly smiled at each other. She held back from teasing him despite thinking how adorable his flustered look was.
The autumn breeze slightly tousled his crimson locks. She took the liberty of trying to smooth them, earning a soft smile from him. His emerald eyes gleamed with something more tender, filled with joy and hope.
Ruediger’s promise, which was chanted earlier, rang in Lariette’s mind.
"I’ll follow your pace, Lettie. I won’t force you to do anything you refuse. Also, please tell me if I cross your boundaries. I think I have a good grasp on them by now, but I’m afraid our new relationship might blur the lines."
His voice, laced with reassurance for her yet conflicted with his fear, rang softly in the heart of the maze garden.
Lariette replied by thanking Ruediger for his consideration, before adding that she would be fine with holding hands and hugging for now. As for the more intimate acts, they would eventually reach there.
His shy look, which contrasted with his rough features, made him look more adorable in her eyes.
Lariette didn’t want to rush anything despite knowing Ruediger had liked her far longer than she was aware of. She would take slow yet decisive steps as she tried to get to know him better.