Chapter 309: Shall We Continue?
Ruediger finally returned to Melissa and Paul’s home about thirty minutes after he first left. His chest rose and fell slightly faster than usual, and his crimson locks tousled. He sprinted through the chilly night air.
It couldn’t be helped. Even though the Campbells agreed to keep Lariette there for him, Ruediger didn’t want to raise more suspicions. He sprinted as if his life depended on it.
"I’m back."
As Ruediger stepped inside, he brushed a hand through his hair in an attempt to tame it. His reappearance led three pairs of eyes his way.
Lariette looked up in concern, her eyes widening slightly. She quickly asked, "What happened? Did you just run? Chased by a ghost, en?"
Ruediger simply smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling as he closed the door, "There’s no ghost. Just something I had to take care of."
Blinking, Lariette narrowed her eyes, mild suspicion flickering in her sapphire orbs. Before she could ask more, Melissa chimed in, telling Ruediger to come and warm himself up with some hot drinks.
"We still have apple cider left. Eddy, come. You look cold."
"Thanks, Aunt Mel. I’m almost freezing."
Distracted by Melissa, Lariette said nothing. Ruediger shot the older lady with a grateful look. Melissa and Paul refrained from laughing due to how funny the young man acted in order to hide a surprise from his wife.
Then, the four of them chatted and laughed over another serving of desserts and apple cider. The warmth of Melissa and Paul’s home wrapped around them, but eventually, the hour grew late.