Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire-Chapter 340: Coconut Chicken Soup

<.Lumina Spring.>

The tense fight between Matthew and Vincent would never reach Ruediger’s ears. He was standing in the kitchen, sleeves rolled up and the apron on. The muted light of the sunset streamed through the windows.

A pot of tom kha ghai, or Thai coconut chicken soup, simmered on the stove. The tangy scent of the coconut milk mixed with lemongrass and ginger wafted in the air.

Glancing at the wall clock, Ruediger saw the needles point to five. Being late autumn, the sun would disappear below the horizon soon.

’She said she’s on her way now.’

Ruediger recalled Lariette’s texts from a few hours ago. She told him not to pick her up from school today, saying she had to stay longer and she would see him at home.

[Lettie: I might go back at five, has work to do. No need to pick me up today]

[Lettie: I can’t wait to see what you’ll make for dinner :)]

In a few months of living together, Lariette rarely walked home herself because Ruediger often went to get her. Despite his curiosity, he reminded her to be careful when on her way back and to contact him if she ever changed her mind.

He couldn’t stop glancing at the clock and entryway more than necessary, hoping she would appear at the door soon.

In the morning, Ruediger was busy talking to both Edmund and Nathaniel about Matthew’s attempts to reach out to Faulkner Investment. He settled the most he could by afternoon.

Even though Ruediger still had more things to be analyzed and done, they could wait. He busied himself making mango panna cotta after lunch, and then preparing ingredients for dinner.

Her househusband’s duty was still his number one priority.

"Oh..."

The gentle chime of the rice cooker drew Ruediger’s attention back. The jasmine rice had bloomed in the water, now ready to be served for dinner. A comforting aroma filled the kitchen.

Ruediger let the rice stay warm as he turned back to the pot on the stove. The broth had already turned a soft milky color from the coconut milk. Slices of ginger, bruised lemongrass and tender chicken pieces swirled in the pot.

The tang of lime leaves and its juice, and the hint of fish sauce drifted in the air. Ruediger dipped a spoon into the pot and transferred the broth into a saucer before tasting it.

"More chilies, I think," Ruediger murmured, mostly to fill the silence. He added some Thai chilies to the pot and stirred the broth.

After another taste, he smiled in satisfaction.

The dessert he made this afternoon, the creamy and smooth mango panna cotta was already chilling in the fridge. A thin layer of mango puree glistened on top of each glass, garnished with toasted coconut and a small mint leaf.

Smiling, Ruediger couldn’t wait to serve everything to Lariette soon. He hoped she would like them all.

Ahem, this was the least he could do after exhausting her in bed last night.

Ruediger glanced at the door again, imagining Lariette would walk inside the apartment any minute now.

’It’s five-twenty already.’

After lowering the flame, Ruediger moved to the area where cans and boxes of tea leaves were kept. He reached for the small tin of vanilla rooibos. He planned to brew it when they were ready to have dinner.

The clock ticked softly. Outside, golden leaves danced across the pedestrian walkway, rustling gently in the wind. The evening wrapped the city in a quiet hush.

Turning off the flame beneath the pot, Ruediger gazed at the kitchen table. He had already brought out two sets of bowls and cutlery. He would move them to the dining table later.

The gentle chime from a passcode being keyed in at the door snapped Ruediger from his thoughts. A smile of relief found its way to his lips. He quickly left the kitchen, heading to the entryway.

"Lettie?"

"I’m home, Eddy."

Ruediger saw Lariette in the doorway, windblown and cheeks pinkened from the cold. He hurried over as she changed her heels to home slippers.

"I missed you," Lariette chuckled once Ruediger brought her into his arms, her eyes bright, "Something smells amazing~"

Ruediger smiled, leaning in to lightly kiss Lariette’s lips, "I missed you too. I made tom kha gai. Also some mango panna cotta. What do you say if we have an early dinner?"

"Sounds great. Mmm, let’s stay like this for a while."

Ruediger replied by tightening his arms around Lariette’s back. He felt her bury her head closer to his chest. Lowering his chin, he brushed his lips on her hair, eliciting soft chuckles from her.

"Did you have a tough day?" he whispered, fingers brushing through her silky strands, "Because of the end-of-term exam?"

"Kind of," she replied, voice muffled.

After a few more minutes, Lariette pulled back, smiling at Ruediger. She tip-toed and kissed the corner of his lips, her lashes fluttering.

"I’ll take a bath first."

"En, go."

Lariette went to the bedroom, intending to have a soak in the tub before dinner. Ruediger just let her bed. As his eyes followed her figure until she disappeared behind the door, his brows formed a frown.

She tried to seem casual, but why did he catch a whiff of sadness behind her facade?

Did something happen?

’...I’ll ask her tonight. I’ll also tell her about Vincent.’

Ruediger returned to the kitchen, his steps slowed. Because Vincent suddenly tried reaching out to him, he couldn’t help but be wary of everything.

That man, his sperm donor, was trying to cling to every lifeline he could. He wouldn’t stop just because he was told no.

At half past six, Lariette and Ruediger were already at the dining table, enjoying the comfort of delicious Thai soup paired with jasmine rice. A pot of vanilla rooibos tea accompanied them.

They ate quietly at first, the warmth of the coconut milk soup easing the chill of the evening. Then, light chatter filled the dining table as she shared about her day among the chaos of the school children.

But the peace was interrupted by the time they settled on the couch after dinner.

The news of Vincent’s unexpected visit enraged Ruediger.

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