Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire-Chapter 273: My Presence Will Just Trouble Her

Today was the rare one when Declan had free time in the afternoon. Because Celina also was on a short break, he suggested they go out for a late lunch.

After finishing the important tasks he had to do, Declan clocked out at three in the afternoon. Celina came to pick him up at the company, leaving the chauffeur to send his car to the apartment.

Celina proposed going to Edenia Avenue. She wanted to buy some items for her mother. Declan easily agreed because he actually had nothing particular in mind.

After having lunch at Celina’s favorite restaurant, they headed to the store she wanted to go. Declan enjoyed the rare calm moment he could have with his girlfriend because his day-to-day was usually full of hectic schedules.

Until...

"Dec, isn’t that Lari? With her husband."

Celina’s remarks stunned Declan. He quickly trailed where she was pointing until his eyes caught the sight of Lariette and Ruediger holding hands. They had a few paper bags with them.

In a daze, he quietly stared at the couple whose gaze was only on each other.

Despite not hearing what Lariette and Ruediger talked about, Declan was aware they were bantering playfully. He stood frozen as he couldn’t take his eyes off them.

Lariette’s cheeks were flushed with amusement, her wide smile mirrored the mischief sparkling in her eyes. Ruediger leaned toward her with an affectionate grin, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

From a distance, Declan could tell how good Lariette and Ruediger’s relationship was. If his sister bore a half of happiness, her husband made up the other half into a whole.

"Dec, they look great together, don’t you think so?"

Celina’s gentle voice pulled Declan out of his trance. Blinking, he lowered his chin slightly, meeting her warm, brown eyes. He found himself nodding without thinking as if that was the only evident answer.

"Yes. They also look happy."

Declan still remembered the chaos that stemmed from Lariette’s surprise marriage to Ruediger, the exiled former heir of the Alvord family. Because she had just broken up with the cheating scumbag Damien, Declan believed she did this impulsively.

At that time, Declan also thought Ruediger had vile intentions. Perhaps he wanted to infiltrate the Elsher family to gain valuable information in return for reclaiming his position in the Alvord family.

But...

Ruediger’s clear lack of interest in the Elsher family gradually cleared Declan’s suspicions. Lariette also showed no indication of winning everyone’s favor by continuing to stay away after the disaster of a wedding.

"Dec, why don’t we greet them?"

Declan initially wanted to turn Celina’s suggestion down. He knew seeing him was the last thing Lariette wanted. But he still nodded as he grasped the shred of hope that she had hated him less.

A simple greeting was acceptable, right?

Celina and Declan walked toward Lariette and Declan. The former called, "Lari."

Declan saw Lariette’s stunned look once she saw him and Celina.

"Dec... and Cee."

Lariette and Ruediger paused before them. Declan quietly assessed his sister’s face, finding the initial radiance faded upon seeing him. He pursed his lips as he sensed his heart sink.

Beside Declan, Celina began talking to Lariette, exchanging more than a simple hello.

"I saw you and your husband from afar, then I told Dec. I hope we’re not bothering you."

Declan noticed Lariette shifting her gaze from him to Celina. She answered with a small smile, "Hello. We shop for gifts for a bit. I didn’t expect to see you two here."

Celina didn’t continue the conversation as she looked at Declan next. He also saw Lariette and Ruediger’s gaze on him. He tried to calm his nerves before breaking the silence.

Letting his eyes lock in Lariette’s, the ones mirroring his own, Declan verbalized what came from his heart.

"You look better now, Lari."

Declan saw Lariette blink, slow and dazed as if she couldn’t believe him saying such a thing. Not wanting to make the situation awkward, he quickly added.

"Are you heading back already? Seems like you’ve bought quite a lot of gifts."

Ruediger replied to Declan this time, his voice calm and steady, "We’re still looking around. We got some gifts for my friend. Do you still have business here?"

"What a coincidence. We’re here to get things for Cee’s mother," Declan curved his lips, trying to put on a smile, "Anyway, don’t let us hold you two back. We just wanted to say a quick hello."

Declan actually wanted to suggest dining together, but he noticed the discomfort Lariette tried to hide. Even if she agreed, she wouldn’t enjoy the meal.

Declan’s prediction was right. He said nothing as he saw the flicker of relief on Lariette’s face before words flowed from her mouth.

"Then, we’ll go first. We still have more things to buy."

Celina smiled. She waved at Lariette, "See you again, Lari."

"Bye, Cee, Dec."

Ruediger simply gave Declan and Celina a slight nod. Then, Lariette led him away, no hesitation in her strides.

Celina glanced at Lariette and Ruediger’s backs before looking at Declan. She saw the look of disappointment he tried to conceal which she understood the reason.

Hugging Declan sideways, Celina patted his shoulder. She smiled when he reached for her hand, enveloping it in his broad palm.

"You did well, my love. I know you want to spend time with her, but you held back, right?"

Declan exhaled a sigh at how true Celina’s guess was. His gaze still followed where Lariette was heading as he said,

"My presence will just trouble her. I don’t want to do that. Not when I’ve failed her for over a decade."

Declan believed life had just turned peaceful for Lariette. There was no one in their family bothering her anymore, especially Stephanie and their mother. He didn’t want to shatter her peace.

Lariette clearly wanted nothing to do with them anymore. She also paid not much attention to the two assailants by saying their drug-related crimes were enough to land them in prison.

Celina said nothing. Leaning her head on Declan, she squeezed his hand, hoping to channel him some strength.

Lariette and Ruediger had vanished from their sight.