The dinner went much more smoothly than Luana had anticipated.

The rumors circulating about how respected and kind Lueic's noble family was, turned out to be true.


In addition to getting a warm welcome from Rey's mother, the man's father also did almost the same. Ryan greeted Luana with a warm smile, although the big lord did not show his closeness very clearly.

Unlike Patricia, who gave a warm hug and was not awkward, Ryan still kept his distance from his daughter-in-law. Even so, Luana had a pretty good place in Rey's family.

Almost two hours passed, most of which were filled with introductions between Luana and the noble family.


Words of flattery and congratulations were repeatedly in the air, and Luana was truly the object of attention at the dinner.

The sentences that the family members said to Luana sounded almost identical.


'You look very beautiful, Mrs. Lueic. May your marriage last until death do you part.' -Hera, Rey's older cousin.

'I didn't expect Rey to be so smart in choosing a wife.' -Louis, Rey's uncle.

'Congratulations on your marriage Luana, may you always be happy. Come visit Dortmund if you have time later.' -Alana, Rey's aunt.

'I've been Rey's playmate since I was a kid, and I can't believe he finally has a wife. Congratulations to you guys!' -Doven, Rey's brother-in-law.

'Rey is cold on the outside, but he's actually a warm person. My best wishes for your household, Luana.' -Gaby, Rey's aunt.

And many more congratulations Luana got, from people she had even forgotten the names of. Being in the midst of Rey's extended family she thought would be awkward, but thankfully Rey kept his promise to be by her side.

Helping Luana to socialize, and readily answering questions that she might find difficult to answer. Until the two ended up sitting at one of the round tables, taking a break from the crowd of people in the dinner hall.

"You did very well," Rey praised, gazing proudly at Luana who had done absolutely nothing wrong.

Luana raised her head, returning Rey's piercing gaze.

"Thank goodness then," the woman said. "I was always worried I might make a mistake, but it looks like things went pretty well, right?"

This time it was Rey who nodded his head, flashing a faint smile on his face.

"That's right. You did very well, and I'll do what I have to do now."

Luana stared at Rey in silence for a few seconds, as if she was trying to figure out what the nobleman had just said.

"I mean, I will try to get us back to the mansion as soon as possible," Rey continued to explain. The man really didn't want Luana to misunderstand. "My work is waiting for me anyway."

"I see," Luana said briefly. "Alright. It's up to you."

Rey still had a smile on his face when the man moved to reach for his drink. Thrusting the glass in front of Luana, Rey waited until Luana did the same.

The clinking sound of two glasses clashing aired between them, until both of them took a sip of the drink.

Feeling the atmosphere that again felt strange, because this was the first time they sat and chatted like friends. There was no arguing, no shrill high notes.

Like a married couple, Rey and Luana did their best to show that they loved each other in front of the big family.

Like a stage play, the two of them had been immersed in the pretense that took over.

***

The dinner finally ended when it was almost ten o'clock in the evening.

Some of the family members who had come from out of town chose to stay in the mansion, as the main residence had dozens of rooms that were not regularly occupied.

Others who had come from the same city decided to return home that night. The waving of hands accompanied the departure of some of the family members, followed by the roar of cars queuing to get out of the gate.

Luana finally went up to the second floor, side by side with Rey who was beside her now.

"This must be exhausting for you, Luana," Patricia said just before Rey and Luana stepped on the stairs. "Get some rest, and I wish you sweet dreams. I'll be at the park tomorrow morning, join me if you don't mind, okay?"

Luana of course nodded her head, returning Patricia's hug that was too warm. Until now her steps were getting closer to the room, Luana let Rey push the door slowly.

The sound of the door closing made Luana catch her breath, because again she had to be in a closed room with Rey alone.

The awkward atmosphere returned, when now Rey even seemed confused about what to do.

"You can rest," the man said. "Sleep on my bed, and I'll sleep on the couch."

It was not without reason that Rey said so. But the way Luana had flinched at his touch made him wonder if the events on the island that night had left a bad impression on her.

Luana turned around, finding Rey still standing not far from the door.

"No need," she said suddenly.

Rey's eyeballs swiveled perfectly, looking at Luana with a gaze that was a mixture of puzzlement and scrutiny.

Rubbing her hands together, Luana opened her voice again.

"This is your room, Mr. Rey," the woman said. "It's not the first night we have to spend together anyway, so we can go through what we went through in Heidelberg back then."

Rey's memory pulls him back to that moment, when he and Luana slept in the same bed for the first time. Nothing had happened between them, and it seemed like it would continue to be so.

"You don't mind?" asked Rey hesitantly.

Luana sighed again, and Rey couldn't guess what gleam was in his wife's eyes.

"No problem," she said again. "We'll be home soon anyway, won't we?"

It took Rey a moment before he nodded. "Alright. Do you want to clean up first?"

Luana nodded her head, followed by her body turning to walk towards the bathroom. Rey himself chose to step onto the balcony, pulling out a cigarette and lighter from his pants pocket later.

Deliberately opening the window wide, Rey let the night breeze blow in to cool his body. Not only her body, but she hoped the wind would help her to think clearly.

After a few twelve minutes later, Luana finally came out with a face that already looked fresher. Her minimalist makeup had been completely erased, leaving a plain face with no make up at all.

It looked like she had just finished showering, with her hair still half wet.

"I'm done, Mr. Rey," Luana called out from inside, making Rey turn around with his hands still clasped around his waist.

"Okay."

Passing Luana, Rey briefly glanced at the woman. But Luana seemed to be trying to avoid their gaze, until finally Rey darted into the bathroom.

Letting the water pour over his body, Rey had a conversation with himself. Monologuing to himself, hoping that they would be able to overcome this situation in the future.

Almost twenty minutes later, it was finally Rey's turn to get out of the bathroom. Holding a medium-sized towel on her head, the noble wiped her hair which was also still half wet.

But her eyeballs found Luana who was now sitting on the balcony, with her head turned upwards.

"What are you doing, Luana?" asked Rey approaching.

Luana turned her head, smiling briefly as she found Rey already standing behind her.

"Ah, are you done?" she said softly. "Not doing anything, just looking at the stars."

Rey reflexively looked up, letting her eyeballs meet the many stars up there. The darkening sky was now accompanied by twinkling lights, which Luana was watching now.

"Can I sit here?" Rey stuttered a little, seemingly done with the towel that was running through his hair.

Luana did not reply audibly, but she then nodded her head. She was hugging her knees, with her head now raised slowly.

It didn't take long for Rey to take a position next to Luana, now sitting side by side with the woman who was his wife.

The blowing wind was the only sound, as Rey stole a glance at Luana hesitantly. Meanwhile, the one being watched did not seem to be paying attention, because he was busy looking up.

Rey cleared his throat quietly to try to break the ice, before he opened his voice.

"Can I ask you a question?"

Luana moved her head slowly, returning the gaze that was directed straight at her.

"Hmm? What is it?"

Rey inhaled, letting out a small sigh as the man continued. Asking a question that Luana had never expected, causing her to flinch involuntarily.

"How much do you know Beatrice Collins --my ex-fiancé?"