Going back to Leipzig meant going back in time.
At least that's how Rey feels, as he can't even remember the last time he stepped foot in his hometown.
Deciding to leave home before he was even 18 years old, Rey Lueic has already had quite a few experiences that can be encouraging.
Despite having the big name Lueic behind his name, many people do not know that Rey's business empire and the amount of wealth he has today is largely the result of his own hard work.
Rey borrowed a few million dollars from his father years ago, which he used to build his first business. Through ups and downs, Rey has now managed to stand on her own.
He even returned the borrowed money to Ryan Goette Lueic three times over, which earned him a big pat on the shoulder at the time.
A pat of encouragement, but also a pat of pride in the air.
And returning to Leipzig just like that brought Rey back to those memories, the seconds where he decided to leave it all behind.
"Where are we going?"
Luana's voice became an audible voice, as the woman turned her head to glance at Rey briefly.
After exiting Lueic's residence earlier, Rey sped his car through the urban streets that had begun to be crowded with various vehicles.
"It'll be here soon," Rey replied without looking away, with two hands still tightly gripping the steering wheel. "You will see the true face of Leipzig, and how the people of this city live peacefully even though modernization has not stopped creeping up."
Luana had yet to understand what Rey's answer meant, but she chose to keep her voice down this time. The woman had not even focused and could not think clearly, because her memory was still filled with the remnants of the conversation with Patricia earlier.
In her heart, Luana only hoped that this trip did not need to drain her emotions and mind anymore, because she really needed refreshing right now.
Rey slowed down the speed of the car, just before taking the momentum to turn right. Keeping straight for a few minutes, they had now reached their destination.
Just as the car came to a stop, Luana involuntarily looked up through the windshield to notice a large building that was currently in front of her.
"Are we going there?"
Rey had already unbuckled his seat belt, nodding slowly in response. "Come on, they're probably waiting."
Luana followed Rey's movements quickly, as it seemed the nobleman did not want to waste any time.
Getting out of the car almost simultaneously, Rey invited Luana to step towards the entrance.
"This is the Leipzig Grande Hall," the man explained. "Surely you have a noble society in Munich, right? So now we're going to meet one of the most famous noble societies in the city."
Luana widened her eyes in disbelief, not really expecting Rey to bring her to such a meeting.
Of course she had heard of noble societies, when she accompanied Beatrice to her noble school a few years ago. But it never crossed Luana's mind that she would now be the one to meet such a gathering.
"Ah, I see." Luana tried to hide her surprised expression, choosing to look around.
Rey looked pleased, as he again stole the opportunity to grab Luana's hand now. As if he didn't need to ask for permission anymore.
"You'll like them," the man said just before his hand reached for the door handle. "Welcome to the noble society of Leipzig, Luana."
Where the door opened, Luana's eyes were treated to a large hall packed with dozens of people.
Decorated in such a way, the hall had several different sides. There were several long tables with cloths hanging down to the floor, on which were neatly arranged various dishes.
Seeing the newcomers at the doorway, the nobles of Leipzig who were already present suddenly focused their attention on Rey and Luana.
Most of them were Rey's childhood friends, who had chosen to stay and prosper in the city. Most chose to migrate to other cities, like Rey who chose Munich for his current residence.
"Welcome to the Grande Hall, Mr. and Mrs. Lueic!" exclaimed one of the women with dark hair that was left loose, giving a welcome that Luana found a little too warm.
Several pairs of eyes flashed in their direction, just like what happened last night. Thankfully Luana had been prepared for this, so she could control herself not to be awkward anymore.
"Thank you, Rouletta," Rey greeted happily, as footsteps treaded on the marble floor. "Have you been waiting long?"
Several other friends also approached, welcoming the arrival of their old friend who also came with the wedding news. Taking turns greeting Rey's friends, Luana had a smile that never ceased to widen on her face.
Again entering into the charade, to make sure she didn't make a single mistake.
"Congratulations on your marriage, Mrs. Luana Lueic," Rouletta said happily, extending a drink she held in her right hand. "I'm Rouletta, nice to meet you. I hope you enjoy Leipzig as much as you enjoy Munich."
Luana accepted the glass, now that Rey had joined the men. Leaving her with several noblewomen, who looked so beautiful and well-groomed. Of course they were high-class nobles in Leipzig, who were probably of the same level as Rey.
"Thank you, Rouletta," Luana replied with a bright smile. "I'm really glad to be here, because Leipzig feels colder than Munich."
Rouletta was a noble with a kind heart, and she sincerely wished all the best for her little friend Rey's wedding.
Inviting Luana to separate herself from the hordes of other nobles, Rouletta was happy to show Rey's wife around.
"I'm sure your noble society in Munich must be the best," Rouletta said with a very graceful step, as she and Luana now walked slowly through the Grande Hall.
The two beauties both held their drinks, immersed in what seemed to be quite a pleasant conversation.
"I would love to visit Munich," Rouletta said again. "But Rey has been very difficult to contact, and I don't have many friends there. Now that we know each other, can I visit you sometime, Luana?"
Luana didn't know what to say, but refusing didn't seem like the right choice. Finally she nodded her head, putting another smile on her beautiful face.
"Of course," Luana said enthusiastically. "Come anytime, Rey and I will be happy to welcome you."
Rouletta looked very pleased, especially to find that Luana was a humble noble.
"If I go to Munich next time, perhaps you could take me to visit your society together, Luana?"
This time Luana gave a small gasp, followed by a slowing of her steps.
She really didn't have one! What association was that? For the life of her, she didn't have one! She did have a club, but it was Mrs. Collins' servants, for heaven's sake!
"There's a friend of mine who's on the board of one of the Munich noble societies," Rouletta said again, slowing down. "But I don't know if it's the same society as yours or not."
Luana actually stopped this time, with her gaze aimed straight at Rouletta. The Leipzig noblewoman also stopped her steps, staring confusedly at Luana.
"Actually, I..." Luana stammered. "Don't have an association yet."
This time it was Rouletta who looked shocked in disbelief, evidenced by her perfectly widened eyeballs.
"Really? Did Rey forbid you to join because he was worried that men would steal glances at you, Luana?"
Luana knew Rouletta was only joking, so she just grinned now.
"Uhm, no. I didn't move to Munich until recently, and I haven't had a chance to choose a club that suits me," Luana replied matter-of-factly.
Such is the lie. Once you're immersed in them, they make you adept at creating other lies.
Rouletta dismissed a passing waiter, hurriedly placing the glass she was holding onto a tray.
Deliberately emptying her hands, the woman asked permission to leave Luana's presence for a few moments. "Wait here, Luana. I'll be right back."
Luana could only remain silent, watching through the tail of her eyes how Rouletta seemed to take a short run to a table. Grabbing a bag that probably belonged to the woman, Rouletta reached inside.
As she waited, Luana slowly sipped the drink she had been holding. Rey was among the crowd of men, apparently having a conversation about who knows what.
"For you, Luana," Rouletta had come back over, thrusting a business card in front of Luana now.
Grabbing the business card, Luana read the information printed on it.
"A high-level noble like us cannot afford to be without company, Luana," Rouletta warned. "Rey will be happy if you gather with other nobles, as it will also help him to expand the business."
Luana nodded faintly, giving Rouletta a sweet smile. She knew that the woman had good intentions, and Luana was grateful for that.
"That's my friend's business card that I mentioned earlier," Rouletta continued. "You can contact her anytime. And if the club is right for you, you might be able to become good friends with her too."
Luana was still holding the business card in her hand, as she hadn't said a word.
Her eyes were still fixed straight on the one name engraved on the card, reading it slowly though silently.
"Valerie Genneth."