While Rey flew to Leipzig on a commercial airplane, Luana boarded Rey's private plane.

The same plane that had taken them from Munich to Heidelberg a few days ago, was now splitting the sky to take Luana to the runway in Dresden.


Rey took a pack of cigarettes and a lighter out of his pants pocket, leaned against the wall of the car and stole glances at the watch on his wrist.

It was almost time, and Luana, Jovi, and Mare should be arriving soon.

Just as the flame on the cigarette was about to burn out, Rey's eyes caught the figure he had been waiting for for the last half hour.


Luana was walking with Mare and Jovi on her right and left, as their gazes had met seconds ago.

No longer visibly crying, Rey found a different gleam burning in the woman's eyes. Rey's heart pounded inside, for there were still many things he had to tell his wife.


Swinging her steps, Luana stopped at a safe distance right in front of Rey.

"Have you come?" the man greeted pleasantly.

Luana only gave a deafening nod, instead turning her head around to take in the atmosphere at the airport which didn't seem very crowded.

Rey clearly knew how Luana was trying to avoid him. Inhaling, Rey now discarded the cigarette butt and stepped on it with the toe of his shoe.

"Come in," the man said. "I'm sure we'll need to talk during the ride, so I'll drive this time."

The man's hand moved to grab the doorknob, opening the door as if he were inviting Luana inside.

Turning to Jovi and Mare, Rey gave the order with one look. Jovi caught what their master meant, as the young man dragged and loaded Luana's suitcase into the back of the trunk.

"Guard the mansion," Rey commanded clearly. "I'll call when we get back, and take care of company matters as usual."

Luana caught on to Rey's words, as she reflexively turned to glance at Mare. Her assistant was still standing not far from where they were, flashing a smile but not appearing to move.

"Mare's not coming with us?" the woman asked hurriedly.

Rey gave a single shake in response, which just like that made Luana almost go limp.

"No other assistants are allowed in the Lueic family," the man explained. "You will be with me for the next few days, while Mare and Jovi will return to Munich."

Luana was about to protest, but Rey's voice had already been heard.

"Come in," he said again.

Luana stayed where she was, wondering whether she should get in the car or not. What would she do later in the midst of the Lueic family, when Mare was not there to be her friend.

"Can't we bring Mare along?" the woman tried to negotiate.

"Not allowed," Rey replied flatly. The man took two steps forward, cutting down the distance between him and his fake wife.

"I know this is a shock to you," he whispered. "But I will try to get us back as soon as possible."

The words sounded soothing, and again Luana knew she had no choice.

Looking back once more, Luana found the faithful Mare with a smile. The young woman nodded her head, as if giving support to their mistress.

Luana reluctantly got into the car, followed by Rey who immediately closed the door.

Once again seemingly coordinating with Jovi, Rey finally made a small run around the car and got in to sit in the driver's seat.

Luana did not want to look at the man, as she now chose to stare outside. If she usually sat in the back seat, this was the first time for Luana to sit in the front seat, and with Rey as the driver.

Not immediately stepping on the gas, Rey seemed to be buying time.

"I... apologize."

The nobleman's voice was already echoing throughout, reflexively making Luana turn her head.

Now the couple looked at each other, with mixed feelings in their hearts.

Rey swallowed with difficulty.

"I'm sorry, Luana," he repeated once more. "I know I may be a jerk in your eyes, but believe me I had no intention of doing that."

Luana's heart jumped sharply. She had no idea Rey would take an opportunity like this, to discuss what happened between them.

Luana's memory of that event still lingered with pain of course, and now Rey was suddenly discussing it without any wind.

Rey's gaze turned sad, with his hands gripping the steering wheel.

"I was so drunk last night," he tried to explain. "We were playing a game and they seemed to put drugs in my drink. I don't know for sure, but it happened."

Again Rey swallowed with difficulty, because it was so difficult for him to express everything.

The rumbling in Luana's chest intensified, as the woman now attempted to voice what she was feeling.

"You're right, you are an asshole," she said slowly. "And all the shit I said to you last night is true."

Rey inhaled, feeling tight even just to breathe properly.

Last night was the biggest mistake she had ever made, and as a man she knew she had to take responsibility.

"I didn't leave you last night to run away, in case you think so," the man said then. "I waited for you outside the door, but you didn't come out of the bathroom."

Luana's eyeballs widened.

"I waited, to say sorry. But then I thought you might need some time, just like I was so sorry for what happened between us."

As if time had stopped, one by one things began to unfold slowly now.

"I should have waited until you came out," Rey said again. "But then a call came, and I reluctantly left without managing to say sorry that night."

Luana let every word that fell from her husband's lips enter her eardrums, until it reached the depths of her heart.

Because no matter how hard she tried to avoid it, fate had already tied her to this man. Even though she blamed Rey for what happened to them last night, everything had happened and could not be repeated.

Luana was still silent, choosing not to make a sound because her heart was stirring inside.

"This time I need your help again, Luana," Rey said honestly. "Bringing you into the midst of my extended family was unthinkable, but again I had no choice. My father's condition is weakening, but my mother won't let me into the house if I don't bring you along."

How Rey explained everything sounded sincere, when the tone of voice and the way the man spoke now also seemed different.

Luana blinked twice, not expecting her mother-in-law to do something like that to Rey.

"I know I've messed up your life," the noble continued. "But please do me a favor this time, and I promise to give you whatever you ask."

Luana was still thinking, though her eyes had not moved away from Rey. There was a pleading gleam in the man's bead, and Luana's previously hardened heart was slowly softening.

Even if she didn't open the door of forgiveness wide for Rey, again Luana knew she still had to hold on until Beatrice was found.

"Are you going to give me everything I want?" Luana opened her voice.

Rey nodded his head without hesitation.

"Anything," he said. "Whatever you want, I'll give it to you."

Luana exhaled softly, until the woman spoke again.

"Then find Beatrice soon. And let me go when she returns."

There was something that pierced Rey's heart, though he didn't know what it was. Luana's eyeballs glared deep without hesitation, as the woman said her request just now.

There was a moment of silence between them, with their hearts both beating outside normal limits.

"I'll do it," Rey said. "If that's what you want, I'll do it."

No longer waiting for a reply from Luana, Rey had already switched to stepping on the gas and drove from there.

Deliberately cutting the conversation short, Rey fixed his gaze to focus on the road that lay ahead of him.

Both of them were silent again, lost in their own thoughts.

'Does what happened last night mean nothing to you, Luana? And how will you bear the risk later, if not with me?'