Luana's heart raced when the phone call actually connected.

Pedro's heavy, distinctive voice greeted her on the other end, and it made Luana's heart race.


"Luana?"

"Pedro, it's me," Luana said quietly. "Am I bothering you?"

"Of course not: Pedro said quickly. "Tell me, what is it?"


Luana paused for a few seconds, before taking a breath and reciting the words she had been composing.

"Didn't you say I could ask for your help anytime?" Luana confirmed. "I need help. Your help."


Luana only hoped that what she had chosen was the right decision, and that she would not regret everything in the future. Luana really only hoped for that one thing. For her to be strong, for her legs not to weaken no matter what.

"Of course, Luana." Pedro sounded like a friend worth relying on, as his tone of voice contained no hesitation at all. "What can I do for you?"

And so Luana's request flowed from her pink lips, letting Pedro understand what she meant and what she was asking.

"Can you pick me up?"

Really the only person Luana could think of was that man, Pedro Viscout. Remembering how the man had said that he was ready to help whenever Luana needed it, really made Luana feel relieved.

At least, she could do something before actually choosing.

"Ah, yes. Are you with Valerie?" A three-second pause. "Ah, alright. So you can come?"

There was silence as Luana seemed to stand up from the edge of her bed, casting a quick glance at the glass reflecting her there.

"Okay. I'll wait in the lobby, shall I?"

Five seconds of silence.

"All right, Pedro. Thank you for your help. See you later."

As soon as the line was disconnected, Luana gripped her cell phone tightly. The exact same device that Rey had, only with a different phone number. Looking at the screen of her cellphone that displayed a portrait of her and the nobleman, Luana smiled faintly.

Rey was smiling happily at the portrait, which was none other than their first photo when they bought the phone for Luana last time. Making the only portrait as her wallpaper, Luana widened her smile even more.

***

[Lueic Mansion]

Don't know how long Rey was pensive in the dim light. His conversation with Beatrice last time had left him unable to think clearly, as so many questions came and went in his mind.

What happened between Luana and the Collins family?

What did Beatrice mean by Luana's debt of gratitude to the Collins family?

How much did Luana have to pay the Collins family for her freedom?

And similar questions that he couldn't even think of answers or solutions to. Adjusting his hair in half frustration, Rey had no idea that things would get this complicated.

"What would Beatrice do?" the man muttered without an answer. "I really can't think."

For a man like Rey, Luana's safe existence was now the most important thing. No matter what, he had to make sure she was safe, unharmed, and not intimidated by anyone trying to put pressure on her.

No, no, no. Rey could not see Luana getting hurt.

"How am I supposed to solve this, Luana?" Rey whispered with interlaced fingers. His head tilted up, looking at the ceiling of the room that was also dimly lit. "I really want you here, no matter what."

Silence enveloped the room, even Rey didn't realize when his cell phone had been vibrating since earlier. Deliberately changing his cellphone mode to vibrate, Rey just wanted to take time for himself.

Without realizing, that something he didn't want had happened.

The ticking hands of the clock seemed to be the only thing that accompanied the nobleman, until without realizing it, the sound of someone approaching the door drifted softly into Rey's ears.

Without a knock, the large door opened.

Jovi seemed to be panting in the doorway, it was clear that the man was in a hurry. Even Mare had yelled at the young man as he ran like a tornado from the main entrance.

"M-Master!" The man's breath caught. "Master!"

Rey who had been looking down and drowning in his own sea of thoughts raised his head slowly, then turned his head with no more energy left. Staring at Jovi with his beady eyes, the man whispered softly.

"What's wrong?"

Jovi took two steps forward, letting the door to the study close a second later. Still trying to neutralize the rush of his breath, the man shook his head faintly.

"Something has happened, sir." His words stuttered. "Something I never thought of before."

Rey raised the level of insight, when instantly his mind was in chaos and disarray. Wait, has Beatrice started acting up?

"Beatrice did something?" guessed Rey with a body that began to sit up straight. "What happened?"

Jovi shook his head quickly, because that was not the case. Beatrice's problem was just a small matter, because now something bigger was happening.

Chaos.

"No, sir," Jovi had begun to breathe properly. "This is not about Miss Beatrice, but about Miss... Luana."

Rey's ears opened wide as soon as his wife's name hit the air, which made him stand up involuntarily.

Luana. Luana. What had happened to her?

"What's wrong with her?" Rey raised the volume of his voice. "She's okay, right?!"

Jovi looked at Rey with wide-eyed eyes.

"She's...."

Jovi's interrupted sentence made Rey's heart race even faster.

"Tell me clearly, Jovian!" Rey snapped impatiently. "What about my wife?!"

Rey felt anger and worry combine in his heart, just as he heard his secretary's voice on the air.

"She... she left the hotel this afternoon."

Rey fell down, right into his now rough chair. Rubbing his face carelessly, he felt half of his life begin to leave his body.

No, Luana. No way.