We filled the time alone in the car together with idle chat which I always found so rxing and today was no different. The traffic was surprisingly light today and I looked forward to the rest of the evening even though I didn’t know where we were headed.


    “Are you hungry?” Reiner asked, his eyes still on the road.


    “Not really…” I repliedzily. It was sort of true.


    “But?” Reiner prompted.


    “But…I should always eat on time,” I replied with what he wanted to hear.


    “Good girl,” Reinerplimented as he smiled softly.


    I found it so adoringly cute when he shows such care for me. He can be strict sometimes, but I couldn’t help falling in love with his caring actions. I leaned over and gently kissed his cheek causing him to blush a little in surprise.


    “Let’s stop by for dinner,” Reiner said as he took a turn.


    “Did you already pick a ce? What cuisine is it?” I asked with anticipation.


    “A friend of mine rmended this ce. I’ve never been there before. It’s Mediterranean food,” Reine said casually.


    “Sexy…” I replied with a teasing smile.


    Soon we arrived at the restaurant, and I have to say that I was impressed with the very private and luxury vibe that the ce emanated. It didn’t take long for me to figure out that this ce was members only and surprisingly we were the only guests that evening.


    “It’s a pleasure to serve you. My name is Richard, and I am the manager,” the manager greeted us warmly. His face creased into deep lines as he smiled widely at Reiner and me.


    “It’s a pleasure,” I replied politely.


    After being seated and having ordered our food, we were left alone atst to enjoy each other’spany. The atmosphere was so rxing and calm as Reiner and I chatted about random things that didn’t matter. All that mattered was that we could enjoy the moment together and the peace that was rare toe by.


    “Your friend has good tastes. This ce is perfect,” Imented as I looked around the restaurant from where I was seated.


    “He does. I’m d that you like it,” Reiner replied smoothly.


    I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that Reiner has friends. It’s just that he never speaks of them or anything much from his private life, so it felt a little surprising to hear him mention his friend. I mean, of course he’s got friends.


    The food tasted amazing, but I enjoyed Reiner’spany much more. I told him about my work, my boss, and colleagues. I realized in the middle of it all that I was enjoying my new phase in life much more than I first thought I would.


    “I didn’t think things will turn out like this at first, but I find work so fulfilling even if it can get very tiring. I’m always excited to learn something new or do something new,” I exined excitedly.


    “That sounds good. You’ve always wanted to be more independent,” Reinermented with a smile.


    “Yes, and I think this is the start of a new phase in my life, you know? Like…I feel like I can achieve so much more and that there’s so much more out there,” I tried my best to put my feelings into words.


    “Should we order some champagne for a toast?” Reiner suggested.


    I would love to…but thankfully, I caught those words before they left my lips. Pregnant women are not supposed to drink, right?


    “No, it’s ok. I’d prefer something a little healthier like some cold pressed juice instead,” I said smoothly.


    “It’s good to see that you’re taking care of your health seriously. I can imagine Lucien or Edward forcing you to quit work if they see your health deteriorating. Frankly, I would do the same…” Reiner said thoughtfully.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Being forced to quit work when I have just started my career would be such a big disaster that I bet I couldn’t mentally handle. I really enjoyed my work and I felt like my career was heading in the right direction. I can picture myself working in more advanced roles in the years toe.


    “It’s getting a littlete, we should go,” Reiner said as he took a look at his watch.


    “Ok…” I readily agreed.


    We continued our conversation in the car as we headed for our next destination. Reiner was still tightlipped about where we were going, and I stopped asking. Looking outside as our conversation came to a pause, I realized that we were approaching that hill again and I felt a sinking sensation in my stomach.


    “Do you know what’s up on this hill?”


    I heard Edward’s voice so clearly in my head that I felt the small hair on my neck stand up on ends. Reiner took me up that hill once and then Edward did the same. Are we headed to that hill again?


    I nced over at Reiner who offered no exnation of what was going on. His eyes were fixed on the road in front and his jaw was set sternly. One turn of the car and my suspicion was confirmed, we are driving up that same cursed hill again.


    Perhaps Reiner wanted to take me stargazing again like we once did. However, my gut told me that there was something more to this. Something much darker.


    “Are we going to the same spot that we went to before?” I asked hopefully.


    “You think you can manage to walk there on foot yourself through the forest this time?” Reiner asked back confirming my suspicion. Great. So, we are going there.


    “Perhaps…” I answered without much confidence. Sure, my phobia of dark forests has subsided somewhat, but I wasn’t sure that I could walk through one without freaking out.


    “I’ll carry you on my back. No need to worry,” Reiner said reassuringly.


    …


    I felt a strong sense of déjà vu as Reiner parked the car at the same spot as thest time we were here. If I remember correctly, we have to walk through the forest that way. The nagging question at the back of my mind was: why are we here?


    “Want to get on?” Reiner asked before crouching down with his back turned towards me.


    –To be continued…