Reiner - Meeting the Parents

Honestly, I had no idea what was going on, but it was clear that Reiner was about to explode from anger. I guess it was bad that I was here, but it was worst because his father had something to do with bringing me here. So far, those two have been ignoring Reiner’s question and I was beginning to wonder why I was brought here as well.

“So, when should we have the wedding?” King asked like it was totally expected.

“Wed…ding?” I said cluelessly. Did I hear that right just now? He did mention a wedding, right?

A wedding…as in for Reiner and me? Aren’t things moving a little too fast?

“What the hell are you talking about?” Reiner asked as he started frowning.

“Did I get it wrong? The old man told me that you’ve found the one,” King said as he cocked his head curiously to the side.

“Send her back,” Reiner snapped.

“You have duties and responsibilities, Reiner. You came home knowing that, didn’t you?” King asked rhetorically.

“That has nothing to do with her. Send her back and then we’ll talk about that,” Reiner replied firmly.

What were these responsibilities that the two father and son were talking about? I just couldn’t follow.

“Come on. Our precious son just got home. Let’s not start a fight. How about we all relax and meet up for a splendid dinner by the beach?” Queen suggested brightly.

I was starting to see the important role that Queen played now. Bringing light and putting an end to arguments between her husband and son seemed to be her main role here. Now that I’ve had a while to look at her…

Is she Sharon Burnsley? That ultra-famous supermodel who worked with the various brand creators back in the days? Is it really her?

It can’t be though. Sharon Burnsley went missing and was assumed dead a long time ago so how could she end up here. Moreover, it’s not possible that she’s Reiner’s mother although they pretty much have the same blue eyes…

“Umm…are you Sharon Burnsley by any chance?” I asked hesitantly.

“In my past life, I was Sharon Burnsley. I died and was reborn when I married the love of my life,” she said before she turned to place a kiss on the king’s cheek.

Oh yes, I am such a huge fan!

“So, you are?!” I exclaimed in pleasant surprise.

“Oh, wow. Someone still recognizes me after all these years. It’s a little embarrassing so please don’t tell anyone,”She said followed by a beautiful yet slightly shy laugh.

“I won’t. I promise…” I said resolutely.

This is all so unexpected. Reiner’s the son of a world-famous super model. Wow! Learning point number two: Reiner’s mother is an ex-supermodel.

“Let’s discuss the serious stuff later. We have an important guest here with us. Why don’t you rest up, my dear? The journey must have been hard on you. Let’s meet later so we can chat over some good food,” Queen said with a pleasant smile.

Queen stood up and clapped her hands in excitement. Reiner stood up wordlessly before pulling me up to my feet.

“We’re leaving…” he muttered under his breath.

Reiner dragged me out of the room after him while I struggled to keep up with his long and hurried strides. I have never seen Reiner in such a bad mood before.

“See you for dinner! On the beach!” Queen shouted joyfully after us.

We were back in the hallway of the mansion again and I wondered where Reiner was taking me.

Hopefully, he’s not taking me back to the airport, is he?

“R…where are you taking me?” I asked softly.

Reiner’s grip around my wrist tightened slightly as he continued walking forward without answering my question. He’s walking much faster than usual, and I had a hard time keeping up with him. The air about him felt tense and I didn’t dare ask him any more questions. We walked through a very long hallway before taking a turn and entered what seemed to be another wing of the large mansion. It reminded me of how Lucien’s mansion was separated into various wings. Was this Reiner’s wing of the mansion?

Suddenly, he came to a stop in front of a pair of large navy blue doors before he opened them and dragged me inside the room with him. After hurling me into the room, Reiner turned around and closed the door before firmly locking it. When he turned around to face me, I could tell that he was boiling with anger.

“Why did you come here?” he asked coldly.

“I came after you…” I replied honestly.

“Why?” he demanded to know.

“Because…I want to be with you…” I replied as I tried my best to keep my voice from cracking.

"Listen, Natalia. I’m not your butler or bodyguard anymore. I quit that job and so I don’t work for you anymore,” he explained desperately.

“I know that…” I replied, unfazed.

“Then go home, Natalia,” Reiner said firmly.

“No! I want to stay with you…” I cried out with a plead.

“I don’t want you here. How many times do I need to say it? Go home, Natalia…” Reiner refused immediately.

“No. Why can’t I stay here with you?” I asked.

“I can’t take care of you and neither do I want to,” Reiner stated emotionlessly.

“Then you don’t have to take care of me. I love you, R…” I replied and I felt like I was on the verge of tears.

“No, you don’t. You don’t even know the real me and you don’t even know my name,” Reiner pointed out.

“How am I supposed to know anything when you don’t tell me anything…” I countered back.

“I don’t want you to know anything about me. Stop day dreaming. I’m not the guy you’re trying to make me out to be,” Reiner said quite calmly.

“That’s not true…” I murmured.

“I’m not the kind and nice guy that you take me for…” Reiner said resolutely.

“Why are you saying these things?” I demanded to know.

--To be continued…