Part 1

The banquet hall was filled with opulence, reflecting the wealth of the social elites. The crystal chandelier sparkled, casting a soft glow across the expansive room. Yet, the chosen venue wasn’t entirely open to the public eye.

Guests, impeccably dressed in evening gowns and expensive suits, engaged in conversations while sipping champagne from crystal glasses. The light hum of laughter blended seamlessly with the delicate notes of the orchestra playing in the corner.

But the moment seemed to pause as Reiner Barack entered the room.

His tailored black suit framed his tall, well-built figure perfectly. His hair was slicked back neatly, save for one stray strand falling onto his forehead, giving him an effortlessly captivating look. His face bore a cold expression, yet his charisma was undeniable. Each step he took exuded a confidence so commanding that all heads turned toward him.

The women whispered amongst themselves, some hiding shy smiles behind their fans. One of them, a young socialite named Eva, even blushed when Reiner’s gaze briefly swept past her. But the man appeared indifferent. His sharp eyes scanned the room with icy detachment, as if searching for something beyond the party’s grandeur.

“That’s Reiner Barack,” Eva thought to herself. “Always dazzling, always out of reach.”

“Yes, and soon he’ll be yours, Eva,” her friend Sidney said teasingly.

Reiner strolled toward the bar without haste, taking a glass of red wine from a passing waiter. He stood there for a moment, sipping his drink elegantly, though his handsome face concealed a growing irritation.

“This party is a complete waste of time,” he muttered internally. “And now, Mother will surely start nagging me again.”

And true to form, his mother’s gentle yet insistent voice followed soon after.

“Reiner, darling, why are you standing here alone? You haven’t even greeted Eva yet,” said Mrs. Barbra Barack as she approached him. The woman wore a sparkling navy-blue gown, her hair styled in a flawless updo.

Sidney nudged Eva playfully, wearing a sly grin. It was a rare opportunity to get this close to the Barack family.

Reiner rolled his eyes before turning to face his mother.

“Mother, I only came because you forced me. That doesn’t mean I have to follow all your whims,” he replied coldly.

Mrs. Barbra offered a thin smile, but her tone carried unmistakable firmness. “Reiner, this isn’t just about you. Eva is the perfect choice. She’s intelligent, beautiful, and from a respectable family. What more could you possibly want in a wife?”

Reiner set his wine glass down on the bar with a slight thud, startling a few nearby guests. “I don’t need a wife, especially one chosen by you. I’ll marry when I want to, and to someone I choose myself.”

Mrs. Barbra’s patience was wearing thin, though her composed demeanor remained. “You can’t go on like this, Reiner. Your grandfather is getting older, and he wants to see you married before he passes. You know that.”

Reiner let out a small scoff. “My grandfather? Or you? Because as far as I can tell, this is all about satisfying your ego, not his wishes.”

Before Mrs. Barbra could respond, the laughter of a few young women grew closer. Eva, accompanied by two friends, was approaching them. Reiner sighed deeply, knowing this encounter was inevitable.

“Mother, forgive me, but I won’t play along with this charade.”

Without waiting for her reply, Reiner turned on his heel and walked out of the hall. His steps were brisk, fueled by his determination to escape the dull affair. Behind him, he could hear his mother’s aides rushing to catch up.

---

Outside the hall, Reiner continued walking until he found himself in the kitchen area. Far from the noise of the party, the only sounds here were the clatter of pots and pans and the lingering aroma of food in the air. In a corner of the room, a woman in a servant’s uniform was busy arranging empty trays.

Reiner observed her for a moment. She seemed unremarkable, with her hair tied back simply and her uniform making her blend into the kitchen’s surroundings. Yet there was something about the calm, unhurried way she worked that caught his attention.

“You,” he called out abruptly.

The woman flinched, nearly dropping the tray in her hands. She turned toward him, her wide eyes revealing her surprise at his presence.

“S-sir?” she stammered.

“I need a place to hide. Quickly, before someone finds me,” he commanded firmly.

The woman appeared confused, but she didn’t dare argue. “But, sir... I’m just a servant here. I don’t—”

“I don’t care,” Reiner interrupted, stepping closer. “I don’t have time to explain. Show me a place where I can hide, now.”

The woman finally relented, though her face was tense. “Follow me, sir.”

She led him to a small storage room at the back of the kitchen. After ensuring the room was empty, she opened the door for him.

“Here, sir. You can wait here until the coast is clear.”

Reiner stepped inside without a word, but before she could leave, he stopped her.

“What’s your name?”

The woman hesitated for a moment before answering softly, “Elise, sir. Elise Morgan.”

Reiner gave a small nod before closing the door behind him.

---