Chapter 36 Guilty Pleasure

• After an hour of driving along the winding, lush landscape, Reina, who was comfortably nestled in Xavier's arms, lifted her gaze to look at his face. The moment the car changed direction into a wooded area. The atmosphere shifted; the tall trees, standing like silent watchers, cast shadows across the vehicle. Xavier, whose brow was slightly furrowed, looked at her puzzled expression, and he responded with a reassuring smile, his eyes sparkling with mystery. Just as Reina opened her mouth to voice her confusion, the car transitioned onto a well-paved road that cut through the forest.
• She watched in silent awe as the landscape flitted by, vibrant greens blurred against the clear blue sky, as they glided along the secluded path for another ten minutes. Suddenly, they arrived at a grandiose gate, its imposing stature more formidable than the one she had seen at the lavish party a week ago. A group of guards stood vigilant, their postures stiff and watchful, clearly prepared for any intrusion. The massive gate swung open, granting them entry into a world that felt both enchanting and foreign.
• After a brief drive of about 3 minutes, they came to a halt before a breathtaking structure that seemed to rise majestically out of the surrounding foliage. Its elegant architecture was a harmonious blend of grandiosity and grace, each detail intricately crafted to create a sense of timeless beauty. Yet, as she gazed upon this magnificent structure, a faint, nagging sensation stirred at the back of her mind, echoing a strange sense of familiarity that she couldn't quite place, as if it wasn't her first time laying eyes on such an extraordinary place, as if she had walked these paths in another lifetime.