The night grew later, but the rain showed no sign of stopping. Serena stood by the large window in the living room, gazing at the heavy downpour soaking Ren's yard. In her mind, she wondered how she would get home in such weather.
"Just sleep here,"
Ren said, as if reading Serena's thoughts.
Serena turned, narrowing her eyes at Ren in suspicion.
"Are you trying to get me to stay over at your house?" she asked, suspicious.
Ren chuckled softly and walked over to Serena, taking her hand in his.
"Can I predict the weather, now?"
Ren replied casually.
Serena paused for a moment. "Maybe you checked the weather forecast this morning."
Ren laughed, shaking his head. "I just wanted you to see where I live and taste my cooking. That's all."
Serena continued to look at Ren with a scrutinizing gaze.
"If you're insisting on going home, fine. I'll take you,"
Ren said, beginning to relent.
Serena thought it over. "If I go home now, you'll have to drive back and forth in this rain. At night. It's dangerous..."
Though she wasn't entirely comfortable sleeping in a new place, Serena didn't want to let Ren take the risk. She sighed deeply.
"I'll stay the night. If you're going back and forth driving, I won't be at ease."
Ren smiled and pulled Serena into a hug. "Thanks, for caring about me,"
he said, half-joking.
Serena pinched Ren's side.
"Ow! That hurts, S!"
Ren complained, pretending to be in pain.
"You're spoiled!"
Serena retorted, though a smile spread across her face. "Where do I sleep?"
"In the master bedroom,"
Ren answered without hesitation.
Serena immediately pulled away from the hug and gave Ren a sharp look.
Noticing the danger signal, Ren quickly added while pulling Serena back into his arms.
"Relax, I'll sleep in the guest room."
Serena raised an eyebrow. "I'm the guest, but I'll sleep in the master bedroom?"
Ren chuckled. "I'm afraid you'll be uncomfortable in a new place. My room smells familiar to you, so it will be easier for you to adjust."
"No need. I'll sleep in the guest room," Serena refused.
"Are you sure?"
"Mm!" Serena nodded firmly.
"Okay. By the way, there are some clothes Elena left here. You can use them for now."
Hearing the name of a strange woman from Ren's mouth, Serena immediately furrowed her brows. A feeling of discomfort suddenly emerged.
Who is Elena?
Why does she have clothes at Ren's house?
Serena released Ren from the hug, stepping back a few paces, her arms crossed over her chest.
"Elena?" she asked flatly, coldly.
Ren understood the change in Serena's expression. He actually smiled, thinking—
Is she jealous?
He saw it as a good sign.
But when he reached out to touch Serena again, she pulled away. Her gaze was sharp and piercing.
Though Serena enjoyed Ren's warmth, if there were signs that Ren kept someone else in his life, she wouldn't hesitate to end things.
Ren immediately turned serious and explained.
"She's Darian's wife. My sister-in-law."
Serena continued to stare, expressionless.
"They often stay here. Since Elena always complains about bringing a lot of stuff, Darian prepared clothes for her to wear when she stays here. That's it, I swear."
Ren was now truly nervous and panicked. At first, he had been happy to see Serena jealous, but now he realized—it wasn't a joke.
Panicked, he grabbed his phone from the table and held it out to Serena.
"Do you want to video call Elena? For proof."
Serena glanced at the phone without taking it, then sighed tiredly.
"I'll shower first," she said weakly.
Ren, feeling he hadn't convinced her enough, immediately pressed the video call button to Elena.
Soon, a man's face appeared on the screen.
"Why are you calling my wife?" a deep voice asked.
"Where's Elena?" Ren asked quickly.
"She's in the shower. But hey! Why are you calling my wife? You usually call me, right?" Darian protested.
Ren glanced at Serena and then answered, "Serena wants to talk."
Four pairs of eyes were now on Ren—with different expressions.
Darian stared with curiosity.
Serena gave him a sharp look.
"Who's Serena?" Darian asked.
"My girlfriend," Ren replied confidently.
"WAAHHH!!!" Darian shouted excitedly. "Where is she? I want to see!"
Ren handed the phone to Serena.
Reluctantly, Serena took it. It would be rude to refuse a family request from Ren.
"Hello,"
Serena greeted, trying to smile despite her nervousness. Her hand gripped the phone tightly.
"Hi,"
Darian responded warmly.
Serena noticed the resemblance between him and Ren—their faces and the look in their eyes.
"Hey... aren't you the girl from that restaurant?"
Darian asked, as if recalling something.
"Huh?" Serena frowned, confused.
"Yeah, right? Ren's eyes never left you that time," Darian added.
Serena looked at Ren, hoping for an explanation. But Ren was silent, staring at Serena.
"Ren," Serena finally called.
"Aren't you mad anymore?"
Ren asked, slipping a smile, ignoring Darian behind the screen.
"Can we talk later? Your brother is still talking,"
Serena replied, a bit irritated.
"No. I won't be at ease until you forgive me," Ren said stubbornly.
Darian stayed quiet. He had just witnessed his usually indifferent brother panicking over a woman. That was quite surprising.
"I'm not mad," Serena finally said.
"Lie. You were silent earlier," Ren replied.
Serena sighed, then turned her attention back to Darian.
"Mr. Shield..."
"Just call me Darian, Serena," Darian interrupted kindly.
"Darian, can we talk another time? Ren and I need to finish something."
"Oh, of course! Don't forget to contact me or Elena, okay? My wife will be happy to meet you!"
"Okay."
The call ended. Now it was just the two of them, back to silently staring at each other. The rain still hadn't stopped, but between them, something seemed to have eased—jealousy, perhaps!