Chapter 7: Ren's visit (Haze's POV)

After finally dragging myself out of bed, a wave of thirst hit me, prompting me to make my way to the kitchen. As I poured myself a glass of water, Richard, who had just returned from the gym, approached me and mentioned his friend's sudden visit. "Good morning," he greeted me. I mustered a simple "Morning" in response, not particularly invested in the conversation. He went on to inform me about his friend joining us for lunch, but I couldn't find it in me to care, offering a nonchalant "Okay" as my reply.

Just as I was beginning to retreat into my own thoughts, my phone chimed with a message from Ren, "I will be there today, Love Ren." ending with a kissing emoji. Before Richard could head off to his room for a shower, I felt the need to inform him, "It seems like my friend will also be coming today. The housekeeper won't be here, so it looks like you'll have to cook for one more guest." With that, I made my way back to the comfort of my own room.

After a refreshing shower, I settled into the familiar ambiance of my home, fully aware that Richard was taking care of the lunch preparations. I appreciated his effort, even though he was the one who suggested cooking on a day when housekeepers are not coming. Cooking was never my interest, it was always my brother who cooks well.

As I immersed myself in my work, the peaceful silence was shattered by the sound of the doorbell. Richard answered it, revealing a well-dressed, charming man who turned out to be Ren, the mastermind behind this setup. I couldn't help but think that Ren had probably already forgotten the fact that he pushed me into this mess after he called Richard, pretending to be me. It was clear that Ren's confidence hadn't wavered as he made his way directly to my office, just as he always did, as if he owned the place. The audacity of his actions never failed to amaze me.

“Haze, my dear, you know what day is today, right?” Ren asked me. I realized I have nowhere to run, so even with my unwillingness to this event, I only nod in response. It is the promise I made with Ren, 2 years ago that I will be there wherever and whenever Ren needed me.

Meanwhile, Richard's phone began to ring. When Richard's friend finally entered the apartment, I immediately recognized him as Cain Anderson, the stand-in CEO of Tyto Corporation. Who would've imagined that Richard and Cain were friends? Though I knew Cain, he had never seen me, so I acted like I don’t know him at all.

Before long, Richard called out to Ren and me, signaling that lunch was ready. Reluctantly, I joined the table, masking my discontent beneath my expressionless face. As Richard presented the mac and cheese, Cain's eyes lit up with delight, remarking how Richard must have known about his craving. Richard proceeded to introduce Cain to me, and I nodded politely, acting as if I had no prior knowledge of him.

It was then that Ren decided to speak up, announcing our unique connection as he referred to me as his muse. I simply acknowledged his words with eye-rolls. Cain, true to his thoughtless nature, couldn't resist questioning Ren’s description of our relationship.

Ren, always one to enjoy teasing others, particularly those who caught his interest, deserved a subtle reprimanding. I shot him a side glance, hoping he would take the hint. The lunch continued in silence, with each of us lost in our own thoughts and reflections. The conversation, though scarce, revolved around Ren's fashion designs and the dress he insisted I wear to the gala. I kept my responses minimal, maintaining a subdued atmosphere as I pondered the complexities of the relationships unfolding around me.