Serena's smile never faded whenever she was with Ren. Without realizing it, Ren's presence had slowly begun to occupy a special place in her heart.
That day was Serena's first time experiencing a cheerful camping trip. Even though Ren only cooked simple food, for some reason, it was the most delicious meal she'd ever had in her life. Maybe because the one who made it meant so much to her.
"Are you happy?" Ren asked, even though Serena's joyful face made the answer obvious. But he wanted to hear it directly from her lips.
"Yes," Serena replied with a sweet smile that seemed permanently etched on her face. "You know, this is my first time camping."
"Really?" Ren looked a bit surprised.
Serena nodded slowly.
"Well then, let's go camping again sometime," Ren said enthusiastically.
"Okay," Serena replied quickly, without a second thought.
"Ren…" Serena called softly.
"Yes?" Ren turned to her gently.
"Do you have any unfulfilled dreams… now that we're not so young anymore?"
Ren was silent for a moment. He looked at Serena deeply. In his mind, an answer instantly formed:
"My wish is to be someone who will always be by your side."
But he only whispered it in his heart.
Serena glanced at him, puzzled because he hadn't answered.
"Hmm? Have you already fulfilled all your dreams?" Serena asked again, trying to draw out a response.
Ren gave a small smile, then gently held Serena's hand and kissed her palm softly.
"Of course not. My biggest wish hasn't come true yet," he said calmly.
"What's your biggest wish?" Serena asked, her eyes now filled with curiosity.
Ren looked at her intently. His gaze was full of honesty and deep affection. Serena blushed, her heart beating a little faster.
"You," Ren answered briefly, but with weight and meaning.
Serena's eyes widened. She hadn't expected to hear herself named as someone's greatest wish. At first, she thought he was joking, but when she saw his expression—serious, warm, and sincere—she knew it wasn't just a sweet line.
Serena opened her mouth to say something, but no words came out. She turned toward the lake in front of them, trying to calm the flutter in her chest.
"You know… your words are way too sweet. I'm sure lots of women have fallen for you," she finally said, trying to hide her nervousness with a joke.
Ren chuckled softly, noticing the blush on Serena's cheeks.
"But I only say it to one woman," he replied more seriously. "No other woman will ever hear those words from me."
Serena looked back at Ren. His face showed nothing but sincerity. No games, no empty flattery. She could feel it.
"You know… sometimes I think you deserve a better woman than me."
Ren immediately frowned. He strongly disagreed.
"The best woman for me is you," he said firmly. "From the first moment I had feelings for you, I never thought of looking for anyone else."
"Even though I'm a divorcée?"
"So what? What matters is you, not your status."
Serena went quiet. She stared into Ren's eyes for a long while, and there, she found only honesty and genuine love. They looked at each other in silence, as if words were no longer needed.
"My unfulfilled dream is… I want to travel the world," Serena suddenly said, this time with a smile that lit up her face. "Will you come with me?"
Ren's eyes widened, surprised by the question. He knew it was more than just an invitation to travel. There was a deeper meaning hidden beneath it.
"So… does this mean youre mine now?" Ren asked, his voice slightly trembling, wanting to be sure his feelings were returned.
Serena let out a soft laugh, then shook her head.
"No. You're mine," she replied.
Ren, who had felt a tinge of disappointment when she shook her head, now smiled widely upon hearing the second part. Happily, he immediately pulled Serena into a warm hug.
Serena was a bit surprised at first, but slowly returned the embrace. It was the first time she had been hugged by a man other than family, and strangely, she liked the feeling—the warmth, safety, and comfort.
"Yes… I am yours. And only yours," Ren whispered in her embrace.
Serena let out a soft laugh and hugged him even tighter.
_________________________
Knock… Knock… Knock…
"Who is it?" Adrian asked, his voice groggy and nervous from just waking up.
"Young master, Mr. Shine is downstairs waiting for you," replied Dori from behind the door.
Adrian frowned. He really didn't want to see his grandfather right now.
"Young master?" Dori called again, having received no reply.
"I'll be down in ten minutes," Adrian finally answered.
"Very well."
After hearing his master's response, Dori walked away.
Adrian rushed to the bathroom. Even though his heart wasn't in it, if his grandfather had come to his house personally, that meant there was something important that couldn't be avoided.
In less than ten minutes, Adrian came down to the living room. Mr. Shine sat with a sour expression on his face. He looked incredulous at what he had just heard from the Summer family.
"Grandpa," Adrian greeted in a flat tone.
"WHAT DID YOU DO TO KELLY LAST NIGHT?!" Mr. Shine shouted, immediately standing up and pointing at his grandson.
Adrian stayed silent, then sat down across from his grandfather.
"I didn't do anything," he replied casually.
"Didn't do anything?! Then why did Mr. Summer say you left his daughter alone at the restaurant?!"
Adrian was silent again. He stared at his grandfather with a puzzled look.
"What do you expect from Kelly Summer?" he finally asked—a question that had haunted him for a long time.
"W-What?" Mr. Shine was stunned. He didn't expect his grandson to ask that.
"Why do you keep forcing me to marry a woman I barely know?"
Mr. Shine looked into his grandson's eyes, and he knew Adrian was truly serious this time.
"I'm doing it for your future," he answered firmly. "For the future of Shine family!"
"You don't need to worry, Grandpa. I'll make sure our company thrives—without any arranged marriage."
"You don't know anything!" Mr. Shine shouted again.
"Then tell me! So I can understand!" Adrian snapped back, his emotions starting to flare.
"You think hard work alone will guarantee that this company stays yours?"
Adrian frowned. "If not mine andShine's family , then whose would it be?"
Mr. Shine looked at Adrian intently.
"Come with me!" he suddenly commanded.
"Where to, Grandpa? I'm tired."
Mr. Shine gave him a sharp look.
"You're the one who wanted to know the truth, didn't you?"
Adrian sighed, then finally stood up. Though his body was tired, his heart said otherwise. Something deeper was calling him—something his grandfather had hidden all this time.
And that day, the journey to uncover the past began.