Both Ruka and Ren went back to their rooms after the conversation. Ruka had been through a lot today, so she lay down and slept, still feeling happy. However, that didn’t last since it wasn’t long before sadness crept in.
She was standing on the lawn outside the Husson Residence when she heard voices from the hall, which she couldn’t hear clearly. She moved closer in curiosity, and soon could make them out.
The elderly Mr. and Mrs. Husson was there, together with Scarlet, Walter, and her parents. Still, she could also make out a kneeling figure on the floor, back straight and head bowed. It was Ren.
“How can you fall for your sister’s goddaughter? If you destroy your future because of her, I will disown you,” Mr. Husson scolded.
“Ren, Ruka’s your niece. You can’t be together,” said Scarlet. “You are our family’s pride and joy. You can’t destroy our family honor,” cried Mrs. Husson.
At this sight, she was so shocked she fell onto the floor, then covered her face in pain. She could see her parents approaching, saying sternly, “Ruka, you cannot destroy his future. Leave him.”
“No, I don’t want to. I love Ren and want to be with him,” shouted Ruka. She could see Ren’s worried face as a sudden force pulled her away.
“Ren-” She woke up suddenly, calling his name. After her eyes snapped open and she found herself drenched in cold sweat, then she realized it was just a nightmare. She breathed harshly through her nose, with tears still lingering at the corners of her eyes. It had all seemed so real.
She sighed. If dreams reflect people’s inner thoughts, then her feelings for him weren’t just affection. She was already in love with him because losing him had felt so painful. Even the thought of it made her feel suffocated in despair.
The following morning. Ruka was still sleeping when a phone call woke her up.
She felt around for it and answered dazedly, eyes still closed, “Hello?”
“Ruka, your father and I are now at the airport. Can you come back in the afternoon to help us clean up the house?” The voice of her mother chimed on the other end of the line.
She opened her eyes immediately, astonished. “Mom, are you back? Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
“We took our vacation one week earlier. Your father wants to give you a surprise, so we didn’t tell you.” Claire laughed. “What? Aren’t you happy?”
“Of course!” Ruka replied with a smile.
“Okay, we’re heading home now. We have troubled Ren long enough, and I feel awful about it.” Claire must be calling for a cab, as she sounded frantic. “We have a lot of luggage. We’ll talk later. Your dad can’t get a cab.”
“Of course. You can head home first. I’ll be there in the afternoon,” Ruka answered quickly.
“Okay, I’ll prepare something good for dinner.” Claire hung up as soon as she finished speaking.
Ruka exhaled and looked around the room since she didn’t feel like leaving. She couldn’t help laughing at herself since she had refused to move in back then, but now she felt attached to this place. Nevertheless, she had no choice as her parents had taken a rare vacation to come home. So, she had to spend more time with them. As her gaze laid at the ring on her finger, she raised it to her lips to kiss it.
She got up from the bed and packed her clothes into her luggage before going downstairs, wondering if Ren needed to work on weekends. The servant was already preparing breakfast when she arrived, greeting her respectfully, “Good morning, Ms. Singed.”
“Good morning,” she replied politely.
“I think Mr. Husson might be in the gym.” said the servant. She nodded, surprised and pleased. So, he was still home! Otherwise, she wouldn’t have the chance to say goodbye to him.
