The plush leather seat of the car felt more like a torture device than the comfort it was intended to be. Her dark blue velvet gloves do little to mask the wetness of her palms. Every little bump and swerve sent a jolt through her already tensed nerves.

A wave of regret threatened to drown her.

Why, oh why, had she agreed to this?

The answer, a mischievous glint in Mira's eyes and the promise of a "fairytale romance," felt mockingly distant now. All because she decided to follow the stupid plan to know more about Dr. Jenkins, and why he was different for her.

The calming blue fabric, simple yet elegant, did little to soothe her churning stomach. The dress stopped just above her knee, showcasing the silver heels that clicked nervously against the car floor.

The last time she'd worn anything even remotely this fancy, she was a nervous teenager at her parents' house, tucked away from the world.

A stolen glance at Ren offered little comfort. His normally composed face was etched with a frown, his brow furrowed in concentration. His black double-breasted suit, a stark contrast to her attire, hung impeccably on his tall frame. Even his glasses, the only familiar element amidst the unfamiliar surroundings, seemed to have morphed into a more professional one.

He was nervous. She was horrified. This was not a well-thought-through plan. Is it too late for her to give up?

Ren's silence, while understandable, did nothing to calm the hurricane brewing inside her. Did he regret asking her too? Was this whole ordeal as scary for him as it was for her? Had she been impulsive? Naïve? Was she regretting being here?

She didn't even know what kind of family he was from. He barely even knew her and here he was bringing her into his life.

Just as the pressure threatened to crack her composure, Ren spoke, his voice gentle. "Are you alright?" he asked, his eyes briefly leaving the road to meet hers.

Hana took a shaky breath, attempting to compose herself. She managed a weak nod, her voice suddenly deserting her.

"It will just be for a few minutes. All I have to do is show that I was present and we can leave. I know this is nerve-wracking."

A flicker of understanding crossed Ren's face. "It's understandable," he offered, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Maybe I should have warned you about what you were getting yourself into. This was a bad idea."

"It's fine," she croaked, her voice barely a whisper.

Hana managed a weak smile.

The car pulled through a grand entrance, imposing gates swinging open to reveal a sprawling mansion that looked like it belonged in a period movie. Her parent's mansion was classy but this one before her eyes made theirs look like a mud house.

Who exactly was this man who she spent her days working with?

The car slowed down, the rhythmic click of her heels now accompanied by the soft hum of the engine coming to a stop. She stole a glance at the imposing mansion that loomed before them, amplifying her apprehension.

Before Hana could even contemplate her next move, the passenger door flew open. She jumped, startled by the sudden movement.

A tall, impeccably dressed man with silver hair stood beside the car, his face a mask of polite neutrality.

Hana shrieked, startled by the sudden intrusion. Her hand instinctively flew to her chest, eyes wide with terror. Ren, who had been watching her internal battle, reacted in a flash. He threw the car into park and was out of his door before the butler could even complete his bow.

"Easy there, Shizumi," Ren said, his voice calm and reassuring. He reached for the door, a subtle but firm message to the bewildered butler.

The man immediately straightened his posture and dipped his head lower. "Forgive me, Master Jenkins," he almost stammered, his voice laced with a hint of fear.

Ren gave a curt nod, his smile strained. The last thing he needed right now was a display of hierarchy. He turned his attention back to Hana, offering her his hand.

"Here, let me help you out," he said gently, his eyes warm and reassuring.

Hana hesitated for a moment, her eyes flitting between the outstretched hand and the imposing figure of the butler. Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile. "Thank you, Dr. Jenkins," she murmured, placing her hand in his.

He helped her out of the car with surprising gentleness, and for a moment, their eyes locked.

"Ready?" he asked, his voice barely above a murmur.

The gravel crunched softly under her silver heels, a sound that echoed in the sudden silence. She stole a glance at Ren, his face unreadable beneath the dim light.

But before she could ask any further questions, the butler cleared his throat, his gaze shifting between them.

"Apologies, Dr. Jenkins," he said, a touch of nervousness creeping into his voice. "I... I initially addressed you as Master Jenkins.

However, given the..." he faltered, his eyes darting towards Hana, "given the... circumstances, I believe Dr. Jenkins is more appropriate."

The butler's voice came out clearly. "I'll take care of the car, Master–" he began, only to be cut off by a sharp look from Ren.

Ren cautioned him, his voice low and firm. "Don't park it too far. We'll be leaving soon."

Alfred, his composure slightly ruffled, bowed once more. "Of course, Dr. Jenkins," he mumbled, scurrying away towards the back of the house.

"Who..." she managed to whisper, her voice barely above a squeak.

Ren mentioned softly. "That was Alfred. The family butler."

Hana could have sworn she saw a flicker of something akin to annoyance cross his features.

With a tight smile, he gestured towards the imposing entrance. "Shall we head inside?"

Hana nodded hesitantly. Taking a deep breath, she allowed Ren to guide her forward, stepping through the threshold.

The mansion's interior was a spectacle of grandeur. A sweeping marble staircase adorned with intricate carvings dominated the grand hall, crystal chandeliers sparkling overhead, casting a warm glow over the plush carpets and opulent furnishings. A faint scent of fresh flowers and polished wood hung in the air.

Hana felt her eyes widen in awe, the stark contrast between this world and her own hitting her like a blow. However, there was a familiarity about the scene that left a bad taste in her mouth. It reminded her of everything she ran away from.

As they walked, whispers seemed to follow them, hushed murmurs flitting through the gathered crowd. Elegant women, adorned in glittering jewels and designer gowns, cast curious glances their way. Intrigue, disapproval, and curiosity were etched on their faces.

Stern-faced men, their suits as crisp and expensive as Ren's, shot them fleeting looks before returning to their hushed conversations.

Hana felt a wave of nausea rises in her throat. These people, with their wealth and privilege, seemed to belong to a different species altogether. She didn't fit in, not before, not now and that caused gossip in every room she stepped in.

She clung to Ren's arm, her grip unconsciously tightening.

"Are you alright?" Ren's voice was a low murmur in her ear.

Hana could only manage a small, breathless nod. She clung to his arm, drawing strength from his steady presence.

Laughter, chatter, and the tinkling of glasses filled the air, punctuated by the strains of a live orchestra.

The image of Mira flashed in her mind, her best friend's face filled with excitement at the very idea of such an event. But to Hana, it felt suffocating, intimidating.

A sea of faces blurred before Hana's eyes. However, hidden behind those fake smiles was disgust.

"Ren, it's been a moment since we saw you around here"

"Master Jenkins, congratulations to your parents"

Then, a single figure pierced through the crowd, drawing her attention. It was a man, tall and broad-shouldered, with a striking resemblance to Ren. But unlike Ren's composed demeanor, this man exuded an air of carefree energy, a wild glint in his eyes that mirrored the mischievous spark in Mira's gaze.

The similarity was uncanny. Hana felt a jolt of surprise. Her initial apprehension momentarily forgotten, she found herself drawn to this man, this unexpected echo of her best friend.

Ren, following her gaze, let out a low sigh of exasperation. "Just great," he muttered under his breath.

The man spotted them and his face broke into a wide grin. He downed the last of his champagne in one go, grabbed another flute from a passing waiter, and wove his way through the crowd towards them with the grace of a bull in a china shop.

At the sight of the incoming stranger, the "well-wishers" excused themselves, as if trying to avoid the one on his way.

"Ren!" he boomed, his voice carrying over the murmur of the party. "I don't know whether to be amazed or disappointed in you. You actually showed up with a..." He trailed off, his eyes widening in surprise as they landed on Hana.

Hana froze under his intense scrutiny. She didn't feel any malice in his words.

"Come to think of it," Jiro continued, casually leaning towards Hana, "she looks nothing like the picture you sent."

Ren reacted instantly, a hand shooting out to block Jiro's further intrusion into Hana's personal space. "Jiro, behave!"

Jiro, unfazed, leaned conspiratorially towards Ren, his voice a near-shout despite the effort to whisper. "Damn, how much photoshop and makeup did she use in that picture. Wait, I'm sure she was definitely a blond..." He let out a loud guffaw, completely unaware of the bewildered expression on Hana's face.

Ren shot Jiro with a withering look. Enough was enough. "Jiro," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "This is Nurse Shizumi, a colleague from the hospital."

Turning to Hana, his voice softened. "This is my cousin, Jiro," he explained apologetically.

Jiro's booming voice instantly died down after Ren's firm correction. A sheepish grin spread across his face as he straightened up, offering Hana a mock bow.

"Jiro Jenkins," the man chimed in, flashing a charming grin at Hana.

"Oh! My apologies, Han...Nurse Shizumi...," he boomed, his voice still a touch too loud for the refined atmosphere.

"Seems I made a bit of a fool of myself. Ren here sent me a picture of... well, let's just say more... 'hmm' lady his mother set him up with. I thought... well, you can imagine my surprise." He winked at Hana, a playful glint in his eyes.

Relief washed over her, quickly followed by a flicker of amusement. It seemed even the high and mighty Dr. Jenkins wasn't immune to a little family meddling.

"Besides," he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "I was just fighting for your honor, cuz. Bringing your mother's... arrangements to a party like this? That's low, even for you."

Jiro nudged Ren with his elbow in a playful manner. "Looks like someone has been attending to more than just patients back at the hospital," he teased in a singsong voice.

"I mean, she is cute. A bit on the shy side, but hey, no judgment here, bro." He punctuated his words with another booming laugh.

Ren shot his cousin with a withering look. "Jiro," he hissed through clenched teeth.

Hana caught between amusement and confusion, watched the two cousins banter back and forth.

"Since the party seems to be holding itself together so far," Jiro continued, his voice dropping a notch, "you haven't had the pleasure of facing Mother Dearest yet?"

Ren let out a low, frustrated grunt, confirming Jiro's suspicion. "Not yet," he muttered, his shoulders tensing.

A sudden burst of applause cut through Jiro's ramblings, causing everyone to turn their attention towards the grand staircase that dominated the grand hall. Jiro, ever the showman, let out a loud whistle, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Here comes the storm," he murmured, his voice laced with amusement.

Her silver dress, shimmering under the chandelier's light, whispered of exorbitant price tags. Her arm nestled confidently within that of a handsome, older man, they made a picture-perfect image of high society royalty.

The woman's gaze swept across the room, her practiced smile greeting guests as she descended. Then, as if drawn by an invisible thread, her eyes met Ren's. A flicker of what might have been warmth lit up her face, but it died as quickly as it appeared.

Following Ren's line of sight, her gaze fell on Hana, and the smile vanished completely.

Undeterred by the sudden shift in the atmosphere, the woman plastered a smile back on her face and continued her descent, greeting guests with practiced ease.

Hana, however, wasn't fooled. She could practically feel the hostility radiating off the woman, a silent threat hanging heavy in the air.

Suddenly, the luxurious surroundings felt less inviting, more like a gilded cage closing in on her.

Stealing a glance at Ren, she saw his jaw clenched tight, his face a mask of suppressed anger. His hands found her and offered her a small, reassuring squeeze.

He straightened his posture, a hint of defiance flickering in his eyes.

Jiro, not oblivious to the tension brewing, nudged Ren again. "Looks like you have some explaining to do, cuz."

Moments later, Ren's mother made a grand announcement, freeing the guests to mingle and enjoy the festivities.

The older men, drawn together by a shared language of business and finance, migrated towards the library, seeking the seclusion of leather armchairs and snifters of expensive cognac.

The women, adorned in a dazzling array of jewels and designer dresses, took over a separate room, sipping on wine and engaging in hushed conversations about their luxurious vacations, their perfect children, and their endless pursuit of the finer things in life.

Ren, painfully aware of these social dynamics, had come, as required, but had no intention of playing this social charade any longer. He planned to make a quick appearance, offer a polite excuse, and disappear.

Unfortunately, fate, or perhaps his mother's keen eye, had other plans. A silver-haired butler materialized beside them, his impeccable bow directed at Ren.

"Master Jenkins," the butler announced in a voice that brooked no argument, "Madam requests your presence in the private study. With your guest also."

Jiro, sensing his cue, clapped Ren on the shoulder with mock sympathy. "Looks like it's time for me to disappear before I get caught up in whatever is about to unfold. Good luck, cuz," he said, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You'll need it... lots of it. Lovely meeting you too, Nurse Shizumi"

Ren hesitated for a moment, his jaw clenching tightly. He cast a worried glance at Hana, his grip on her tightening unconsciously.

"Let's make this quick," he said, his voice low and steady. Hopefully.