Author's Pov...
The peaceful afternoon sun filtered softly through the grand living room windows, painting golden patterns across the marble floor.
For the first time in days, Ren thought maybe….just maybe….today would pass without incident.
That hope lasted approximately two minutes.
The butler politely announced, "Young master, Madam Vallen has come to visit."
Oh no.
Ren's stomach twisted nervously. She is going to ask about her son's weird behavior…..and I still don't have answers!
But when Evan's mother walked in, her warm smile instantly calmed him.
"Ren, my sweet child!" she said, wrapping him in a tight hug like he was her own son. She always smelled faintly of vanilla and fresh flowers—soft, comforting, motherly.
"How are you? Is everything okay at home?" she asked, cupping his face affectionately.
Ren hesitated. Should I tell her? Can I even explain that her son changes personalities like he's flipping through TV channels?
He opened his mouth. "Actually, Mom, Evan's been a little—"
Before he could finish, she gently squeezed his shoulders and smiled.
"Oh, darling, don't worry," she interrupted sweetly. "Evan's just like his father. They are both very, uh… very into roleplay. It's in their blood. A little eccentric, but harmless."
Ren blinked. Roleplay?
Was that supposed to explain his husband showing up as a plumber at midnight?
"Roleplay?" Ren repeated, confused.
She waved it off like it was the most normal thing in the world. "It keeps the marriage exciting! You will get used to it."
Ren wasn't convinced. Exciting? Lady, I've had three heart attacks since I moved in.
Just then, a tall man entered the room, carrying a small leather bag.
"This is Dr. Kian," Evan's mother introduced casually. "He's our family doctor. He's here for a quick check-up on Evan."
Ren raised an eyebrow. "Wait, why? Is Evan sick?"
There was a flicker—a split second where her smile faltered—but she quickly regained her usual soft expression.
"Oh no, no, nothing serious! Just regular health check-ups since Evan's on a break from his acting career. You know how actors are, always burning out."
Ren wasn't fully buying it, but before he could ask more, she stood and patted his arm.
"Well, I should get going. You boys take care, alright?"
As Ren walked them out to the grand front gate, her phone buzzed. She picked it up, exchanged a few quick words, and suddenly looked rushed.
"I need to leave now, something urgent at the charity event," she said with a soft smile. "Kian, you know the way back, right?"
"Yes, Madam," Dr. Kian nodded, clearly a little too stiff.
She kissed Ren's cheek goodbye and slipped into her waiting car.
As the car pulled away, Ren crossed his arms and turned sharply to the doctor. His gaze narrowed.
"Okay. Spill. What's really going on with Evan?"
Kian froze, the color draining from his face. "Uh—uh—um—Evan's just, you know, an actor! Method acting! Really into it! Totally healthy! Completely fine!"
Ren tilted his head. "Are you sure? You seem nervous."
Kian's eyes darted around like he was looking for an emergency exit. "Nervous? No, haha! This is just how I always look!"
Ren slowly took a step closer.
Kian took a panicked step back.
Just as Ren opened his mouth to press further—
"Ren, dear!" Evan's mother suddenly appeared again, waving sweetly as her car pulled back into the driveway. "Oh, I almost forgot to say goodbye properly!"
Kian nearly jumped in relief, bowing quickly. "Madam, we should really be going now, traffic's terrible today!"
She smiled, gently ruffling Ren's hair before taking the doctor's arm and practically dragging him into the car.
'Take care, darling! And remember, Evan's just….theatrical!" she called out cheerfully as they drove away.
Ren stood at the mansion gates, watching them disappear down the road.
The wind rustled the trees. A bird chirped softly in the distance.
His eye twitched.
Why is everyone lying to me?!