Eternally Yours

16. In my space

Whispers and curious glances followed Hana and Ren as they exited the main hall. Hana, her heart thundering in her chest, focused solely on the increasing pressure of Ren's grip on her hand. The long hallway stretched before them, finally culminating in a set of imposing double doors.

The doors swung open with a soft creak, revealing a room bathed in a soft glow. Elegant floral arrangements adorned the corners, adding a touch of warmth to the otherwise sterile space. Hana's eyes immediately flickered to the flower displays.

Then, she saw her. Mrs. Jenkins, a vision in emerald, green, sat beside a glass table, a half-empty champagne flute clutched in her hand. Her gaze swept over Hana, a flicker of icy indifference crossing her face before settling on Ren. For a fleeting moment, something unreadable flickered in her eyes, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared.

Before any words could be exchanged, Mrs. Jenkins set down her glass with a decisive click that echoed in the stillness. Her lips curved into a tight smile, a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"Excuse us," she said to Hana, her voice dripping with forced politeness. "I would like to speak with my son... privately."

The dismissal was clear, a subtle jab disguised as courtesy. Instinctively, she reached out to pull her hand free, only to find Ren's grip tighten around hers.

"Whatever you want to say, say it," Ren challenged, his voice low.

Mrs. Jenkins scoffed, a sharp, humorless sound. "Very well then." With a theatrical sigh, she settled back in her chair, her perfectly manicured nails tapping a sharp rhythm on the glass table.

Ignoring Hana completely, "I spoke with Audrey," she began, "and I've arranged a second meeting for the two of you."

Ren cut her off, his jaw clenched tight. "That won't be necessary."

Hana could feel the anger radiating from him, a stark contrast to the composed facade he usually maintained.

She understood now. This wasn't just about social obligations; it was about control. Something she was very well familiar with.

His mother, however, remained unfazed. "The Holding family has been a close supporter of our business ventures for years, Ren. I simply ensured a continuation of that relationship."

She glanced at Hana with disdain, a silent reminder of her perceived insignificance.

Ren had reached his breaking point.

"Stop," Ren growled, his voice thick with frustration. "Does my opinion even matter in this?"

Mrs. Jenkins' lips curled into a humorless smile. "This is what's best for the family, Ren. Don't be dramatic." She asserted, her voice leaving no room for argument.

"I knew I shouldn't have come," he muttered, shaking his head in disbelief. Something flickered in his eyes as he glanced at Hana, a silent apology for dragging her into this mess.

"There you go again, turning this into a big argument over nothing," Mrs. Jenkins scoffed, completely dismissing his feelings.

"Nothing?" Ren repeated, incredulous. "Mother, you call this nothing!" He looked at her, his eyes blazing with a mix of anger and hurt.

He looked around the room, his gaze finally settling on Hana. Seeing the silent plea in her eyes, the fear mirrored in her face, seemed to solidify his resolve.

"I can't do this anymore," he finally declared, his voice hoarse with frustration. "Hana let's go. Before I say something, I'll regret later."

Hana, all she could do was nod, the weight of the situation pressing down on her. Ren grasped Hana's hand tightly, his fingers digging into her palm, and stormed out of the room.