15. Buried Memories

The afternoon was bright, with a gentle breeze accompanying the pleasant weather. A day like this should have lifted anyone's mood, but for some reason, Serena didn't feel that way at all.

Instead, she felt anxious and uneasy. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she didn't understand why.

Serena looked around, furrowing her brows as a strange sense of déjà vu washed over her. She had experienced this day before—she was sure of it. She tried to recall what would happen next, but no matter how hard she tried, her mind remained blank.

Suddenly, a car passed by, and at that moment, everything came rushing back.

Panic surged through her as she sprinted toward the place that had shattered her life in the past.

She ran as fast as she could, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't catch up to the car.

Screeech—!!!

"Ahhh…!!!"

The sound of a crash followed by a scream made Serena's tears stream down her face. She remembered. This was the day Elena had her accident.

Serena's eyes widened in horror as she saw her mother's body lying motionless on the ground, covered in blood.

She also saw her past self, frozen in shock, tears pouring down her cheeks. Just minutes ago, she had been talking to her mother, and now, Elena lay lifeless on the cold pavement.

While bystanders rushed to help, Serena's younger self stood paralyzed, unable to accept the reality in front of her.

Ignoring her past self, Serena reached out to touch her mother. But just as her fingers were about to make contact—

She woke up.

Her breath came in ragged gasps, as if she had been running from something terrifying. Sweat drenched her body as she reached for her phone on the bedside table. But before she could dial, she froze—

The clock on the wall read 3:00 AM.

Serena hesitated before putting the phone back down. She didn't want to disturb her mother's rest.

Sitting in silence, she tried to recall the dream. It had felt so vivid, more real than any dream before. And now, she could remember more details about the accident.

First, the car that hit Elena.

For some reason, Serena had the eerie feeling that the driver had done it on purpose.

Her eyes widened as the realization struck her—Elena's accident wasn't an accident. It was murder.

Without another thought, Serena grabbed her wallet, phone, and coat before rushing out of her dorm room.

******

For 30 minutes, Serena tried to book a ride, but every attempt ended in cancellation.

She knew getting a taxi at this hour would be difficult, but she couldn't afford to wait. She had to see her mother now.

Frustrated, she decided to walk. But just as she stepped away from the campus building, a car suddenly pulled up beside her.

Serena recognized the vehicle instantly.

Before she could say anything, the door opened, and a breathtakingly handsome man stepped out. His sharp gaze locked onto her with disapproval.

"Where are you going at this hour?"

Ren asked, his tone filled with dissatisfaction.

"Home,"

Serena answered without hesitation.

"On foot? It's 3 AM."

"I know... but I really need to go home."

Ren sighed, rubbing his temples before gesturing toward his car.

"Get in."

Serena smiled sweetly as she stepped into the car.

"Thank you,"

she said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Ren's expression softened slightly, and he gave a small, almost imperceptible smile—one that Serena completely missed.

As she set the navigation for her home address, Serena noticed that Ren was still dressed in his three-piece work suit.

"You just got off work, Mr. Shield?" she asked curiously.

"Hmm."

"Wow… no wonder you're rich. While others are asleep, you're still working."

Ren chuckled at her remark, a rare sound that made Serena stare in awe.

His already handsome face somehow became even more stunning when he laughed.

Realizing her mouth was slightly open, Serena quickly snapped out of her daze.

Ren raised an eyebrow. "What?"

Without thinking, Serena blurted out, "Mr. Shield… you look really handsome when you smile."

A heavy silence filled the car.

Serena's eyes widened in shock at her own words.

"Did I really just say that?!"

She muttered to herself

Ren, on the other hand, remained silent before casually asking, "Do you like it?"

Serena blinked rapidly, caught completely off guard. She didn't know how to respond.

Choosing to stay quiet, she turned her gaze toward the window.

Ren glanced at her but, seeing no answer, he simply focused back on driving.

*****

When they arrived at Elena's apartment, Serena quickly thanked Ren before stepping out.

Ren didn't leave until he saw her safely enter the building.

As soon as Serena knocked on the door, it opened to reveal Darian, who immediately looked concerned.

"What's wrong? Did something happen?" he asked.

"No, everything's fine. I just… missed Mom."

Darian studied her face, trying to detect any dishonesty. But Serena's expression remained calm.

After a moment, he sighed and decided to let it go.

For now.