Shades of Care

That morning, Serena sensed something different about her mother.

"Where's Professor Darian, Mom?"

Serena asked, puzzled not to see the man who had recently become a constant presence by Elena's side.

"He's out of town for a few days on a work trip," Elena answered briefly.

Serena tilted her head, studying her mother with curiosity.

"Mom, is something wrong?"

Elena smiled, trying to act casual. "No, why do you ask? Do I look like something's wrong?"

"I just feel… there's something different about you today," Serena said honestly.

"If there's anything on your mind, you can talk to me, you know. I'm not a teenager anymore, Mom. I'm twenty now."

Elena smiled gently, holding Serena's hand and stroking her hair with her other hand.

"I'm fine, sweetheart. There's nothing bothering me. Maybe I'm just feeling a bit lonely since Darian isn't around like usual."

"Are you sure?" Serena pressed.

Elena nodded slowly.

"Alright," Serena finally said.

"I just want you to know—if anything happens, don't keep it all to yourself. I'm grown enough to share the burden with you."

"Okay… But to me, you'll always be my little girl," Elena replied with a warm smile.

Serena chuckled softly. "I know. But still, if you ever hesitate to talk to me, at least talk to Prof. Darian. Don't bottle it all up."

"Okay… okay… I understand." Elena tried to reassure her again.

But Serena knew—her mother was only trying to comfort her. She could feel it deep down.

__________________

At the office...

Ren had been observing Serena all morning. Though she was known for her focus, today something felt different.

"Something wrong?" Ren finally asked.

Serena looked at him, surprised.

"Wrong? No, why?"

"You're always focused, but today... you're extra intense,"

Ren said, squinting as he studied her.

"I'm working hard to pay off my debt to you, Boss,"

Serena replied casually. "Forgot about the fee you paid to Mr. Knight?"

Ren didn't answer. He simply stood up and walked out of the room. A few minutes later, he returned with something in his hands.

Serena ignored him, diving back into her work. Working helped her momentarily forget about home—her mother, and the things she still couldn't quite understand.

Not long after…

Knock… knock… knock…

"Come in," Ren called.

Rendy entered, carrying a tray of food, which he set on Ren's desk. Then he quietly left the room.

The delicious aroma reached Serena's nose. She turned her head instinctively and froze when she saw the food.

"Eat. It's for you," Ren said, watching her the whole time.

Serena looked at him, startled and confused. Ren wasn't the type to be this warm. Serena suddenly realized something .

"What?" Ren asked when she kept staring.

"Nothing," Serena said quickly. She stood up and approached the desk. It was clear the food was meant for one person—Ren had prepared it just for her.

"Not your taste?" Ren asked when she didn't speak.

Serena gave a faint smile and began to eat. The food was surprisingly delicious, and she enjoyed every bite.

Ren returned to his work, a small smile playing on his lips. Serena, sneaking a glance, smiled quietly to herself.

"I don't think I'll be able to resist him if he keeps smiling like that…" she thought, watching Ren from behind her plate.

_________________

As the afternoon turned to evening…

Work finally wrapped up for the day. As a temporary assistant, Serena had her hands full.

"Mr. Rendy, you're amazing," Serena said as she walked past Rendy's desk.

"Huh??" Rendy was startled by the sudden compliment. He glanced at Ren, who was now glaring at him.

Rendy wanted to defend himself, but knew it would be pointless.

"What do you mean, Ms. Shine?" he asked nervously, trying to cover his panic.

"I'm only working part-time and already overwhelmed. You, as the full-time assistant, must have it even worse. That's why I said you're amazing," Serena said innocently.

"Oh, that's nothing," Rendy replied quickly. "If anyone's amazing, it's Mr. Shield. He's incredibly busy."

Serena glanced at Ren, who was pretending to be engrossed in his documents.

"He works hard because it's his job. Plus, he's the highest paid anyway," Serena quipped.

Hearing that, Ren turned and raised an eyebrow.

"You want more work, Serena?"

Serena's eyes widened.

"Hehe… no, no, Boss! I'm good, seriously!"

Ren gave a small smirk and returned to his documents.

Serena let out a breath of relief.

" Dodged that extra task… "

she thought, leaning back in her chair.