CHAPTER 5: Love, Lies and Loyalty

"That young?" Wren raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah. Zoe was always popular and effortlessly charming, while I was just known as his shadow—always playing the role of his brother," Cam admitted.

Wren leaned in. "And then?"

"One day, I left my book in class. When I went back for it, I saw a girl confessing her feelings to Zoe. At that moment, I knew I loved him more than just as a brother. Of course, he rejected her without even looking my way."

Wren let out a soft chuckle. "So intense."

Cam's tone grew wry. "He never noticed me. That's when my friends hatched a plan."

With a mischievous glint in his eye, Wren interjected, "Why not join my alliance—like the one in that Thai BL series, Love Mix-Up? You know, the 'Eraser Alliance'?"

Cam laughed. "I love that series—I've always been a shipper for Gemini and Fourth. But I'm not exactly planning on joining your alliance."

"Let's make a deal," Wren proposed. "If my plan works, there's no need to join. But if it fails—then you'll be part of it."

Cam hesitated, then extended his hand. "Deal."

Meanwhile, ensuring he was alone, Zoe stepped up to Ran and lowered his voice. "Listen, you might not want to hear this, but there's a rumor going around—a curse passed down through generations that dooms anyone who dares to be with Cam." His tone was low and foreboding, sending a shiver down Ran's spine.

Before Ran could respond, Wren cut in, half-mocking, "I know, blockhead—Zoe will never understand."

Reluctantly, Cam agreed. "Fine, I'll join your alliance."

Wren grinned broadly. "Welcome to 'My Man Alliance for Future Boyfriend Finding'."

Cam arched an eyebrow. "What kind of name is that?"

"I don't know—I find Dee attractive, and I want him," Wren replied matter-of-factly.

"You…" Cam began, surprised.

"Surprised, right? Honesty is the first rule of our alliance. Now that you know, here's the plan: We seduce them and make them jealous by pitting them against each other. Think of it as killing two birds with one stone."

Cam frowned. "Two birds? One stone? Explain."

Wren rolled his eyes. "It's just a metaphor, idiot. The 'stone' is our plan, and the 'birds' are Dee and Zoe."

"But we're two people, and they're human beings!" Cam protested.

"Idiot—it's just a figure of speech. English can be ironic like that," Wren snapped with a laugh.

Cam couldn't help but chuckle, though his tone soon grew serious. "Keep it down. And why are you laughing?"

"I was just kidding—look at your face when you were explaining," Wren teased.

"Shut up, fucker. Don't create an obstacle before our plan even starts," Cam snapped sharply.

Wren's expression hardened. "What do you mean?"

"Go—stop that Ran guy before he spills everything," Cam ordered.

Without hesitation, Cam dashed toward where Zoe was deep in conversation with Ran. As he reached them, he leaned in and murmured, "We're not really friends—he was paid to be, before he started taking our friendship seriously." He even covered Ran's mouth briefly to ensure no secrets slipped.

Zoe's eyes narrowed. "What was that about?"

Wren interjected, "Cam meant he paid Ran to be his friend right from the start."

Zoe's confusion mixed with anger as Cam added, "Excuse me—I need to escort him to the gate."

Dragging Ran outside, Cam muttered, "Thanks and sorry for today."

Ran managed a sheepish smile. "No problem—but you never mentioned you were cursed."

Cam smirked, "Not cursed—just complicated. Anyway, I've got to run." With that, he turned and left, leaving behind a charged silence.

As Wren disappeared from view, Cam mused quietly, "When Austin said he was dull, he had no idea—everyone can see Zoe's jealousy."

Evening Time

The scene shifted as dusk settled over the mansion. In the opulent foyer, Mark entered with a purposeful stride and answered his phone.

"Good evening, Butler More," Mark greeted the butler as he passed.

"Good evening, Young Master," came the respectful reply.

"Is dinner ready?" Mark inquired.

"It will be served in your room," the butler explained. "Tomorrow's party preparations require every corner to be decorated."

"Very well. Cassy, bring my food," Mark ordered sharply.

"Yes, Young Master Mark," Cassy, the maid, replied as she hurried off.

*Corner of the Books Mansion:*

The butler's voice was crisp as he answered the phone, "Hello, sir."

"Yes, sir. Everything is proceeding as planned. I will continue to provide updates."

"Please extend my greetings to Madam."

"Goodbye, sir."

The butler ended the call and departed. Wren emerged from his hiding place, his eyes scanning the area before focusing on his phone.

"Hello, Zack," Wren said, his voice low. "If you hadn't insisted on visiting the Books Mansion today, I wouldn't have overheard the butler's conversation."

"The butler is reporting our every move to someone, but I'm unsure if it's a friend or foe. I'll need to be cautious, especially during the heir competition."

"I'll keep you updated through messages or calls from my room. With walls having ears, I don't want our conversations to be overheard, just like the butler's."

Wren ended the call and discreetly slipped back into the mansion, his mind racing with the implications of the butler's mysterious phone call.

Mark's Room

Mark lay on his bed in the dim glow of his private quarters, the silence broken only by the faint hum of the mansion's corridors. A knock at the door interrupted his brooding thoughts.

"Come in," he commanded.

Maid Cassy entered quietly, balancing a tray with his dinner. "Sir, your food," she announced in a respectful tone.

"Drop it on the table over there," Mark ordered sharply, nodding toward a side table.

Cassy placed the tray carefully. Mark fixed his piercing gaze on her. "You know what tomorrow is—and what needs to be done," he said, his voice low and measured.

"Yes, Young Master Mark," she replied, a trace of apprehension in her voice.

"Don't mess with my plan," Mark warned, his eyes narrowing.

"I promise, sir," Cassy murmured, bowing her head.

Mark's lips curled into a sinister smile. "Promises can be broken. I need you to ensure everything goes exactly as I've instructed—or you'll face the consequences."

"Of course, sir," Cassy whispered, her tone steady despite the underlying tension.

"Get lost," Mark snapped, dismissing her with a curt gesture.

Cassy quickly retreated, and as the door clicked softly behind her, Mark allowed himself a dark chuckle. "You don't see this coming, do you? Enjoy the show at tomorrow's party—when everything falls into place," he murmured, his words laced with cold determination.