Waylen embraced her gently.

His cheek rested against her hair as he whispered softly, "| apologize, Rena. I'm truly sorry. | should never have forgotten you."

In his arms, she tensed but, throughout, she was unwilling to push him away.

It was as if they were destined to be intertwined for the rest of their lives...

Eventually, nothing more occurred.

They refrained from any further intimate actions, merely holding each other for a fleeting moment. After a while, Rena's voice, somewhat nasal from suppressed tears, broke the silence.

"I'll go change my clothes.”

Waylen opened the door for her.

Yet, as she stepped out, he caught her wrist and implored, "Rena."

Her eyes welled up with tears.

Waylen’s hand slid down, gently caressing the diamond ring adorning her finger—a true piece of art he had placed on her during their time in Czanch...

Softly, he beseeched, "Rena, don't reject me any longer."

In arush of emotions, Rena fled...

Meanwhile, Waylen stood still. He did want to keep her, but beyond the desire to preserve their marriage, the physical longing he harbored for her, and the unexplained possessiveness, there was something more.

For instance, when he touched the diamond ring, Rena's ears turned rosy...

Her inadvertent shyness ignited a mixture of admiration and jealousy within him.

Half an hour later, they departed from the hotel.

The client displayed great hospitality. Unaware of Waylen and Rena’s connection, he thoughtfully arranged for two young and beautiful girls to accompany Hector and Waylen.

These girls, rumored to be art school students, possessed striking beauty. ©

Hector, going with the flow, found himself unable to decline and allowed the girls to sit beside him.

Waylen gently draped his arm around Rena’s shoulder, speaking with a reserved air.

"Mr. Kent, it's not that I'm opposed to relaxing. It's just that she keeps a close watch on me, and she is clingy even when we're away on business trips.”