At the stroke of four in the morning, her phone erupted in an unexpected ring.

Initially assuming it to be a spam message, she contemplated deleting it but her senses froze when she laid eyes upon the screen

It was a message from Waylen

“Are you still awake?" the text read.

Attached was a photograph, seemingly captured from the balcony of his apartment. The image depicted the dazzling night vista of Duefron's liveliest street, accentuated by a delicate goblet resting against the railing.

Rena gazed at the photograph for an extended duration, lost in contemplation.

She delicately caressed her phone, torn between a longing hesitation.

In the end, she refrained from immediately responding to his message, opting instead to compose a reply half an hour later.

“Apologies, Mr. Fowler. I was fast asleep just moments ago,” she conveyed.

Observing Rena's response, Waylen's countenance bloomed with a smile, cradling a glass of wine in his hand.

He found her endearing, with a touch of unique charm.

Choosing not to reply, he simply savored a sip of the crimson nectar held within his goblet.

In the ensuing days, Waylen did not make another appearance, yet intermittently sent Rena a photograph or a few words.

Each time, Rena abstained from reciprocating his messages.

Yet, an unspoken understanding of their deep connection lingered between them.

One morning, while en route to work, Rena's path was interrupted by a call from Waylen.

After a brief moment of hesitation, she answered the phone.

"Mr.

Fowler?"

Seated within his car, Waylen clutched a document upon his lap, the dossier pertaining to Darren's case.

Waylen recollected the prior evening when he had requested the document from Hyatt. In response, Hyatt had offered a knowing smile and remarked, "Waylen, why the sudden change of heart? Is it because of Miss Gordon? She's a remarkable woman and Tyrone really adores her..."

At that moment, donning a subtle smile, Waylen had implored Hyatt to keep Rena unaware.