With a sense of urgency, Rena hastily picked up the phone.

Vera had called to extend an invitation to Rena for her upcoming wedding. Due to Vera's pregnancy and it being her second marriage, they intended to keep the affair understated. The Figueroa family had decided on a low-key celebration, inviting only close relatives and a handful of friends.

Rena sat up, extending her congratulations to Vera.

Unaware of the intricacies between Rena and Waylen, Vera candidly shared the truth with Rena, saying, "We're merely going through the motions, having a meal together."

Rena empathized with Vera's sentiment.

Things were just different from everyone after the ordeal involving

Joseph.

Roscoe and Vera needed time to process their emotions.

Rena refrained from further discussion but assured Vera that she would unquestionably be present.

Upon ending the call, Rena‘s gaze met Waylen's unwavering stare. He appeared to be waiting for something, a tie clasped in his hand...

In a soft voice, Rena uttered, "I wish to attend Vera and Roscoe's wedding reception.”

Waylen clutched the tie tightly, pausing for an extended moment before nonchalantly proceeding to don it, as if nothing had occurred.

“Roscoe also invited me. Does that mean only one of us can attend? Are you concerned that our current relationship will be exposed to others?"

Rena didn't deny it.

Without warning, Waylen removed the tie, fixing his gaze upon her as he said in a noticeably calmer tone.

"I won't disclose anything if that's what you wish. No one will discover the truth about us."

With that, he pivoted and descended the stairs.

After some time had passed, the courtyard resonated with the sound of a car engine starting, prompting Waylen to step outside.

Rena intuited a tinge of anger in him, though she didn't let it weigh heavily on her mind.

Since Waylen wasn't present at home, Rena made the decision to depart in the company of Snowball.

Throughout the entire day, they refrained from reaching out to each other, maintaining a disconnected silence.

On that Saturday night, Rena graced the wedding reception of Vera and