"Ellin, what are you doing in here?"Ren's voice was calm, but Ellin caught the slight tension laced within it—almost like fear.
"I… I couldn't sleep," she said with a nervous smile. "I thought maybe I could find a good book to read in your study."
Ren's expression remained unreadable as he stepped closer, his footsteps deliberate, smooth. "You know you're not supposed to be in here, right? This is my private space. There's really nothing of interest for you."
"I know, I'm sorry," Ellin said quickly. "I just… couldn't sleep. I thought reading might help."
Ren stared at her for a moment longer, then his features softened into a gentle smile. "You can just tell me what you want, sweetheart. I'll get it for you. You don't need to go looking for books on your own. I don't want you to tire yourself out over something so small."
That was Ren—always sweet, always romantic. But tonight, it felt different. Too perfect. Too calculated. And that's exactly what made Ellin uneasy. Still, at least he wasn't angry. That had to count for something.
"Alright," she said, nodding and walking into his embrace. "Next time, I'll ask you."
His arms wrapped around her like they always did—warm, secure. But the pit in her stomach only deepened.
She remembered how Ren had always been firm about this room. Since the very beginning—before their wedding, even—he had made it clear that this study was off-limits. Yet now, despite finding her there, he didn't so much as raise his voice. He was sweeter than ever. Too sweet.
"You need to get some sleep," Ren said, pulling back slightly. "Come on, I'll walk you to bed."
Together, they walked down the quiet hallway back to the bedroom. Before she climbed under the covers, Ren kissed her forehead and said, "You rest. I've still got some work to finish downstairs."
And just like that, the night ended. But Ellin didn't sleep well.
She couldn't shake the image of that folder—the names she glimpsed. Her family's names. What was it? What did it mean? Why did Ren keep it locked away?
The next morning, she woke up with a start—Ren was beside her, sound asleep. She had no idea when he returned. His face looked calm, almost angelic, as he slept. So peaceful. So loving.
Ellin sighed. She did love him. They had been together for three years before finally tying the knot. And Ren had always been kind, devoted, selfless. Only in the last few weeks, around the wedding, did he start acting… overly sweet. Like he was trying too hard.
The alarm buzzed, breaking the silence. Ren stirred and opened his eyes, smiling when he saw her watching him.
He leaned in, kissing her cheek. "Good morning, my love."
"Morning," she whispered.
"I have a meeting with a client this morning," Ren said, voice firm. "You'll stay at home, okay?"
Ellin blinked. "Actually, Maya's coming over today. We're planning to bake."
Ren's expression relaxed. "That's nice. You can use the downstairs kitchen. Everything you need is there. And if anything's missing, just ask Lana. She'll get it for you."
It wasn't a suggestion. It was a command wrapped in velvet.
—
Later that morning, Maya arrived with a bag of groceries and a big smile. "Morning, wifey! I brought everything—flour, chocolate chips, butter, and the best gossip."
They started baking right away, laughing between spills and stirring. For a while, Ellin almost forgot everything.
But Maya had known her too long. Halfway through mixing the dough, she paused.
"You okay?" Maya asked. "You've been… off."
Ellin hesitated. "Do you ever feel like someone is being too perfect?"
Maya raised an eyebrow. "You mean Ren? Girl, he is perfect. But too perfect? What happened?"
Ellin told her. well, some of it. The study, the locked door, the glimpse of the file.
Maya's expression darkened. "You saw your family's name on something in his study?"
Ellin nodded. "But I didn't get to read it all. He came in. I had to lie."
Maya lowered her voice. "Ellin… I hate to say this, but something feels off. You need to be careful."
"I know," Ellin whispered. "But I don't have proof. And he's always been so good to me."
Maya frowned, placing a comforting hand on her arm. "Sometimes the people who seem the kindest… are just better at hiding things."
That night, after Maya left, the house fell into quiet again.
Ellin paced her room for what felt like an hour. She didn't know what she was hoping to find—but her curiosity had become unbearable. Ren still wasn't home. Maybe this was her chance.
With shaking hands, she tiptoed toward the study again.
To her surprise, the door was unlocked.
She stepped inside cautiously. The room was dim, heavy with the scent of wood and paper. Her eyes scanned the bookshelves, the desk—until she spotted the locked drawer. Her hand moved toward it when—
"Looking for something, Miss Ellin?"
The voice sliced through the silence like a knife.
She turned around, startled. Lana stood a few feet behind her, holding a tray of fruit and a glass of juice. Calm. Watchful.
"I....I was just checking if I left something in here," Ellin stammered, backing away from the desk.
Lana stepped forward, setting the tray down. "Are you sure that's all, Miss?"
Ellin bit her lip. "Please… don't tell Ren."
Lana's lips curled into a soft, unreadable smile. "Of course. Your secret's safe with me."
But before she walked away, she paused at the door.
"Though," she added quietly, "some doors are locked for a reason."
Ellin stood frozen as Lana disappeared into the hallway, her words echoing ominously in her mind.
Why did that sound more like a warning than a reassurance?