Randy dragged his feet lazily toward the living room. His father was waiting there, clearly wanting to talk about something important.
"You're still not comfortable with Diana, huh? She's your cousin, Randy."
"I know, Dad… but it's hard to get close when we've never really been that close," Randy muttered.
"You remember the promise you made, right?"
"I know dad. I still remember"
"I helped save the girl you like… so in return, you have to listen to me. That was the deal."
"Claire… Is she really that important to you?" His father's tone grew serious this time.
"You know I've liked her for a long time, Dad."
"I know, Randy. Alright then. Get ready, tomorrow we're having dinner with Claire's family."
Randy straightened up, suddenly more alert. "What should I wear, Dad? I want to look perfect in front of Claire."
"Just wear whatever makes you feel comfortable."
"Okay, maybe I'll hit the clothing store tomorrow."
His father gave him a pointed look. "Oh, and Randy — stop stalking her. I already arranged for you to meet properly. Approach her normally from now on."
"What do you mean, Dad?"
"You'll understand soon enough. Now, I'm going to bed."
His father frowned slightly, unsure if Randy's feelings for Claire were still within normal bounds… or already crossing into obsession.
—
Meanwhile, Claire was busy working on her history assignment in class. Mr. Pram had just given them an extra group project, and as fate would have it, Claire ended up paired with Vienna. Vienna looked a bit uneasy as she approached Claire's desk.
"Relax, Vienna. Let's just focus on the assignment, okay?" Claire said calmly.
They both got to work, concentrating on their tasks for the next hour until it was time to present their findings. Surprisingly, Vienna cooperated well, and they managed to finish everything smoothly.
"Thanks, Claire," Vienna said as she packed her books, offering a small smile.
"No problem. We're a team, after all. No matter what's going on, we have to work together."
"Good then."
"Oh, and Claire…" Vienna lowered her voice suddenly. "Just… be careful around Tasya."
Claire's eyes sharpened, her attention fully on Vienna now. She had a feeling to know more about this.
"I saw her… when she swapped your test papers. I swear I wasn't involved. I happened to see her coming out of the nurse's office. I wanted to tell you, but she threatened me… I'm sorry, Claire," Vienna confessed, looking guilty.
"It's okay, really. I already know about that. Don't worry," Claire reassured her.
It seemed Vienna was trying to make amends, and Claire noted that Vienna likely had no idea about Diana and Tasya's connection. Hmm. Better if I keep that to myself for now, she thought.
—
By 5 PM, Claire arrived home. She was about to head for a shower when her mom suddenly handed her a white dress.
"What's this, Mom?" Claire asked, puzzled.
"It's not my birthday today," she added.
Her mother chuckled. "Of course not. I just thought you could wear this for the dinner with Mr. Smith — Randy's father."
"Mom, I don't need a new dress for a simple dinner. It's not some big event."
"Just wear it, honey. It would make me happy."
Claire sighed but took the dress anyway. "Alright, alright."
Later, dressed in the elegant white dress and black shoes, Claire checked herself in the mirror.
"You look really nice, sis," her younger brother Bryan remarked. "Kinda rare for you to dress up."
"Mom made me," Claire mumbled, blushing slightly.
Her mom smiled at the exchange. Soon, they were off to Randy's house.
—
Half an hour later, they arrived. Randy greeted them at the door, clearly happy to see Claire. His house was massive — a grand European-style three-story mansion in the heart of an elite neighborhood. Claire couldn't help but be impressed.
Inside, they were led to the dining room where the table was already set. Three maids bustled around, serving appetizers before the main course. Claire found herself actually enjoying the meal.
"You like it, Claire?" Randy suddenly asked, watching her reaction.
"Yeah, it's delicious," she replied honestly.
"Glad to hear it," Randy beamed.
As she glanced around the room, her eyes caught on a framed photo — her school, Green Mint School, with the principal's office in the background.
"Hey, isn't that Green Mint School?" Claire asked, frowning.
"Yes, Mr. Smith owns it. Don't you remember? When you fell down the stairs, he visited you in the hospital," her mom chimed in. "But Randy couldn't come because he was busy at the time."
"I wanted to visit you too, Claire, but Dad didn't allow me," Randy added quickly.
"Ah, no… it's okay," Claire murmured, though her mind was spinning. Mr. Smith… owns my school?
She fell silent for a moment, trying to recall the accident from four years ago. After her near-death experience, large parts of her memory had gone blank.
—
Midway through dinner, Claire excused herself to use the restroom. As she passed the living room, she stopped dead in her tracks. On the wall was a large family portrait — and among the faces, she recognized someone.
That's… Diana!
"Miss, is there something wrong?" one of the maids asked politely, noticing Claire staring.
"That photo… that's Randy's family, right?"
"Yes, that's all his family."
"And the girl in the blue dress… what's her name?"
"That's Diana. She's Randy's cousin."
Claire's heart skipped a beat. So Diana… is Randy's cousin?
Shaken, she hurried to the bathroom and splashed cold water on her face. As she returned, she saw her mom laughing and chatting with Mr. Smith like nothing was out of the ordinary.
Could it be… Mr. Smith knows what really happened when I fell? Maybe he even asked Mom to keep it quiet? Why does everything suddenly feel connected?
Claire rejoined the table, forcing a smile. She decided to play dumb — at least for now.
"Oh, Claire," Mr. Smith said with a chuckle, "didn't you and Randy once join a math competition together? Didn't you two ever hang out after that?"
"Dad, seriously?" Randy groaned, blushing.
"What I mean is… have you two ever gone out together? Like, to the movies or something?"
"Uh, no. Not yet," Claire answered carefully.
"Well, maybe you two should start spending more time together," Mr. Smith suggested cheerfully.
Claire smiled politely. So far, Randy seems okay, she thought. If it's just friendship, I don't mind. Besides, I could use this chance to learn more… about Diana.
Tonight's dinner felt less like a simple meal and more like a web of secrets waiting to unravel.
—
On the ride home, Claire finally turned to her mother. "Mom… why didn't you ever tell me Mr. Smith owns Green Mint School?"
Her mom looked surprised. "Claire, you already knew that. You've just forgotten. I told you a few months ago."
"Oh… right. I must've forgotten," Claire muttered.
But I really don't remember…
Was it because of what happened in 2025? Or… is there something seriously wrong with me?