Renly had once envisioned his return to London.
Perhaps he'd return with his tail between his legs, having achieved nothing in New York. His persistence and efforts had been in vain, and George and Elizabeth's predictions had proven correct after all. Or perhaps he'd return triumphantly, basking in the glory of a significant breakthrough in his acting career. The crowd at the airport would swarm him, announcing his comeback in a grand fashion.
Of course, Renly was hoping for the latter.
However, reality and imagination often diverge. He returned to London much earlier than expected, and neither scenario matched his situation. His career was still in its infancy. When he accepted the role in "Like Crazy", Renly had considered such a possibility, yet he nodded his agreement without hesitation.
He wasn't afraid to return to London. He didn't harbor any resentment toward the city itself. He simply disliked the invisible shackles imposed by his family, as if trapped in a celestial snare, everywhere he went, constraining every word and action. From deeds to thoughts, from skin to soul, even each step was governed by rules and regulations. Any slightly unconventional behavior could invite criticism.
More importantly, this criticism was only whispered gossip and laden glances behind his back. When face to face, everyone maintained friendly and amiable expressions, but a gradual detachment would occur. They would silently confine the person involved to a corner. The inexpressible frustration and oppression had no outlet. If released recklessly, everyone would regard the situation with the eyes of someone observing a lunatic. They wouldn't approach to dissuade or gossip, instead, they'd use silent judgment to quell everything.
This pressure and scrutiny made it difficult to breathe, leaving no room for survival, no room for free breaths, and even no room for one's own existence. Everyone seemed to be bound into refined dolls, devoid of the soil for growth in personality and thoughts.
He had already experienced this life in a previous lifetime. In this lifetime, he refused to tread the same path.
Returning to London again, even though he wasn't a renowned actor yet, he had taken solid steps on the path toward his dreams. Perhaps, it was merely a minuscule step, but for him, it was the happiest period of time in two lifetimes. He had found himself and persevered, and that was the greatest victory.
Moreover, this return to London was for the sake of filming. For Renly, it was a sweet journey.
"How's the dinner? Did it suit your taste?" Matthew walked downstairs alongside Renly, Hayden already standing near the coat rack by the door.
Renly gave Hayden a bright smile. "Thank you, Hayden. Dinner was delicious."
Hayden nodded slightly in acknowledgment and then opened Renly's overcoat, helping him put it on. Matthew, who was beside them, spoke up. "I'll be going to Notting Hill. I'll be back after work on Friday. If my parents ask, I'll tell them a friend is visiting. Don't mention Renly."
Renly chuckled. "By Friday, even if Hayden doesn't say anything, everyone will know."
Both of them walked towards the door. Matthew's cool voice continued to resonate. "Are you feeling okay now? Your jet lag probably hasn't reversed yet." He didn't need Renly's reply before realizing, "You must have slept through the entire flight?" Sleep was undoubtedly one of Renly's hobbies. He had once slept for forty-eight hours straight without eating or drinking, which had led people to seriously suspect he had passed out.
Renly's laughter served as an affirmative response.
"But even so, you're starting work tomorrow? Isn't this schedule too rushed?" Hayden opened the door, and Matthew's voice reverberated through the street. Before them lay the shaded path of Green Park, where towering trees seemed like giants guarding a treasure under the cover of night. Solemn and dignified, the trees carried a touch of romance with the arrival of autumn. This was one of the favorite spots for young couples to have their rendezvous in London.
Matthew's words came to a halt midway. Both his and Renly's footsteps involuntarily stopped. Before them stood a dark black BMW sedan, its modest exterior unremarkable, yet the custom-made wooden decorations inside were visible through the windows. The lustrous paintwork exuded restrained elegance to the utmost.
A tall and dignified figure was standing at the rear door, hands placed in front. Upon seeing Renly, he opened the back door and respectfully bowed, greeting, "Master Renly, welcome home." Then he slightly turned his body and nodded toward Matthew. "Master Matthew." Lastly, he nodded toward Hayden behind them.
By now, the light rain had mostly subsided, and only a few scattered raindrops were falling. The air carried a chill, causing involuntary shivers. It seemed that this place was distinctly different from Los Angeles, encompassing two entirely separate seasons.
"Phillip, how did you know..." Matthew choked, his expression showing evident surprise.
Standing before them was none other than the Hall family's butler, Phillip Dunbar. Like Hayden, Phillip's family had also served as hereditary butlers for the Hall family. At sixty years old, Phillip had held the position of butler for nearly forty years. His tenure in the Hall family even surpassed that of George and Elizabeth.
Matthew turned his head to glance at Phillip, a reproachful expression forming between his brows. "Hayden?" He didn't say much, but the implication was crystal clear: Phillip's quick capture of Renly's whereabouts must have been a result of Hayden's leak. There was no other explanation.
However, Renly, as the person involved, remained remarkably composed. He patted Matthew's arm and said, "I've been in London for eight hours already. If Arthur hasn't received the news, that's what's unusual."
Moreover, he was now the subject of gossip in London's upper society. Many eyes were surreptitiously watching him. Green Park was a gathering place for the nobility.
"Master Renly, you should have let me go to the airport to pick you up," Phillip's face bore a hint of reproach. "Today, London suddenly turned colder, and the air quality isn't great. A simple phone call in advance would have solved the issue."
Renly stepped forward and patted Phillip's arm, a warm smile on his face.
In fact, he could be considered someone raised by Phillip. In aristocratic families, parents rarely directly raised their children. Even the display of familial affection was extremely restrained and suppressed. Typically, the role of the mother was assumed by a wet nurse, while the butler played the role of the father. Blood-related bonds often resulted in diluted affection.
So, upon seeing Phillip, Renly was particularly pleased. Despite the passage of time, Phillip didn't seem to have changed much, remaining just as he was in Renly's memory.
Dressed in a conventional white shirt and a three-piece black suit, with a charcoal gray checkered waistcoat, Renly's departure from the norm was already a significant departure. His neatly combed hair was parted in a 2:8 ratio, and his hands were clad in white gloves meant for outdoor wear. It seemed that Phillip had personally driven over, rather than summoning a chauffeur.
Seeing Phillip in good health, Renly's smile eased slightly. "So, Arthur does indeed know that I'm back."
"Master Arthur was worried about you too," Phillip's response amounted to confirming Renly's guess.
Being the first to know of his return yet refraining from making a phone call or a visit, instead using the butler as the intermediary – this was the familial affection among nobles.
"In that case, let him continue worrying," Renly quipped with a light laugh. Without hesitation, he settled into the backseat of the car and looked out. "Matthew, are you getting in?"
Matthew let out a soft sigh, saying nothing more. He subsequently got into the backseat as well. Phillip then closed the car door, nodded to Hayden as a sign of acknowledgment, and circled around to open the driver's door and settle into the driver's seat.
"Phillip, to Notting Hill, please." As the engine started and the car began to move, Renly spoke directly.
Phillip cast a brief glance at the rearview mirror. "Master Renly, the Master and Madam are waiting for you at home."
"Today is Monday. Mother is likely still on Piccadilly Street, and there's an art gallery reception tonight. She won't be home before eleven. As for Father, if I'm not mistaken, he's at the club, right? In weather like this, he always enjoys spending time with those old gentlemen, sipping brandy and smoking cigars, reminiscing about the glory days."
Renly spoke unhurriedly, maintaining a calm demeanor. Although he hadn't returned home yet, he didn't need to. These scenes were predictable; the past twenty years had been lived this way. There was nothing to be astonished about.
"To be honest, Arthur probably hasn't had the chance to tell them this news yet," Renly's eyes narrowed slightly. Seeing Phillip's silent expression in the rearview mirror, he chuckled. "Arthur needs to see me and confirm my situation before he tells them. He's not someone who acts recklessly."
Last year, he had rejected George and Elizabeth's "offer" and severed all ties with his family. Since then, there had actually been no communication from his family. Meeting Edith had been an accident. But in reality, they had been closely monitoring his every move, not out of genuine concern, but out of fear of losing face. They needed to keep track of his whereabouts at all times.
If he were to return to London in a disheveled state, they would undoubtedly take him to a discreet apartment first, fix him up, and only then let others know. Family disgrace absolutely couldn't be exposed. On the other hand, if he returned triumphantly, they would merely observe from the sidelines. At the very least, his appearance and manners would be passable.
Phillip remained silent, his silence slowly enveloping the car interior.
Renly's lips curved into a shallow smile. He had guessed correctly, but there was no joy in his heart. In the previous life, he had won family affection but lost his freedom. In this life, he had gained freedom, and perhaps the price was family affection. One couldn't be too greedy, could they?
"Notting Hill, Phillip," Renly spoke again, and this time, Phillip didn't object.