Wren stepped out of the taxi, adjusting his bag over his shoulder. He handed the driver his fare just as his button phone rang loudly. He pulled it out and answered.
"Zack, I know why you're calling. I just arrived. Please be careful not to get caught making a call."
"I know. I just wanted to check on you."
"I appreciate it, but I don't want you getting punished for having a phone, which isn't allowed."
"Fine. Take care, and don't forget to call or message me once you settle in."
"I will. Bye."
He hung up and looked up at the grand mansion before him. The towering gates, the well-manicured garden, and the stationed guards made it feel like a dream come true—except he wasn't sure whether it was a dream or a nightmare.
As he approached the entrance, the door swung open before he could knock. A uniformed guard stood in the doorway.
"Good afternoon, sir," Wren greeted politely.
"Welcome, young master. We were informed that you'd be arriving this morning. Did something happen on the way?"
"Nothing worth worrying about," Wren replied.
"Please, come in."
Stepping inside, Wren glanced around. A row of luxury cars was parked on one side, and a flower garden stretched along the pathway. Above the large doorway, a stone molding spelled out "THE BOOKS."
As he lifted his foot to step inside, a sharp, hostile voice stopped him.
"Hey, Butler More, what the hell is going on? Can any Tom, Dick, and Harry just walk into the Books' mansion?"
A boy around Wren's age stood in the doorway, his posture reeking of entitlement. A gold watch gleamed on his wrist, and his smirk screamed "I'm better than you."
The butler, an older man in his forties, began to introduce Wren.
"Young Master Mark, this is—"
"Butler More, I don't care who he is, but—"
"It's rude to interrupt when elders are speaking," Wren cut in sharply.
Mark's smirk vanished, replaced by a glare.
"Get the hell out of here, you poor thing."
"Mark, stop. Let him introduce himself," another voice interjected. A boy with a bright smile and sparkling eyes stood beside another, who had a calmer, more reserved demeanor.
"Cam is right," the quiet one agreed.
Mark scoffed.
"Oh, please. You two are just adopted sons. You have no right to speak when I'm talking."
He turned back to Wren, pointing rudely.
"And you—I just told you to get out."
Wren crossed his arms.
"Who are you?"
Mark blinked in confusion.
"What?"
"I asked, who are you?" Wren repeated.
"Well, I'm Mark Book, son of—"
"So, you're the Mark," Wren interrupted, his gaze sharp.
Mark frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"We were swapped at birth. It was recently discovered. So, technically, all of you are just adopted—including you, Mark. So, tell me again, who are you to talk down to me?"
Mark's face drained of color, his mouth opening and closing in stunned silence.
"None of you should pretend you don't know who I am or that I was coming today," Wren added before turning to Cam and the other boy.
"Zoe, Cam—I'm Wren Smith. Sorry, I mean, Wren Book. Nice to meet you."
He then turned to the butler.
"Please show me to my room."
He walked past the others, leaving them speechless.
Cam grinned.
"So cool. I love his vibe already."
Zoe smirked.
"At least he finally shut someone up."
Mark clenched his fists, his face burning with anger.
"AHH—" he screamed in frustration.
Cam made a face.
"I'm leaving before his craziness rubs off on me."
Zoe followed him.
"Where are you going?"
"None of your business. You're not my dad."
"I just want to know."
"Screw you, I'm off."
Zoe rolled his eyes.
"Spoiled brat."
He turned and left.
*Wren's Room*
Wren sat on his bed, releasing a weary sigh as his head throbbed.
"I just arrived, and I already have a headache… How did it even come to this? It all started when—"
*Flashback: The Orphanage*
"Good afternoon, ma," Wren greeted.
"Sit down. We have something important to discuss."
He took a seat.
"Okay, ma."
She nodded toward the men.
"These gentlemen came a few days ago, claiming that you are from the Book family. I asked them for proof, and they've just provided it."
Wren's eyes widened in stunned incredulity.
"How is that possible?"
"You were swapped at birth. Two months ago, the Books discovered that the child they raised wasn't their biological son. They started searching and eventually found you."
Silence.
"Oh…" Wren finally managed.
"You'll pack your things tonight. You're going back to your family tomorrow. Everything has been arranged."
Wren stood up.
"Thank you, ma."
He left the office quietly. Zack was waiting outside.
"What did she say? She's not punishing you, is she?"
"My biological parents found me. I'm leaving tomorrow."
Zack's eyes widened.
"That's great news, Reny! I'll miss you, but it's for your own good. I'm happy for you."
"Thanks."
"Two more months and I'll turn eighteen. Then I can leave the orphanage, and we'll meet more often."
Wren smiled slightly.
"Just two months."
*The Next Day*
At the orphanage gates, Zack hugged him tightly.
"I'm gonna miss you, Reny."
"Me too. But the driver's waiting."
"Take care. Bye."
"Goodbye."
With his bag in hand, Wren entered the car. The orphanage faded behind him.
*30 Minutes Later*
The car sputtered and rolled to a stop. Wren frowned.
"What happened?"
The driver sighed.
"It suddenly developed a fault."
"So, what now?"
The driver hesitated.
"I'll give you the address and some money for transport."
Wren took the cash and stepped out. As he walked away, he suddenly stopped and hid behind a corner.
The driver pulled out his phone.
"Young Master Mark, I've done as you asked."
"Good," Mark's voice replied.
The call ended. The driver started the car and drove off—perfectly fine.
Wren smirked, stepping out of his hiding spot.
"You think a small trick like that will stop me? You've just crossed the line, Mark. Be ready."
With that, he hailed a taxi and left.
*End of Flashback*
A knock on the door jolted him back to reality.
"Young Master, dinner is ready," a maid called.
"I'm coming."
At the dining table, Mark smirked.
"Look who finally decided to join us."
Wren ignored him and sat down.
"Hey! That's my chair!"
"Your name isn't on it. Find another."
Mark fumed but was interrupted.
"Young Master Mark, it's time for dinner," the butler said.
Mark scowled but sat down.
Tomorrow, the real battle would begin.
"Tomorrow, the trainer will begin teaching you everything you need to know before the heir assessment starts. The assessment is in a few months, so don't forget," the butler said.
Mark's curiosity got the better of him. "Who is our trainer?"
The butler's expression remained stern. "No talking while eating."
Mark shrugged, muttering under his breath. "Okay, whatever."
Minutes later, Wren stood up, preparing to leave. The butler stopped him.
"Where are you off to, young masters?"
Wren smiled politely. "Butler, I've finished eating. Thank you for the food, but I need to get some rest for tomorrow. Good night."
Next week Precap:
"As Wren enters the dining room, he's struck by the breathtaking appearance of a mysterious man, but Mark's arrival sparks a surprising display of affection, testing the household's rules."
Question:
"What challenges will Wren face as he prepares for the heir assessment, and will he be able to prove himself?"
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