As she sat down in his car—which she definitely didn't want to do—Aika whispered to herself in a very low voice, "Why couldn't I just go with Ren? At least he talks. With this guy, it's just… ahh." She sighed heavily.
Noel didn't even turn his head. "Are you okay? Do you need something?"
Aika was so busy in her own head she didn't even really listen. "Hmm? No, no. I am all good."
Then, Noel's voice dropped into that dangerous, corporate-ice tone. "So, Miss Helena… is everything alright with you? And how long are you going to keep acting like that? I know you are hiding something."
Aika was hit with a wave of pure shock. Wait, does he know? Does he know I'm not Helena and my soul is actually Aika? No, nope, not possible. She tried to play it cool. "What do you mean? I am Helena. Can't you see?"
"I can see," Noel replied, "but a single car accident shouldn't change someone's entire personality. After lunch, you are going with me to the doctor for a check-up."
Aika screamed internally. What is his problem? He is too cunning! How am I supposed to deal with medicine when I am not even sick? If the doctor gives me a bunch of amnesia meds, I am really doomed. I thought I'd be safe at Grandfather's house, but no, there are more people here like Aron. Crap. Let's just eat first, Aika. Fuel up so you can think of a solution.
She tried one last time to deflect. "Doesn't the family doctor already say it's amnesia?"
"I know you have amnesia," Noel said, his voice unconvinced. "But it's still not convincing that amnesia changed someone that much. How much do you still remember?"
When he asked that last question, his look was so sharp—as if he could recognize a lie the moment she made eye contact. Aika didn't dare look at him.
"Not much," she said, looking at her lap. "I'm hoping it comes back soon."
"Hmm," was all Noel said.
The driver stopped the car in front of the restaurant. Aika scrambled out as fast as she could—the whole car ride had been too rough to survive. As she followed him toward the entrance, Noel suddenly leaned in.
"Helena, listen," he said as they walked side by side. "Don't talk too much to Cecilia. You and her aren't on good terms."
Aika was baffled. "I didn't even say anything! I just replied to her question."
"I know," Noel said. "But if she asks something, just give a one-word answer. Okay?"
"Okay," Aika said, following him, wondering to herself: Why is he talking this much today?
As he entered first and walked ahead, Aika realized he was clearly giving her a command. Oh, she thought, her temper bubbling up. I need to stand up for myself. He doesn't have the right to give me orders, especially when I haven't even done anything wrong yet!
She picked up her pace, her sneakers—which totally clashed with the restaurant's high-end aesthetic—squeaking against the floor as she matched his stride. As the staff led them toward the private room where Ren and Cecilia were already seated, she leaned toward Noel.
"If you told me that," she said, catching his eye, "couldn't you tell her as well?"
"Because she doesn't know you have amnesia yet," Noel said shortly. "Now, no more questions."
As they entered the private room, Cecilia and Ren were already seated. Cecilia had been talking animatedly, but the moment she saw Helena's face, she went dead silent. Aika didn't even mind the cold stare this time—she had a much bigger problem on her mind.
What if the waiter comes over and says he's bringing my 'usual' order? Aika panicked. What if Helena's 'usual' is something weird or gross? What am I going to do then?
Noel pulled out a chair for her before sitting down himself. As Aika sat, trying to look like she belonged in the fancy upholstery, Ren leaned in.
"What do you want to eat, Helena?" he asked, his tone light.
Noel didn't wait for her to answer. "You both should just order instead of waiting," he said, checking his watch.
Ren shook his head with a smirk. "Nah, it doesn't feel right. Besides, it was Cici's suggestion—we should wait for you, brother."
Aika didn't say a word. She stayed quiet, watching them bicker over the etiquette of the meal, too busy calculating how much longer she had to sit there before she could escape this "Main Character" drama.
It happened exactly as she feared. The waiter arrived with the orders already decided. Noel had simply told them to bring "the usual" for the three of them, while Cecilia was the only one privileged enough to choose her own meal.
When the plate was set down in front of her, Aika's face went completely still. She stared at the pale, boiled fish and the heap of unseasoned potatoes. It looked less like a meal and more like a biological necessity.
Is this what my life is now? she thought, her heart sinking. I'm trapped in a body that doesn't eat seasoning?
Aika looked at her plate, then at the two plates in front of Noel. One held a perfectly seared steak with a rich, creamy sauce and stalks of green asparagus. The other was a masterpiece of a pizza, topped with fresh arugula and delicate slices of prosciutto.
Her eyes stayed glued to his food. She completely forgot to move, her gaze shifting between her bland, boiled potatoes and his gourmet feast. The difference was too much to process.
Ren didn't miss it. He watched her, leaning back in his chair. "Is there something wrong with your usual, Helena?" he asked, his voice dripping with curiosity. "You're looking at that steak like you've never seen a cow before."
"I just want to try something else," Aika said, her voice firm with the kind of bravery only true hunger can provide. "I don't want to eat this. And next time, before saying 'the usual,' you have to ask. You can't just decide for someone, okay?"
She was too hungry to care about the cold look Noel was giving her. Ren, looking delighted by the sudden spark of rebellion, smirked. "Would you like a piece, Helena?"
Aika didn't wait. She nodded immediately, sliding her plate of sad fish in front of him and snatching a slice of his pizza. As she took a big bite, the flavors of the sauce and cheese exploded—it was so much better than the "shark diet." Without thinking, a happy expression spread across her face and she gave a little shake of her shoulders—a small, subconscious dance she always did when food hit the spot in her real life.
Ren didn't even look at the menu. He caught the waiter's eye and pointed at the plate Aika was currently raiding. "Bring another one of these," he said easily. "Exactly the same."
As they waited for the fresh pizza, Ren didn't hesitate—he reached out and took a slice from the very same plate Aika was eating from. They were clearly sharing now, the boundary between "CEO Helena" and the Ryner twins disappearing behind the scent of melted cheese and crust.
Aika was still savoring her bite, her shoulders doing that tiny, happy shake, completely unaware that she had just turned a high-stakes power lunch into a casual hangout. Noel watched them, his expression unreadable, as the "shark" he thought he knew traded her dignity for a slice of cheesy pizza.
Ren took a big bite of his own slice. "It's good, right, Helena?"
Aika just nodded, her mouth too full of cheese and crust to give a real answer. She was in a pizza trance.
But the peace didn't last.
Cecilia, who was picking at her bowl of salad like it was a chore, finally snapped. "Hey, Ren, what are you even doing? That is so unmannerly. Where is your etiquette?"
Ren didn't even slow down his chewing. "What etiquette did I break, Cecilia?"
"I mean… who even takes a piece from the same plate? It's not proper," she sputtered, looking at Aika with disgust.
Ren just shrugged, reaching for another piece. "I do it. It's normal. Get over it, Cici."
Before Cecilia could launch into another lecture, Noel cut in. "Ren, you should wait for yours. Let her eat her own food."
Ren just grinned, taking another bite. "But it's delicious! You should try it sometime, brother. Trying new food is good for you."
"No," Noel said flatly. "I am good."
Aika didn't listen. She reached out, picked up another greasy, cheese-laden slice with her hand, and dropped it right onto Noel's pristine plate next to his expensive steak. "You should actually give it a try before saying something is bad," she said, her voice cool and matter-of-fact.
She then turned her gaze to a stunned Cecilia. "And Miss Cecilia? You should probably just focus on eating your own food, okay?"
Cecilia wouldn't let it go. "Don't embarrass us, Ren," she hissed. "You know this isn't proper. People are watching."
A sharp clink echoed through the room. Noel had dropped his silver fork onto his plate. Without a word, he reached out, picked up the slice Aika had dropped onto his plate, and took a calm, deliberate bite.
The table went silent.
Noel chewed slowly, then gave a small, rare nod. "Not bad," he admitted.
Aika nodded back, her mouth already working on another bite. "See? It's really tasty. And the cheese is… well, it's really cheesy."
Ren was just as busy eating as she was, the two of them perfectly in sync. Aika didn't mind the stares anymore. This just needs a cold drink, she thought happily. That would be the perfect combo.
Seeing even Noel join in, Cecilia's resolve finally crumbled. Without another word of protest, she reached out, picked up a slice for herself, and took a small, hesitant bite.
Ren watched her, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. "Isn't it tasty, Cici?"
Cecilia didn't want to admit it. She didn't want to give Aika the satisfaction. But as she chewed, she gave a stiff, reluctant nod.
Wow, Aika thought, taking another bite. She was acting so high and mighty, but the second the twins do something, she follows right along.
Aika was the first one to finish. In her real life, she had always been a fast eater—a habit she hadn't managed to suppress even in Helena's body. "Excuse me," she muttered, standing up to head to the washroom to clean the pizza grease off her hands.
When she returned, the atmosphere had shifted back to business. Noel and Cecilia were already deep in discussion about their latest project. Ren was leaning back, quietly sipping a coffee and listening.
Oh, they ordered coffee, Aika thought, her eyes scanning the table. But I need water first.
She reached for the pitcher, filled her glass to the brim, and drank greedily. She was incredibly thirsty—it had been a long, stressful morning, and she hadn't had a single sip since she woke up.
Noel stopped talking to Cecilia and turned his gaze toward Aika. For a second, he just watched her. Aika looked away, feeling self-conscious.
"Do you want something else?" he asked, clearly referencing her earlier comment about asking before ordering.
"No," Aika said, trying to sound as cool as Helena would. "I'm good."
"Fine." Noel stood up, the sharp click of his coat button signaling the end of lunch. "Then let's go. It's time for your doctor's appointment."
Aika froze. "Huh? What doctor's appointment?"
The pizza was a distraction, she thought, the panic finally setting in. This is the real trap.
"I think… I do need a coffee," Aika said, trying to buy herself a few more minutes.
Ren smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes the way she expected. "Oh, Helena, you should definitely get going. I actually already ordered one for you—look, here it comes."
The waiter arrived, but instead of a fancy porcelain cup, he handed Aika a cardboard to-go cup. Aika stared at it in her hand, then looked at Ren. For the first time, she realized he wasn't just being nice—he had ordered it in a paper cup specifically so she couldn't sit back down. He was helping Noel kick her out.
"Wait, why does Helena have to go to the doctor?" Cecilia asked, her eyes narrowing.
"Can't we just skip this?" Aika asked, hurrying her steps just enough to stay within earshot of Noel's back. "I mean, I'm feeling completely fine. Maybe my memory will just come back on its own sooner or later. We don't need a doctor for that, right?"
Noel didn't even turn around.
Realizing her words were falling on deaf ears, Aika began to walk purposefully slow. She dragged her feet, sipping the hot coffee Ren had forced on her, trying to put as much distance as possible between herself and the car waiting outside.
"And look! It's starting to snow!" Aika added, pointing frantically at the sky, even though it was barely a flurry. "It's getting way too cold out here. You should really just go home and rest, bro— I mean… man. Don't push yourself! Your health is important too!"
Noel stopped right in front of the car door and slowly turned his head to look at her. He glanced at the perfectly clear sky, then back at her frantic face.
"Bro?" he repeated, his voice flat and unimpressed.
He didn't say another word. He simply opened the car door and gestured for her to get in. The weather report had failed.
Aika tried one last time, her voice desperate. "I really don't want to go!"
Noel's expression shifted, his patience replaced by a cold, serious gravity. He didn't look annoyed anymore—he looked like a man fulfilling a duty. "I already spoke with Grandfather," he said, his voice leaving no room for negotiation. "This was his direct order, not my suggestion. I am simply following his command. He is worried about his granddaughter's health. Now, sit down."
The mention of Grandfather hit Aika like a physical weight. With a heavy sigh, she finally climbed into the car.
Aika had a secret reason for avoiding doctors—one that went back to her previous life—and she wasn't ready to let a stranger poke around in her head. She decided to call Noel's bluff. "I'll call him myself," she muttered. "If he says it's okay to skip the checkup, then we're fine, right?"
Noel just gestured to her phone as he took a call of his own. "Try it."
Aika pulled out the sleek phone Grandfather had given her. Her hands shook slightly as she dialed. It was her first time calling someone in this world. As the line rang, she sat up straight, her heart hammering.
The call connected. "Grandfather? It's… it's Helena."
"I know, child," the old man's voice crackled over the line, warm yet authoritative. "Is everything okay?"
Aika cleared her throat, trying to sound casual. "Everything is fine. I just wanted to ask… did you really tell Noel to take me to the hospital for a checkup?"
There was a brief pause. "Yes," the Grandfather replied firmly. "It's just a routine checkup, Helena. Since your memories still haven't returned, I want to make sure you're truly okay. I already made the appointment myself."
"Oh… so you did say it," Aika muttered, her escape plan crumbling.
"Is there a problem?" the Grandfather asked. "Did Noel not tell you?"
"No, no problem! I was just… confirming," she said quickly.
"Have you had lunch yet?" the old man asked gently.
"Yes, I just finished," Aika replied. Then, out of a habit of respect from her old life, she added, "Have you had lunch yet, Grandfather?"
On the other end of the line, in a high-rise office, the Grandfather froze. He sat with a spoon halfway to his mouth, a rare, genuine smile spreading across his face. His assistant looked on in surprise as the old man's eyes softened.
"I'm eating right now, actually," he said warmly. "At my desk."
"Oh! Okay. Sorry to interrupt your meal!" Aika squeaked, a rush of embarrassment washing over her. "I'll let you get back to it."
"Is Noel around?" the Grandfather asked.
"Yes," Aika said, glancing over.
"Pass the phone to him. And Helena?" His voice softened. "You don't ever need to apologize to me. It's always okay to interrupt. Do you understand?"
Aika nodded, even though he couldn't see her. "Okay."
She held the phone out to Noel. He raised an eyebrow, looking surprised she was still on the line, but the moment he saw the name flashing on the screen—Grandfather—his expression immediately sharpened. He reached back and took the phone, his posture straightening instinctively.
After passing the phone, Aika tried to look indifferent, but her curiosity was killing her. She leaned in slightly, trying to catch whatever she could of the conversation.
On the other end, the Grandfather's voice was low but stern. "Noel, what is this? I never told you to set an appointment for Helena. Do not do anything again without informing me first. This is the only time I will go along with your lie, understood?"
He paused, his voice turning even more serious. "We will talk when you come home. For now, make sure she is safe and kept away from her father—and from Aron. Understood?"
"I understand. I'll make sure of it," Noel replied quietly.
Aika struggled to hear the rest, but it was useless. Noel had already lowered his voice, his face a mask of cold professionalism. When he finally ended the call and handed the phone back, Aika was left with more questions than answers.
The second the call ended, Aika snapped her head toward the window, pretending to be intensely interested in the passing scenery. She tried to look like she hadn't heard a single word—or even tried to.
The driver, watching the whole display through the rearview mirror, couldn't help but notice her very unsubtle attempts at looking innocent. To him, the usually poised Helena now seemed like a flustered child trying very hard to hide a secret.
Noel didn't say a word. He simply reached over and held out her phone. Aika took it without turning her head, her eyes still glued to the glass. He didn't call her out on her eavesdropping. He just settled back into his seat as the heavy silence of the car returned, and they sped toward the hospital.