Chapter 3: Family Bonding
The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Ren's office, casting a warm glow on the sleek, mahogany desk that dominated the space. The room was a testament to Ren's success, filled with the hum of expensive equipment and the faint scent of fresh coffee. Ren sat behind his desk, his fingers drumming a soft rhythm on the polished wood, his mind elsewhere . The door to his office swung open, and in walked Ava, his younger sister, a steaming cup of coffee in her hand.
"Morning, big brother," she chirped, placing the coffee on his desk with a smile. "I thought you could use this."
Ren looked up, his eyes meeting hers. "Thanks, Ave. You're up early."
She shrugged, taking a seat across from him. "Couldn't sleep. Too excited about my first day as a real, honest-to-goodness architect."
Ren smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Well, don't get too comfortable.
You're still the new kid on the block," Ren teased, taking a sip of his coffee. Ava rolled her eyes, but her smile remained.
"Oh, come on. You can't stay gruff and distant forever. I know you're happy to have me here," she said, her eyes softening. Ren sighed, setting his coffee down.
"I am, Ave. I really am. It's just...you know how I get. I like to keep things professional at work," he explained, running a hand through his hair. Ava nodded, understanding.
"I get it. But you can relax around me, Ren.
I'm family," Ava said, her voice gentle. Ren's eyes softened at the word 'family'. He'd always been protective of Ava , even when they were kids. Let me prove to you that I can handle working here, with you," Ava said, her eyes pleading.
Ren took a deep breath, considering her words. He knew Ava was capable, and he trusted her. But he also knew that having her here would make things...complicated.
But he also knew that he couldn't keep treating Ava like a child forever. She was a grown woman now, and she deserved his respect and trust.
"Alright, Ave. I'll give you a chance to prove yourself," Ren said, a small smile playing on his lips. "But don't think this means I'll go easy on you. You'll have to earn your keep just like everyone else."
Ava beamed, her eyes lighting up. "I wouldn't expect anything less, big brother.
And I promise, I won't disappoint," Ava said, her voice filled with determination. Just then, the door to Ren's office swung open, and in walked Lily, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on Ren. She froze, her eyes widening in surprise as she took in the sight of Ava sitting across from him.
"Lily, good morning," Ren said, his voice casual as he gestured to Ava. "You remember my sister, Ava?"
Lily blinked, her eyes flicking between Ren and Ava. "Oh, of course. Hi, Ava.
It's been a while," Lily said, her voice slightly stiff as she extended a hand towards Ava. Ava grinned, standing up to shake Lily's hand firmly.
"Nice to see you again, Lily. It's been ages," Ava replied, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. She'd heard about Lily from Ren, but this was the first time they were meeting, Ava teasing "So you and my brother are dating so umm... i would like if I'm gonna to be an auntie one day right? " Ava teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief. Lily's face flushed, her eyes darting to Ren, who seemed just as taken aback by Ava's boldness. "Ava, that's none of your business," Ren warned, his voice stern. But Ava just laughed, waving him off. "Oh, come on, Ren. Don't be such a prude. I'm just saying, it would be nice to have some little cousins running around." Lily cleared her throat, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her blouse.
"Well, Ava, it's...it's complicated with Ren and me. We're...friends. Close friends," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Ava raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "Friends with benefits, come on dont lie you two had already made it official right" she asked, her voice laced with amusement, Ava started sarcastically remarks of Ren confessing ti Lily"Ohh... Lily fucking you feel right i wanted to be with you forever" Ava becoming more and more dramatic. Ren rolled his eyes, a smirk playing on his lips. "Ava, really? You're embarrassing Lily," he said, his voice laced with amusement. Ava just shrugged, nonchalant. "What? I'm just saying what everyone's thinking. You two are practically married already, just without the ring and the boring dinner parties." Lily blushed, her eyes darting to Ren, who seemed to be holding back a laugh. "Ava, that's enough. We've talked about this before. Lily and I are happy with the way things are," Ren said, his voice firm but gentle.
"We don't need to put a label on it or rush into anything." Ava sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes. "Fine, fine. I won't push the issue. For now," she added with a wink. "But mark my words, big brother. I'm going to make the best damn architect this firm has ever seen, and when I do, you're going to have to take me seriously." Ren chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "I have no doubt about that, Ave. Now, let's get to work.
I've got a mountain of paperwork to get through, and I don't want to be here all night," Ren said, his eyes flicking to Lily. "You can start by helping me with these blueprints. Ava, I want you to familiarize yourself with our current projects. I'll have Maria show you where everything is." Ava nodded, a determined look in her eyes. "You got it, boss." Lily walked over to Ren's desk, her hips swaying slightly, a small smile playing on her lips.
She bent down to pick up the roll of blueprints, giving Ren a clear view of her cleavage. He swallowed hard, trying to ignore the sudden tightening in his pants. "You know, I've always found it incredibly sexy when you talk about work," Lily said, her voice low and sultry. "Oh, really?" Ren replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "And why is that?" Lily smirked, straightening up and meeting his gaze. "Because it shows how passionate you are about what you do.
And that passion is...infectious," Lily said, her eyes never leaving Ren's. She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "It makes me want to help you in other ways, too."
Ren's breath hitched as Lily's hand grazed his thigh, her fingers dangerously close to his growing erection. He cleared his throat, trying to maintain his composure. "Lily, we can't. Not here. Not with Ava just outside," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"What are you talking about Ren, do you believe I'm that desperate but you should know when we get home i will make sure you'll regret turning me down right now" She whispered, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Ren's eyes widened, his jaw clenched, and a low growl escaped his throat. "Is that a challenge, Lily?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous.
Lily smirked, her eyes never leaving his. "Maybe it is. Or maybe it's just a promise darling," she said, her voice sultry as she leave to do the work.
Ren's swearing to god "Goddammit, i love my girlfriend so much , he thought to himself, as he watched Lily walk away, her hips swaying slightly, leaving him with a raging hard-on and a mind full of dirty thoughts. He took a deep breath, trying to compose himself before turning his attention back to Ava.
"Alright, Ave. Let's get started. I want you to go through these blueprints and familiarize yourself with the layout of the building. We're going to be working on the final touches today," Ren said, his voice professional once again. Ava nodded, eagerly unrolling the blueprints on the desk.
"Sounds good, boss.
I'm ready when you are," Ava replied, her eyes scanning the blueprints intently. Ren nodded, appreciative of her focus. He turned to Lily, who was organizing the files on his desk, her back to them. "Lily, I need you to work with Ava today. Show her the ropes, answer any questions she has," Ren said, his voice casual. Lily turned around, a small smile playing on her lips. "Of course, Ren. I'd be happy to help," she said, her eyes flicking to Ava.
"I'm sure we'll make a great team." Ava grinned, looking up from the blueprints. "I'd like that, Lily. Thanks." Ren stood up, buttoning his suit jacket. "Alright, I've got a meeting with the clients in a few minutes. You two start without me. I'll catch up later." Lily nodded, watching as Ren walked out of the office, his confident stride eating up the distance. She turned her attention back to Ava, who was already deep in thought, her fingers tracing the lines of the blueprints.
"So, Ava, what do you think of the design so far?" Lily asked, her voice casual as she leaned against the desk, her eyes never leaving Ava's. Ava looked up, her eyes meeting Lily's. "It's good. Really good. Ren's always had a knack for this," she said, her voice filled with pride. "But I think there's something missing. I can't quite put my finger on it," Ava added, her brow furrowing in concentration. Lily smiled, pushing off from the desk and walking around to stand beside Ava.
She leaned over, her eyes scanning the blueprints alongside Ava's. "Well, let's figure it out together, then," she said, her voice encouraging. "Sometimes, a fresh pair of eyes can make all the difference."
Ava looked up at Lily, appreciative. "Thanks, Lily. I appreciate your help," she said, her voice sincere. Lily just smiled, her eyes twinkling. "That's what friends are for, right?"
As they bent their heads together, their fingers tracing the lines of the blueprints, Ren walked back into the office, a stack of files in his arms.
He paused, taking in the sight of Lily and Ava, their heads close together, their laughter filling the room. A small smile played on his lips as he set the files down on his desk.
"Looks like you two are getting along just fine," he commented, walking around to stand behind his chair. Lily looked up, her eyes meeting Ren's. "Oh, we are. Ava's got some great ideas. I think she's really going to bring something fresh to the team," she said, her voice filled with enthusiasm. Ava blushed at the compliment, her eyes flicking to Ren.
That means a lot," she said, her voice soft. Ren nodded, his eyes warm as he looked at his sister. "She's right, Ave. You've got a great eye for detail. I've been impressed with your work so far," he said, his voice sincere. Ava beamed, her chest puffing up with pride. "Thanks, Ren. That means a lot coming from you," she replied, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. Ren gestured to the blueprints, his eyes scanning the lines and measurements. "So, what do you think we can improve on?
I'm all ears," Ren said, pulling up a chair to join them at the desk. Lily and Ava exchanged a glance, a silent conversation passing between them. It was Lily who spoke up first, her finger tracing a line on the blueprint.
"I think the flow of the entrance could be better. Right now, it's a bit too cramped, and I'm worried it might bottleneck during peak hours," she said, her voice thoughtful. "I agree," Ava chimed in, her eyes scanning the blueprint. "And I think we could use a bit more natural light in the lobby.
Maybe add a skylight or some larger windows?" Ava suggested, her brows furrowed in concentration. Ren nodded, considering their points. "Those are both valid concerns. I've been so focused on the structural aspects that I might have overlooked some of the finer details," he admitted, leaning back in his chair. "Well, that's what we're here for, isn't it?" Lily said, nudging Ava playfully. "To make sure your masterpiece is absolutely perfect." Ren chuckled, appreciative of their input. "Alright, let's brainstorm some solutions.
I want to hear all your ideas, no matter how big or small," Ren said, his eyes scanning the blueprints, his mind already racing with possibilities.
As the three of them huddled over the desk, their heads bent together, they began to discuss different design elements. Lily suggested a more open floor plan for the entrance, while Ava argued for a grand staircase to make a statement. Ren listened intently, his eyes flicking between the two women, a small smile playing on his lips.
He loved seeing them so animated, their faces lit up with excitement as they discussed their ideas. It had been a long time since he'd seen Ava this passionate about anything, and it warmed his heart to see her thriving in her new role.
"Alright, let's not forget about functionality," Ren interjected, his voice thoughtful. "We need to make sure that whatever changes we make, they won't compromise the building's integrity or pose any safety hazards."
Lily nodded, her eyes determined. "Of course.
Safety is always our top priority," Lily agreed, her eyes reflecting Ren's concern. She looked at Ava, who was already sketching modifications on a separate sheet of paper. "Right, Ave?"
Ava nodded, her tongue peeking out slightly as she concentrated. "Absolutely. I don't want any little kids running around and falling through a faulty staircase, do I?" she teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
Ren chuckled, shaking his head. "Always the comedian, aren't you, Ave?"
Ava grinned, unapologetic.