He barely had time to react before the first door opened.
Emily Lawson stepped in—sun dress, soft curls, a sweet smile that almost cracked when her eyes locked on his.
"...Ren?"
He blinked. Don't react. Don't remember.
"Uh… hi," he said, voice slow. "Have we… met?"
Her lips parted, but no words came. Then she smiled—tightly—and walked past him without another word.
Door two opened.
Brooke Maddox marched in like a storm, short hair, denim jacket, and a glare sharp enough to draw blood.
"You've got to be kidding me," she muttered.
Ren gave a hesitant nod. "Hey."
"Hey?" she scoffed. "That's what you open with? After everything?"
"I… sorry. I'm trying to remember."
Her mouth dropped open. Then shut. Then opened again.
"You don't remember me?"
"…No."
For a moment, Ren swore she looked heartbroken. Then her hands went to her hips and she laughed.
"Oh, this is gonna be fun."
Door three slid open.
Vanessa Crowe. Grace in heels. Long black hair. Poised like royalty. She didn't smile—she observed.
"Hello, Ren," she said smoothly.
He hesitated. "Uh… hi."
She tilted her head.
"Do you know my name?"
"…I don't."
Her smile widened just enough to make his skin crawl.
"Good," she said. "Let's start over, then."
Door four. Silence. Then a hesitant step.
Ivy Brooks peeked in, wearing oversized sleeves, eyes darting like she wanted to disappear.
She opened her mouth. Closed it. Then whispered, "Hi."
Ren tried to smile.
"I'm sorry. I… don't know you."
"…I know," she said softly, and walked past him like a ghost.
Door five. A click of heels.
Naomi Sinclair entered like she owned the mansion. Clean suit, unreadable expression.
She stopped in front of him.
"So," she said flatly. "We're pretending, huh?"
Ren's chest tightened.
"…Pretending?"
She leaned in close. Whispered just loud enough for the cameras to barely miss it.
"You're either a damn good actor… or they rewired your brain."
She stepped back, smiled for the cameras, and walked past him like she hadn't just stabbed his soul.
Ren took a shaky breath.
Five girls. Five reactions. Five different kinds of pain.
And something told him this was only the first wave.
The host's voice rang out again:
"And that concludes today's premiere. But remember—this season is full of surprises. More contestants may arrive… whenever we feel like it."
The lights dimmed slightly. Doors closed. The girls were left to explore the mansion… and him.
Ren stood frozen.
He'd forgotten how heavy memories could feel—even when you weren't supposed to have them.