CHAPTER 42: CALCULATE

–Damon–

It was still too early—just as I’d planned. I had time to check on the business while I was here in Korea, but honestly, nothing felt more important than this: snuggling with her until she drifted off to sleep. That used to be part of my delusional teenage fantasies. Back when love was an abstract dream. Now, it’s my reality—rare, fragile, and entirely mine. My wife.

She stirred beside me earlier, her body curling into itself, her breaths uneven. Menstruation. Huh. I don’t remember her getting it the last two months. We made love like lunatics the past few weeks, insatiable, desperate almost. So, it’s true then—she really is infertile.

And yet, she still needs an heir. That’s why she’s manipulating Damien. Trying to get him to sleep with her sister. I know it. But I don’t hold it against her. We all have our shadows, our quiet sins. In this empire, legacy matters more than anything. We do what we must to protect our bloodline.

Let the world sneer and whisper behind our backs. Let them say what they will. This is how things have always been—cold, calculated, old-fashioned. But in the privacy of my mind, I allow myself softer thoughts. I imagine small hands tugging at my sleeves, little voices calling me dad, daddy, papa. Children with her eyes. Her smile. I swore to God—I would destroy anyone who dared to hurt them.

"I’ll be going out, Jane," I said, pulling on my coat. "Watch over Livana. I think her cramps are bad today. Call me if there’s an emergency—or if the pain gets worse."

"Yes, sir." Jane bowed her head respectfully.

I grabbed my car keys and stepped out of the apartment. Down in the garage, I chose a car that wouldn’t draw attention. Something plain, forgettable. At the warehouse, the Blackwell men were already waiting. The shipment had arrived—drugs, smuggled goods. Profits in neat little boxes. I’d have it auctioned soon enough, then find another rare treasure to chase. This time, I was aiming for a hairpin—something ancient, delicate. Once worn by queens from the Joseon period. A true relic.

I imagined Livana’s face lighting up as her fingers brushed against it. The wonder in her smile. The way her lips would part just slightly in surprise. I couldn’t wait to watch her glow.

"Boss, I already made the reservation," my assistant informed me.

I nodded and stepped into the backseat. From a fourteen-inch tablet, I watched the live auction while one of my appraisers placed bids on my behalf. He knew what to do.

As we drove, we passed a pet shop. A blind man stepped out, led by a large dog on a leash. The animal walked with purpose, tail wagging, guiding its owner with quiet confidence.

"Stop the car."

The driver pulled over.

I watched, silent, as the man and his dog made their way to another store. The bond was obvious, wordless. Loyal.

"Find a dog like that," I murmured. "Big. Strong. One that can guide and protect Livana."

My driver nodded, understanding. We pulled away slowly, and I glanced back through the rearview mirror, watching the dog wag its tail as it looked up lovingly at its master.

I should’ve thought of that sooner. But the truth is—I want to be there for her. Always. I want her to rely on me, and need me. But I can’t always be at her side. I have responsibilities. An empire doesn’t run itself.

With the elections approaching, I need to assess my pieces. Decide who’s worth backing. Who will serve me best in the long run.

Back on the tablet, the auction was heating up. The hairpin finally appeared on screen, glinting under the soft light. My appraiser spoke into the earpiece, detailing the rising bids. The competition was fierce.

I didn’t care. Not one bit. Let it cost ten times what it’s worth. I’ll outbid them all.

It’s for her. Always for her.

–Laura–

I stretched my arms above my head, casting a lazy glance at my best friend—who now happened to be my fake boyfriend. I wonder if he’ll ever change that label between us, or if we’re forever stuck at fucking friends. Romantic, huh?

I slipped into the bathroom and freshened up, making sure to wash down there before heading to the drawer. Time to find that pill. But I paused—there was a condom sitting inside. Not just that—there were pins too. Weird.

I pulled it out, inspecting it under the light. One by one, I checked the wrappers, noticing careful little punctures. I nearly burst out laughing. Subtle. Real subtle. Either Livana or Damien was trying to get someone knocked up.

I tossed the sabotaged condom in the trash and continued getting ready. Hair fixed. Sunscreen, check. Lipstick, done. That’s all I needed. I leaned over the bed and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. He didn’t even stir. Probably exhausted—from me. I did seduce him, after all.

I sighed. Funny how long it took us to cross this line. I’ve always thought about him. Always felt safe. Comfortable. Like I could scream at the world, be completely wrong, and he’d still take my side.

I grabbed my phone and purse, heading out. Kai was waiting downstairs, yawning like a sleepy cat.

"I’ll escort you now," he mumbled.

I raised an eyebrow. "Tell me—did Damon hire you as my bodyguard?"

"Nah. Your sister did." He yawned again as I followed him down the stairs.

"So," he started casually, "how long have you and Damien been fucking?"

"Just a few days ago," I replied with a shrug.

"Using contraceptives?"

"Yeah." Another shrug. The lie rolled off my tongue with ease.

He glanced at me. "He doesn’t like kids."

I frowned. I like kids. I’m actually trying to get pregnant and blame it on Damien—just to see his reaction. For the fun of it. And because I know Livana’s practically forcing him to impregnate me. It’s hilarious, honestly.

Livana and I—we’re the same. Always playing in each other’s lives like it’s a chessboard. But she’s the queen, and I’m still a pawn most of the time. She’s always a step ahead. Still, now that we’re on our own—no more Carringtons or Braxtons backing us—we need to build something new. Something ours. For our mother’s memory.

Neither of us cares if the father’s a Blackwell. Damien might be a bastard, but he’s the best bastard among all the bastards.

"No," I said, changing my answer smoothly. "He does like kids."

Kai gave me a suspicious squint. "You know~~"

"I know."

I do know. I know Damien’s a bastard, born from scandal and raised with scorn. But they kept him. Fed him. Give him a name. Even if his brothers abused him. Even if his father barely acknowledged him. Damon’s the only one who ever treated him like he mattered. And when Damon’s around, no one dares to touch him.

Damon told me once that Damien was the smartest of all of them—the most useful. Of course, they starved him when they could. Cut off his lunch account just to humiliate him. But I was there. I saved him. Damon treated him.

Not out of pity.

Because I liked him. I’ve always liked him. He had this twisted cheerfulness behind all those scars. And I hated those scars. Hated seeing him limping into class after one of his brothers beat him up.

"He likes kids," I said, softer this time. "He’s just scared of being like them."

Kai hummed in response, opening the backseat door. I slid in while he took the wheel, adjusting the mirror and setting up the car.

"So... wedding?" he asked, stepping on the gas.

I tilted my head. "Hmm. I don’t know. You think he’ll propose?"

Kai laughed. "Totally. He’s crazy about you."

"Really?" I arched my brow.

He chuckled—like he knew something.

"Tell me, Kai."

He let out a dramatic sigh and shook his head.

"One thousand dollars," I said, grinning as I pulled out my wallet.

Still shaking his head.

I raised the stakes. Pulled out three more. "This better be good, Kai. Or I swear—you’ll wake up bald."

He took the bills with a smirk, slipping them into his pocket.

"He told me once about a ’Goddess of the Forest.’ Said she came after the hunters, shot arrows near their feet, and saved an outcast wolf. He said he’s going to marry her."

My brows furrowed. "Correct me if I’m wrong... but are you telling me I’m the goddess? The one who handmade arrows and shot his abusive brothers to scare them off? And the outcast wolf... is Damien? Did he seriously vow to marry me after that?"

Kai shrugged. "He didn’t mention a name. Just said ’The Goddess of the Forest.’"

"Oh," I nodded slowly. "You better hope that story holds up. Because I wasn’t the only one who saved him. Damien helped himself. Livana helped too."

"Hmm." He shrugged again, this time more cautiously.

It’s a good thing that I didn’t wake up in the wrong bed. Because if I did, I swear—I’d punch him right in the face while he’s driving.