[Sim Daegwang]

If anyone thinks Durlene has confused me enough, they must be unaware of the fact that she isn't the only one who has approached me. To make it easy: Saejeong has begun flirting with me lately. She wants me to put a ring on her because Himchan won't.

I don't want to lose what my siblings and I are expect to access rightfully after proving to deserve it because of some twisted schemes that are meant to favor Eunil and his side of the family. They're shady to say the least. Chances Saejeong would make her outrageous offer to him are below zero. This is why she'd rather come to me and Himchan: to her, we're far better assets.

I'm not surprised she is the one to invite me for a drink. She knows when to play the damsel in distress card, but this is not the case. When she has to make enticing offers, she wants to make the first and the last move.

"You look upset," she points out. I try to brush her off, but she doesn't listen. "I can tell you need some good company. And I think I have the perfect solution." I don't like her tone. I know she has ulterior motives, but she's going too far.

She extracts a small case from her bag. Given how small it is, there has to be a ring inside it. My point is correct. She opens the box and what seems to be a ruby or a garnet shines on yellow gold. I try to convince myself she just wants to practice having someone else putting the ring on her.

"Look, it has to be the most precious jewel I've seen in your life," she says, flaunting her pride in the prized possession. Instead of asking me to do that move as I expect, she directly gifts it to me.

I hesitate, struggling to keep my composure. "Th-thank you, I-I guess..."

"I've heard there's a woman that has kept you in her thoughts for a little bit. You may want to save this ring for her." Is she talking about Durlene? How does she know her? No, her having psychic powers isn't a realistic option. There has to be something more. They must've crossed paths before.

I share my thoughts with Saejeong. "Yes... There is indeed someone who has got close to me overtime. Durlene Horsley. Do you know her?"

She scoffs. "Of course! Who hasn't heard of the best performer at The Stranger? Doesn't she share performance videos with you? That's weird as fuck." It took me a long time to realize what she'd do at that club, but Saejeong openly vouching for her sounds strange to me.

"Daegwang, listen, you don't have to give it to her straight away. Wait until the right time comes." She stands up and looks for staff to ask for and pay the bill. Why is she in a rush?

"You have to go already... for real?"

"Yeah, I have some unattended business left." I don't know what she means, but I'm not sure if I can ask. Fortunately, she continues. "Yeah, with Angelina Hartman. That sucker and her mob owe me money. No-one fucks with me when it comes to cash."

For the first time ever, I side with Saejeong. Angelina is nothing but trouble, and what happened with Durlene is enough for me to know that bitch has to be stopped.

***

Himchan comes at my place with important news. Loads of it. "First all, brother, I'm happy that Saejeong backed down on asking you out—she directly told me."

"How so?"

"She texted me. You know she has my number, doofus."

"Sorry."

"Anyway, I have an important update about the paternity test. It's 100% a dupe. The police sent me the results at home." This means things with Blythe are sorted, hopefully. That is, if she realizes she deserves to be happy with someone who trusts her for real and doesn't expect her to fit in a certain mold.

"Before you celebrate, Daegwang, know that Ryan is still adamant the test is true. He still thinks you and Blythe have an affair or shit like that." He's dead wrong. Why should I even pursue her? We're only friends. That man is toxic to her. If she doesn't divorce him, I'll slap her into sense. Metaphorically—I'm not a violent person.

Himchan continues. "She has had enough of his jealousy and controlling demeanor, anyway. He isn't even a good fit to be a father."

"How so?"

"I saw them by chance at a park with their kids. That psycho was yelling at the girls. Poor Blythe was so embarrassed that I had to intervene." Knowing my brother, he must've punched that asshole's face to stop him. Still, I have a feeling he didn't because, otherwise, he would be the one landing in trouble, not Ryan.

"I think I've heard enough on that jerk," I say, wanting to put an end to drama and legal troubles. I don't even care about who was mean enough to create a false paternity test to get me in trouble. I just want to spend some peaceful quality time with my loved ones.

"Oh, wait. There's more you need to know."

I groan in frustration. "Again?"

"Do you know Angelina Hartman? That cyberwrecker from Instagram?" I nod. I really hope Saejeong made her pay her dues without showing any leniency. I feel beaming inside when Himchan pronounces the next sentence. "Well, she got arrested on count of numerous online crimes, as well as passing bad checks over unpaid debt."

"Her creditors must be throwing a party out of relief. Especially Saejeong."

"You can say that out loud, Daegwang. As a matter of fact, Saejeong is the one who got that bitch and her scummy friends behind bars." It's the first time I hear Himchan talk about Saejeong on a positive note. He's known to despise her greatly. Either she has filled his mind with sweet talk and is ready to backstab him again, or she has truly realized her ways need to change.

I wonder if she got Angelina arrested for personal motives or to restore justice for Durlene and the other people affected.

Himchan isn't done. He has one more piece of information to share. "One of Angelina's friends is an associate to Eunil. They collaborated to create the fake paternity test."

I can feel blood boiling in my veins. I should've been aware our cousin would stoop so low as part of his plot for the inheritance. While I did know it wouldn't be an innocent joke, the last thing I expected is Eunil being directly involved in that outrageous move. He acted out of payback, but he put Blythe in danger.

"That fucker. If I see him-"

My brother cuts me off. "Let's not be impulsive, Daegwang. Justice will do its part and we'll be at peace at last."

"You're right. So, what do we do? Shall we brief Blythe on the investigation?"

"Not yet. Let's wait a little bit. For now, we can spend a nice evening together, like the good old times."

"Deal."

"So, do you choose?" I nod at his question. I'm happy not to feel heavy burdens on my shoulders anymore. This night would be perfect if Seju were here with us, as well, but for now, having Himchan next to me means a lot to me. If there's one certainty I'll never lose, that's counting on him or Seju when I'm in need.