CHAPTER 190: TO LOVE

–Jane–

Going out with David, Wally, and Logan felt like a small break I didn’t know I actually deserved. I have money—more than enough, honestly. Livana keeps sending me pocket money and daily allowances, and I didn’t expect that much. I already receive allowances and a salary from Damon’s side, which is more than sufficient. With both combined, my savings practically doubled overnight.

I make sure to invest it properly. Save it. Secure it. I’ve been broke before, living paycheck to paycheck, counting coins just to survive. Now? The work isn’t physically hard... it’s just heavy on the heart. Knowing things that can hollow someone out if they aren’t built to carry them—that’s the weight.

"Have you ever worn a kimono?" David asked as his arm hooked with mine like he was escorting me, proudly parading me around like his muse.

"Hmm. Nope."

"There’s a festival tonight, so I think we need to dress up for that," Wally chimed in, already wandering toward stalls filled with delicate hair clips. He bought the kind made of real gemstones. He’s oddly thoughtful toward the girls who serve him.

People would misunderstand if they didn’t know better. It’s their job. Nothing illegal. And they’re Yakuza—not the stereotype outsiders assume. They aren’t treated like trash. These boys protect them. Respect them. It’s something I’m... relieved to witness.

We headed to a tailor and bought what we needed. It was my first time wearing a kimono. They gave me two—one with sakura flowers, and another in lavender. They even provided the right hairpins. I didn’t know how to dress myself in it. I stared blankly at the hand extending a silver hairpin toward me—thin pearl strands dangling from a small cherry blossom ornament.

"Aa, ii jan! Sakura no kimono to meccha niaiso," the assistant said kindly, complimenting me.

"Thank you," I replied to Logan, who had apparently been the one to hand it to her. Then he wandered off like he had other missions to attend to. Strange man.

"Ano wakai ko, anata no kareshi na no?" That young guy — is he your boyfriend? she asked, and I blinked, startled.

"Sorry?" I chuckled faintly—more out of confusion than amusement. "No."

She finished fixing my hair as I faced the mirror. I looked... decent. Neat.

"Hey, gorgeous," David approached with more kimonos. "These are for you — and the hairpin!" He looked way too excited.

"Why are you buying so much? I only need one."

"You can wear it at home," he winked, like that explained anything. I sighed. They were buying too much. "Winter’s coming. It’ll look perfect for winter," he added smugly.

"I’m tired of the three of you acting like children," I muttered, almost deadpan. David just laughed.

We left the store and returned to the villa. Preparations were underway—lanterns, chatter, fireworks in the distance. Crowds. A lot of people. Normally I would avoid gatherings like that—too many blind spots, too many killers with too much ambition. But... I also want to enjoy myself. Just a little.

I don’t have a bulletproof vest or even a thin protective suit on me. Livana used to wear them casually, like second skin. It’s easy to forget she lives in the same crosshairs I do.

Sharp knocks on the door interrupted my thoughts. No warning. The door opened. Reflex took over. I grabbed the hairpin and launched it without hesitation. Logan caught it—effortlessly.

"Oh? Isn’t this the one I gave you?" he smirked before tossing something else at me. A suit—thin, metallic fabric woven like silk, but heavy in my hands. "Wear that tonight."

He winked like he was teasing lingerie on me. It was... uncomfortable.

A cat slipped into the room, meowing at him. He crouched and scratched its head without getting mauled this time. Strange. Usually, that cat is feral. Maybe Logan smells like something it remembers.

"Hey, Moon." He greeted me—not the cat. The cat’s tail flicked upward as it came to my side, brushing against me. "I think that cat likes you a lot," he said before straightening. "Get ready. We leave in two hours." Then he was gone.

I sighed, sitting on the floor as I stroked the cat’s soft fur. A small, quiet comfort.

My phone rang—a familiar tone. Livana. I answered.

"Hello, Jane."

"Your Highness," I acknowledged flatly.

"Are you enjoying Japan so far?"

"Hmm. It’s not bad."

"Good. Logan updated your schedule. Besides securing the projects, I want you to protect the creator. They’ll be after him soon. Also... I think the execution will be earlier than expected. They’re targeting my husband."

A long silence built inside my ribs. The only reason I agreed to Livana’s plan was Damon—and his family. If they’re after her husband, then the entire family is exposed. Which means David... and me.

David is not Damon. Damon survives war. David survives privilege.

"I understand. We’ll be going to the festival."

"Enjoy," she giggled softly. "Also... can you be my baby’s godmother?"

My eyes widened. A strange hit to the chest. I’ve never been anyone’s godmother. Why me? I’m just the shadow moving work for her husband.

"Oh... of course."

"I’m counting on you. And rest when you can, not just work."

"Thank you," I replied, monotone as ever, while Livana’s voice—gentle but absolute—lingered like command and warmth fused together. The call ended. My stomach twisted. Not because of the title she gave me... but because of the execution looming behind her words.

She isn’t doing this for herself.

She’s doing it to save everyone else.

–Laura–

My sister is acting really strange now. She kept staring at her husband when he turned away. I think she’s starting to fall in love with Damon. She can drop the act anytime — I just don’t know when she’ll actually do it.

"Can you hold Zayvier for me?" I asked, placing him on her arm as he casually snuggled against her. I picked up my daughter from the crib and sat next to her. Damon left the room with a phone pressed to his ear, leaving just the two of us.

"So... are you finally in love with your husband?" I teased.

"Hmm?"

"Come on, that look."

"There’s a lot in my mind right now — and in love?" Livana sounded genuinely confused. "I don’t know, Laura." She gently kissed Zayvier’s forehead. "But I am sure that I will protect all of you."

That line worried me. When she talks like that... it scares me. What is she planning?

"Laura," she muttered quietly. "When I’m gone, please take care of my baby like your own. It’s better that you know nothing."

My heart dropped. I know what she’s thinking. Or at least I think I do. Is she planning on leaving?

The door opened again and Damon’s voice broke the moment.

"Hey, girls. Snacks are ready." He grabbed some documents, then approached us. He kissed his wife at the temple. "I have to leave," he muttered. "I’ll be back late."

"Hmm, take care." He lifted her chin to kiss it, then placed a hand over her protruding stomach before leaving quickly.

I sighed and looked at my sister.

"I dreamed of Mom again," she murmured. "I must have been thinking about her a lot."

I smiled softly and looked at my little princess.

"Me too. I heard her calling me ’princess.’ Now I have my own little princess."

"The second hearing is just around the corner. Stepmother might escape — depending on who’s backing her."

"Hmm?" I blinked at her.

"It’s better you know less, sis. Focus on yourself, the twins, and the company," she said gently.

She’s just like Mom. I’m scared she’ll become like Mom.

The door opened again as Damien pushed in a dining cart full of snacks. He grinned at me.

"We have empanada and toasted siopao. Also, some fine refreshments from the lemon tree in the backyard."

"That’s Mom’s lemons. She buried dead bodies as fertilizer," Livana said casually — and Damien froze.

I burst out laughing and shook my head.

"Our first cat died," I clarified.

"That didn’t make me feel any better," he scoffed. "Damn it."

"Love, come on. It’s just a joke. The lemons taste great. Also, you don’t bury dead bodies in the mansion," I reassured him — but Livana had other plans.

"We bury them somewhere else," she added flatly.

I glared at her.

I stood up and placed my little princess back in the crib, then took Zayvier from Livana and laid him down beside his sister.

"Let’s eat," I said, clapping my hands — but when my sister stood up, she winced and grabbed her stomach.

"Liva?" I called, panic rising.

"Ow..." she muttered.

Damien didn’t hesitate — he bolted out the door to call someone. I hurried to her as she lifted her dress slightly to check underneath.

"Bleeding?" My eyes widened. "Damien!!" I screamed.

He rushed back in, scooped her into his arms, and carried her out. I tried to follow — but I turned back and saw my twins.

"I got her, love. Watch the twins," Damien called over his shoulder.

My chest was hammered.

I grabbed my phone and called Damon — but his line was busy, so I left him a frantic message. Then I called Dr. Green. I don’t care what she’s doing — this is urgent.

She picked up.

"Dr. Green, we’re taking Livana to the nearest hospital — she’s bleeding!" I blurted.

"Got it."

One of my babies started crying — Zendy, judging by the sound — so I rushed to lift her and gently hush her. But my whole body was shaking. I wanted to run after my sister — to be there — but...

I can’t leave my babies.