The Devil Doesn't Bargain | Daerin

8 | Entwined in Deception

𝐇𝐚𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐎𝐕

"Who could've thought, out of everyone in this world, your future wife is actually the girl who works here—my crush's best friend? I've known her for as long as I've been coming here. She's always kind and sweet to all the customers. What a coincidence, Hae," Minji says with amusement as she props her chin on her palm, gazing out of the café window.

I frown, focusing on the chessboard between us. It's my turn, and she has opened with the London System—the only opening she knows. I'm down in time by about a minute.

"You never knew her name was Danielle Marsh?" I mutter, moving a pawn forward.

Minji chuckles, shaking her head. "I only knew her last name, Marsh. But I always call her Miss or Miss Marsh, never by her first name. I was always so focused on Hanni that I almost forgot about her."

"You better," I shoot her a sharp look.

She smirks, shrugging before turning back to the board, quickly replying to my move and pressing the clock.

The moment Minji called Danielle 'sweetie,' something stirred in me. I hate the thought of anyone else loving her, especially someone beneath her. But I also don't want to love her myself.

She deserves better than everyone around her, but I don't want to be the one to love her.

What's wrong with me? It can't be jealousy.

No.

"Seriously, Hae? You're giving up your queen?" Minji asks, amused, snapping me back to reality from my train of thought.

I watch as Minji takes my queen with a knight. I huff, realizing I've been moving my pieces on autopilot, my mind elsewhere.

Focus, Haerin.

"You know what? The last time I came here, I remember a guy was harassing your fiancée."

My eyes snap to her, my interest piqued. "Who?"

Minji's expression turns serious. "I'm not sure what his name is, but that guy really made a fuss. He was shouting Danielle's name and grabbed her wrist. I had to step in and threaten to call the police if he didn't leave. What a fucking motherfucker."

A surge of anger flares within me, but I keep my expression neutral. That motherfucker must be none other than Danielle's ex. Fuck, I don't even know his name yet.

"That must be Danielle's ex," I say, carefully planning my attack on the board.

"You think so?"

"I saw him with Danielle last night after she finished her closing shift. They were hugging and crying." My voice steady, but inside I'm seething.

Minji scoffs. "That asshole must be abusive to her. Hurting her physically and mentally, then apologizing like it's nothing."

I focus ahead, my mind flooded with thoughts, but I notice Minji made a slip mistake here.

It's checkmate in five.

I grab the pawn protecting the king with my bishop without hesitation, leaving Minji stunned for a moment.

Memories of our one-night stand with Danielle flood back—how I noticed bruises on her body, covered up with makeup. Bruises I didn't question then, but now...

Minji responds, moving her king to capture my bishop. But it's useless. "He's bad news. You should keep an eye on him."

I move my knight, checking the king. "I'll take care of him later, but for now I want to focus on Danielle."