The Devil Doesn't Bargain | Daerin

9 | Fragile Hearts

𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐎𝐕

I look up at my new home, smiling sheepishly. My life with Haerin will start here.

Haerin opens the door, and I step inside, carrying a box filled with my favorite books.

I'm going to be a housewife as long as I live with her. I can't wait to spend more time reading and finishing what I couldn't when I worked.

The penthouse is smaller than I imagined, but it's well-equipped and perfect for both of us. The walls are painted a soothing cream color. The furniture is modern and sleek, giving the space a luxurious yet cozy feel.

I place the box of books down and start unpacking. My chest tightens with each movement.

I gasp, clutching my chest for a moment. I try to steady my breathing until it gets better, but it seems futile.

I get up and walk to the front door, where I see Haerin already gathering boxes. I take one that belongs to me and come inside, but the familiar pain returns, stronger this time.

"Unnie, what took you so long?" Haerin's cold voice snaps me back to reality.

She takes the box from my hands effortlessly, her face showing impatience.

"Nothing," I mumble, feeling the weight of her gaze on me.

"Are you okay or not? You can't even carry the lightest thing," she remarks as she walks away.

I grit my teeth. The lightest thing? Is she kidding me? Her words sting, but I don't have the energy to be mad.

I head back to the door, but the pain lingers. Haerin walks past me, carrying another heavy box. She stops in her tracks and gives me a sharp look.

"What's wrong with you?" she asks harshly.

"Nothing," I reply, looking down.

"Just sit. Let me carry all of this," she states before walking away.

How can she manage all this? There are so many things to move!

I try to help again, but as I grab another box, Haerin returns with a piercing glare. She takes the box from my hands as if it weighs nothing.

"Seriously, unnie. You do not want to know what will happen if you don't listen to me," she threatens, her tone sending a chill down my spine.

Haerin can be scary sometimes, but this is the first time she's been this scary.

She scoffs before walking away, leaving me dumbfounded.

Just then, I remember something crucial and panic, running to my car.

"Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry," I whisper as I see Mittens waiting in her carrier in the backseat.

I bring Mittens inside, smiling as she meows and turns in the carrier. Haerin appears again. When she sees Mittens, her expression turns furious.

"What are you doing?" she asks in that cold tone again.

I gulp, quickly placing the carrier down and releasing Mittens into my arms. My cat snuggles close to me in return.

"This is my cat, her name is Mittens," I explain with a smile.

"I don't want any pets here, sunshine. Get rid of it by tomorrow morning," she orders coldly, wiping my smile away.