The Devil Doesn't Bargain | Daerin

10 | Break Me Into Pieces

𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐎𝐕

I sit in the college café, clutching my warm cup of tea. My mind racing with the events of the past few days.

Haerin is still cold with me, sometimes so distant it feels like we're strangers. But at least she doesn't force me to cook anymore.

I once found her burning an egg, which was actually funny, but I couldn't bring myself to laugh. I wonder what it's like to share genuine happy moments with her. She's my wife, after all.

Hanni, dressed in her blue scrubs and white lab coat, sits across from me. Her brow furrowed in concern. She had just finished her surgery training and is now on a break.

Ever since I stopped working, she doesn't have to accompany me to work anymore. I feel a little guilty for leaving her alone at our rented house, but overall she seems fine.

"You won't believe what happened," I start the conversation.

Hanni stops as she's about to sip her coffee, her eyes fixed on me. "What is it, Dani? You look so stressed."

I take a very deep breath before releasing it slowly. "On our first day in our house, Haerin told me to get rid of Mittens. She said she hates cats and that she's allergic. But I could tell she was lying. She even faked a sneeze."

Her eyes widen as her expression quickly turns furious. "Are you kidding me? She wants you to get rid of Mittens? Our ball of sunshine? Dani, that's insane! I never thought Haerin was like that!"

"Me neither. But what was more unexpected was that she forced me to cook—"

"What? You better divorce her right now!" Hanni's scream makes people start to glance at us.

"I complied. But after that, I accidentally cut my thumb and you won't believe what happened next."

"What did she do? Did she hurt you more?"

I shake my head. "No, actually... her demeanor softened. She rushed over and helped me bandage my thumb. She was so gentle, so different from earlier."

She raises her eyebrows in surprise. "Really? Is this the same Kang Haerin we're talking about?"

"Yes. She was worried, Han. She even admitted she couldn't cook and suggested we eat out instead."

Hanni's anger begins to fade, replaced by a look of concern. "Are you sure? It sounds so unlike her."

"I'm sure, I was surprised too," I say, sighing. "But she took me to her fancy restaurant and ordered her favorite dish for us. She showed me the different side that she rarely shows, and it's not the first time."

She still looks skeptical but less furious. "Maybe she's just trying to make up for being so awful before."

"Maybe. But there was something genuine about it. When we got back, I found Mittens cuddled with her on the sofa. She was asleep, holding Mittens like she cared."

"That is... unexpected. But Dani, you have to be careful. One moment of kindness doesn't erase how she's treated you." Hanni's eyes finally softens.

"I know, but it's just too early to give up, Han. There must be a way to save our marriage. I think there's more to Haerin than what she's showing."

Hanni crosses her arms, her jaw set in a firm line. "The devil doesn't bargain, Dani. She'll only do you harm again. It isn't worth it. You can't stay with someone who treats you so harshly, hoping she'll change, because practically, she won't."