The Devil Doesn't Bargain | Daerin

Epilogue

Five Years Later...

𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐎𝐕

"Kang Daeun, slow down!" I laugh as our daughter races around the office, her little legs moving faster than I ever imagined a five-year-old could manage.

Daeun giggles, her pigtails bouncing as she dodges my attempts to catch her. She's full of energy, a perfect mix of Haerin's sharp features and my softer ones.

"Got you!" Haerin swoops in, effortlessly scooping Daeun into her arms.

Daeun squeals with delight, her laughter echoing through the room. 

Haerin's eyes meet mine over our daughter's shoulder, and in that moment, we don't need words to communicate. Everything we feel—love, happiness, the joy of this life we've built together—is in that shared glance.

Haerin carries Daeun over to me, her gaze still locked on mine as she hands our daughter over.

I pull Daeun close, pressing a kiss to her cheek as she wiggles in my arms. "You're getting too fast for me, sweetie."

Daeun grins up at me. "I'm fast like Mama!"

"Yes, you are," Haerin says, a proud smile on her face as she wraps an arm around me, pulling us both close.

Across the office, another burst of laughter draws our attention. 

Kim Hyunji, Hanni and Minji's four-year-old son, is playing with some of Daeun's toys, his little hands busy with colorful blocks. He's a mix of his parents—Minji's dark hair and Hanni's bright, curious eyes.

Minji hovers nearby, keeping an eye on him. While Hanni chats with a few employees, her white coat draped over her shoulders—she's a full-fledged doctor now.

"Hyunji, don't put that in your mouth!" Hanni calls out.

Minji catches Hyunji before he can get too far, scooping him up and spinning him around, drawing another round of giggles from him. 

The office really has turned into a playground, with toys scattered everywhere and children's laughter filling the air.

The employees, who were once used to the strict and formal atmosphere, now can't help but smile as they pass by, watching the kids play. They've gotten so used to seeing us here, to seeing Haerin not just as their CEO but as a loving wife and mother.

Haerin and I watch as Daeun and Hyunji chase each other around the room. They're laughing contagiously.

I lean into Haerin, resting my head on her shoulder as she holds me close. Her arm tightens around me, and her thumb gently brushes over my shoulder in a soothing rhythm.

"This is our life now," I whisper.

After all, I'm still in a bit of disbelief at how perfect everything has turned out.

Haerin smiles, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "And I wouldn't change a single thing."

We stay like that for a moment, just the two of us, watching our daughter and her best friend fill the room with joy. 

These past few years have been kind to us, filled with love, laughter, and a kind of happiness I never thought I'd find.

Suddenly, Daeun comes running over. "Mama, look what I made!"

She proudly holds up a tower of blocks, her small hands barely keeping it from toppling over. Haerin crouches down to her level, looking at her with so much pride.

"That's amazing, Daeun. You're so smart."

Daeun beams at the praise before turning her attention back to Hyunji, who's eagerly waiting for her to come play again.

Minji strolls over, casually slinging her arm around Hanni's shoulders. "Looks like the office is officially a playground now."

Hanni laughs. "I wouldn't mind. We could build a whole nursery here, let the workers' kids play with Hyunji and Daeun."

I smile at the thought. 

Neither would I.

Haerin catches my eye again, her gaze full of the same love and devotion she's shown me every day. "You know, sometimes I still can't believe this is our life. I'm so lucky to have you, unnie."

"I'm the lucky one, Haerin. Every day with you and Daeun feels like a dream."

She pulls me closer, her lips brushing softly against mine in a tender kiss.

"I love you," she whispers, resting her forehead against mine.

"I love you too," I reply.

We linger in that moment, letting the world outside fade away. Here, wrapped in each other's arms, nothing else matters. This is everything.

Kang Haerin is mine.

And I'm hers.

Forever.

THE END