Plot Twist: The Husband's Mine!

Chapter 4: A New Venture

The dining room was quiet, filled only with the sound of silverware and soft footsteps. Morning sunlight shone on the table, lighting up the fruits, pastries, and tea that were neatly arranged. Lady Eun-ha, Dong-wook's mother, sat stiffly at one side, her eyes sharp and cold. Ji-young, Dong-wook's younger sister, watched Rang with a smirk, as if waiting for him to fail.

Rang entered the room with his usual smug smile, unfazed by their glares. If they wanted a fight, he was ready to play along.

Ji-young spoke first, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. "Mother," she said, looking at Eun-ha, "aren't you going to tell Brother-in-law what you've decided?"

Eun-ha's lips curled into a polite but cutting smile. "Ah, Sang-bum," she began, her tone light but cruel, "you do understand that you can't give Dong-wook a child, right? One day, he may need to take a real wife. You'll have to accept that."

Ji-young chimed in, her smirk widening. "Exactly, Brother-in-law. My brother deserves to be a father. Just because you can't... well, you know."

Rang stayed calm, letting their words hang in the air. Instead of reacting, he leaned back in his chair and smirked, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Well, Ji-young," he said lazily, "if having babies is all it takes to be a good wife, there'd be a line of people waiting to marry your brother. But let's be honest—staying in Dong-wook's life takes more than that."

Ji-young's smile faltered, but she quickly covered it up. Eun-ha, however, narrowed her eyes. "So, Sang-bum," she said coolly, "are you saying you'd allow him to take another wife?"

Rang shrugged, his tone light. "Oh, I'd let him do whatever he wants—if it keeps life interesting."

Eun-ha's expression tightened at his boldness. Ji-young laughed mockingly, crossing her arms. "You really think you can keep him happy forever?"

Rang's smirk deepened. "Who said I had to? It's not about having the best cards. It's about playing the ones you have."

The room went silent. Rang pushed his chair back and stood up, brushing imaginary dust off his sleeve. "Breakfast was nice. Thank you," he said with a small bow. "Enjoy the rest of your morning."

Without waiting for a reply, he walked out, leaving Eun-ha and Ji-young to fume in silence. He couldn't care less about their opinions, but seeing their confidence crack was satisfying.

Rang wandered through the estate gardens, enjoying the fresh air and the quiet. As he walked, he spotted Dong-wook standing under a cherry blossom tree. The Duke looked calm but watchful, his sharp eyes catching Rang's approach.

"Master Sang-bum," Dong-wook greeted with a small nod. "Do you often take walks in the garden?"

Rang smiled lightly, stopping a few steps away. "It's lovely here," he said smoothly. "But it's even better when you're around."

Dong-wook's brow lifted slightly, surprised by the comment. "Is that so?"

Rang stepped closer, his gaze steady. "Yes. You have a way of making things... more interesting."

Dong-wook tilted his head, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "You're quite bold today," he remarked.

Rang smirked, his voice dropping slightly. "Am I?" He didn't wait for a reply and walked away, leaving the Duke staring after him.

Later, Rang met Yuri in his quarters. She had brought papers and maps, her excitement clear as she spread them out on the table.

"Master Sang-bum," she began eagerly, "I've gathered some important information about gemstones. India is the main source for diamonds, pearls, sapphires, and rubies. Sri Lanka has sapphires and garnets. Egypt trades emeralds and turquoise, while Persia is known for turquoise too. China has plenty of jade."

Rang studied the papers, nodding thoughtfully. "If we can buy these stones directly from the source, we'll save money. Then, we can sell them at much higher prices."

Yuri nodded. "Exactly! We'll need merchants to travel those routes and buyers who can afford the luxury. It's risky, but if we succeed, the profit will be worth it."

Rang leaned back in his chair, a small smile on his face. "You've done well, Yuri. Keep working on this. I want detailed plans—routes, costs, and contacts."

Yuri hesitated before speaking again. "But, Master Sang-bum, why do we need this? The Duke is wealthy. Isn't his money enough?"

Rang's smile faded slightly, his voice lowering. "Money tied to someone else isn't real security. If Dong-wook ever decides he doesn't want me—or if his family gets their way—I need something of my own."

Yuri's face fell at his words, but her determination returned quickly. "Don't worry, Young Master. I'll stand by you no matter what."

After Yuri left, Rang stood by the window, staring out at the fading sunlight. His reflection in the glass looked calm, but inside, his mind was racing. Every decision he made now was a step toward freedom—freedom from the Duke, from his controlling family, and from this fragile position he found himself in.

"I'll make this work," Rang whispered to himself, his lips curling into a determined smirk. "When the time comes, I'll be ready."

The game had only just begun, and Rang wasn't planning to lose.