“Angie!”
Yu-jin turned pale and shouted, but the child’s reaction was completely unexpected. She burst out in laughter, flailing her little legs, and all he could do was stand there, stunned and dumbfounded.
***
What the hell happened?
Reclining comfortably on a long lounge chair, Yu-jin unconsciously furrowed his brows. Something must’ve happened while he was away—Winston and Angela’s relationship had grown significantly closer. Just how had he managed to win her over in that short span?
It was only a few days.
Or… had it started even earlier? Now that he thought about it, there had been signs. At some point, Angela had stopped being afraid of Winston. But to grow this close? What kind of magic did he use to pull that off?
He didn’t even care about her before.
A wave of resentment surged in Yu-jin’s chest, but he calmed himself before it could boil over. It was just a phase. That man was simply being capricious.
He still didn’t understand why Winston had insisted on being discharged from the hospital in the first place, but Yu-jin had given up trying to make sense of him. Was there ever anything about that man that made sense? It was just easier to stop trying.
…But even so.
Yu-jin frowned as he absently observed the scene in front of him. For over an hour now, he’d been half-lounging, watching models strut back and forth before his eyes. Flanked on both sides by massive bodyguards, the suffocating atmosphere made it feel like even a whisper of threat would be instantly crushed.
It had been the same ever since he arrived at the mansion. The only time he was ever truly alone was when he went to the bathroom. Winston was overly cautious, as if someone might leap out to harm him at any moment.
“Nothing like that is going to happen again.”
Yu-jin had finally spoken out, unable to hold it in any longer—but Winston only let out a crooked smirk, as if to say What the hell would you know? That expression burned Yu-jin up inside, but there was nothing he could do.
The most frustrating part was how happy Angela seemed. Every morning, she went out somewhere, giddy with excitement. Yu-jin had heard she was starting to talk now, which helped him understand it a bit… but still, a pang of sadness lingered. When she returned in the afternoon, Angela would chatter endlessly about how cute her own words were, and how easily people understood her. Her joy was beautiful, yes, but it also made him feel utterly out of place.
What if she hates me once we leave this place?
Everything here was an illusion. How was he supposed to explain that to Angela? The thought of her disappointment already made his chest ache.
“Don’t try to buy her affection with money.”
At last, Yu-jin turned his frustration on Winston. The man was an adult—the only one with the power to control any of this. But faced with Yu-jin’s bitter, resentful words, Winston responded with shameless indifference.
“What’s wrong with using what I have?”
Yu-jin was momentarily at a loss for words. “That’s—” he stammered briefly before launching another round of attacks.
“This is just a contractual relationship. We’re going to part ways in the end, so what about the shock Angie’s going to feel then?”
He pointed out the harsh reality with cold clarity, but Winston merely looked at him impassively. What the hell? That reaction? Just as Yu-jin began to tense up, Winston finally spoke.
“That’s a problem for later. Just enjoy the present, darling.”
“Ha.”
Yu-jin let out a short, breathless scoff in disbelief. Enjoy the present? Coming from his mouth?
And yet, Winston was living up to those very words—thoroughly enjoying himself. As proof, he sat beside Yu-jin with a serious expression, occasionally nodding as he observed the models walking back and forth in front of them. At his cue, the models would immediately step forward to display the jewelry they wore or slowly spin around to show off the elegant drape of their garments.
“What do you think of this one?”
The child model was none other than Angela herself. She was already on her fifth outfit change. Hopping over excitedly, she twirled in front of them with a cheerful spin. At the sight, Yu-jin’s guard melted away and a soft smile tugged at his lips.
“You’re adorable, Angie. Just like I thought—my daughter’s the best.”
The moment he opened his arms, the little girl eagerly dove into his embrace. Laughing brightly, Yu-jin held her tightly, then suddenly snapped back to his senses. Glancing sideways, he saw Winston watching them—his expression soft, the corners of his lips gently upturned in a way that was almost too surreal.
“I’ll go try on the next one!”
Angela gave Yu-jin a loud kiss on the cheek before pulling away and bounding off again. The kid’s energy was boundless. Once they were alone again, Yu-jin let out a quiet sigh. That’s when Winston finally spoke.
“Pick out some baby clothes too.”
“Excuse me?”
The words slipped out before Yu-jin could stop himself, and he immediately clamped his mouth shut. Winston had already bought enough clothes to fill an entire room for a baby that didn’t even exist yet. And now he wanted more?
“We’ve got more than enough. Babies outgrow clothes so fast anyway… they barely get to wear any of it.”
His tone was edged with subtle reproach, but Winston didn’t react much. He simply responded with a flat, “Really?”
“You’re probably right. You’d know more than I do.”
Yu-jin stared at him, eyes fixed. Sensing his intense gaze, Winston frowned slightly and asked,
“What?”
Yu-jin didn’t break eye contact, still suspicious, and shot back,
“Who are you?”
As Winston’s frown deepened, Yu-jin pressed on.
“The Winston Campbell I know isn’t like this. He would’ve thrown out at least ten sarcastic remarks by now. Are you putting on some kind of show I don’t know about? What the hell are you scheming?”
As he spoke, the bodyguards quietly disappeared without a sound—almost as if they were tactfully excusing themselves for the couple’s private conversation.
By the time Yu-jin finished, there was no one else left. The wide hall suddenly felt cold and empty. Winston sat with his legs spread, elbows resting on his knees, silently watching Yu-jin.
He stared at Yu-jin. The crease between his brows had smoothed out, but his expression turned blank, making it impossible to read his thoughts. Yu-jin, still on edge, watched him closely—when suddenly, Winston reached out a hand.
Yu-jin flinched and instinctively pulled his shoulders back. Winston hesitated midair for a moment, then slowly lowered his hand. A blanket that had slipped down was drawn up to Yu-jin’s chest, and Winston gently draped it around his shoulders as he spoke.
“Are you cold? Should I turn the heat up?”
In a mansion this massive, no matter how high you cranked the heater, it was normal for the cold to linger. But this place was different. The floors were warm no matter where you went—so much so that you could walk barefoot without discomfort. It almost made him wonder if this was the real reason Winston had left Delights and brought them here.
“…I’m fine.”
Yu-jin answered reluctantly. What truly mattered was the fact that Winston had avoided his question. He was about to steer the conversation back when Winston spoke up first.
“Buy whatever you need. My child has a right to that.”
Yu-jin felt a sharp pang in his chest. Angela had never received anything. No—she had nearly died inside him. And yet this unborn child, who didn’t even exist, was being treated like royalty.
Angela was his child.
A wave of bitterness and frustration surged in his chest, and tears welled up in his eyes. Even with the pile of baby goods stacked in front of him, nothing looked appealing. Scrubbing at his eyes in irritation, Yu-jin snapped in a gruff tone.
“I have no intention of giving another child what Angie never got.”
It wasn’t even a real child—how could he possibly feel anything for it? His voice was laced with anger, but Winston replied without much care.
“Angela’s going to have everything now. Even the things she couldn’t have before.”
Maybe Winston thought that was enough—that he could make up for the past that way. But Yu-jin didn’t agree. Some things, once missed, were gone forever. No amount of compensation could replace what should have been had then.
No matter what I say, it won’t get through to him anyway.
Yu-jin fell silent, no longer willing to argue. Taking that as a sign the conversation was over, Winston pulled out his phone and called the bodyguards back. In moments, the space was once again filled with people, and the tedious shopping resumed.
Yu-jin, drained and weary, eventually succumbed to sleep.
***
After tucking Yu-jin into bed, Winston quietly stepped out and headed to the next room. There, Angela was twirling around, checking herself out in the mirror in her brand-new outfit. She darted back and forth through the mountain of toys and clothes with boundless energy, and Winston couldn’t help but smile.
Is this what it feels like for parents who can’t say no to their kids? he thought as he approached her.
“Do you like your gifts?”
“Yes!”
The girl squealed with joy, hugging a large new stuffed animal tightly to her chest. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes sparkling—just like Yu-jin’s. The resemblance was undeniable. Overwhelmed by how impossibly adorable she was, Winston found himself laughing.
“Thank you! I’ve never gotten this many presents before!”
Angela couldn’t hold back her excitement and let out a loud squeal. Winston, still smiling, said warmly,
“You’ll be getting even more on Christmas.”
“You’re going to buy me presents for Christmas too?”
The child’s voice was filled with astonishment. In response, Winston gently corrected her with a soft smile.
“That’s what Santa’s for. You have to ask Santa for your gifts.”
He was still in a good mood then, not expecting what would come next. But as Angela looked up at the smiling Winston, her expression hardened—far more serious than he’d ever seen from her.
“Santa only likes rich kids.”
