“I thought you’d be with your…guy,” Eugene says, as though the idea is disgusting.
I roll my eyes. “You mean my boyfriend? It’s okay to say it.”
“It’s not okay. You’re my sister.”
“Exactly. Your sister, not a nun.”
He makes a face. “I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that, because otherwise I’m going to want to shut you away in a convent.” Then he grows serious. “And before you ask, I’m fine. The divorce is going well, and I’m going to get everything I want out of it.”
“So…” I peer at him. “You aren’t bothered at all?”
“No. Our union was one of convenience. I find it distasteful that she lied, but that’s it.”
“I thought you might develop feelings for her after being together for so long.”
“It’s impossible to develop feelings for a woman I never cared about in the first place.”
She gave you a son, I think but don’t say. Minho wasn’t even Eugene’s son, even though we all believed him to be a Hae.
“If Declan upsets you, let me know. I’m always on your team, no matter what.”
My throat feels tight with a mix of emotions—affection and sorrow…and maybe a sense of helplessness that I can’t do anything for Eugene. “I will. And you’ll let me know if I can do anything for you, right? I’m on your side too.”
“I know. Us Haes need to stick together. And I really wanted to get you a husband I could easily control. That way he’d think twice before doing anything to upset you.” He picks up his coffee tumbler that the housekeeper set out. “I have to go. But we’ll chat more later. And I need to get that billboard removed. I can’t work with your…boyfriend grinning at me in his underwear.” He shudders as he walks off to his car, where his chauffeur stands holding the door open.
I burst out laughing.
I head out too, to go to the main house. I feel bad about leaving Declan there with my parents, but I know that trying to insist he stay in the same unit as me would earn me nothing but grief.
The air’s pretty cool, although slightly humid, especially compared to L.A. But it isn’t too bad for this time of year in Korea. Dad’s probably gone to the office by now as well. He and Eugene don’t carpool because they have totally different schedules.
The complex’s central courtyard is a playground that my grandparents and parents built for Eugene and me when we were born. I spot Declan sitting in a swing. Somehow he fits perfectly into one of the happiest places of my life. I take the empty swing next to him.
“Good morning,” I say.
“Morning.” He looks slightly tired, but seems fine otherwise. “You’re up early.”
“A very mild case of jet lag. Plus I like being home. I haven’t sat in this swing since forever.” I sigh softly. “And I just realized how happy this place makes me. This playground has nothing but the best memories from my early childhood.”
“Sort of a family thing?”
“I heard Grandpa put that jungle gym and this swing set in when Eugene was born. My parents installed the slide over there when I said I wanted one.” The slide is piano-themed, painted to look like black and white keys. “This was a magical place where we could dream of anything and everything we wanted.” I smile a little, lost in old memories. “I wish I’d known you back then.” I heard from Declan about what a terrible human being his biological father is. And Chantel… Well. She’s a bitch. “I would’ve invited you over, so you could’ve dreamed of something wonderful, too.”
Declan twists in his swing until we’re facing each other. Then he leans forward and kisses me, just a soft brushing of mouths. He pulls back and looks into my eyes. His gaze is bright and tender.
r /> “It’s too bad about my childhood, but meeting you makes up for that and more. My past is my past, but you’re my present and future, Yuna.”
His words make my heart swell with a sweet, aching longing. I lay a hand over his cheek. “And you’re mine. You’re helping me lay happy adult memories on top of the ones I already have.”
He eases out of his swing and drops to one knee, then holds out a ring. The diamond winks under the early-morning sunlight. “Yuna… Will you marry me and share your future with me?”
Joy swells so hard and fast that I can’t speak. I nod as my vision blurs with unshed happy tears, and hold out my hand so he can put the ring on my finger and show the world we’re together.
The cool metal slides onto my finger easily. It fits perfectly.
And I hold and kiss the man who means everything to me.
Chapter Sixty-Two