Chapter 7: Dangerous Games

On the way home, I noticed a few cars tailing me—must be the Lee family's spies.

They followed just far enough back to think I wouldn’t notice, but I’d learned a few tricks from my mom. I snapped a couple of photos, heart thumping, then veered down a side street to lose them.

I wrote down their license plates and sent them to my dad.

He’d know what to do. I trusted him to handle it, no questions asked.

He'll take care of it.

But, will the Lee family suspect Derek?

The thought made my stomach clench. I didn’t want him getting dragged into family drama.

When I got home, I immediately messaged Derek.

[Busy?]

Derek replied instantly: [It's fine.]

[If anyone comes to your shop asking about me, don't tell them anything.]

[Okay, I'll keep it a secret.]

His replies were short but reassuring, making me smile at my phone like an idiot.

I typed quickly: [Actually, about me and Mason online...]

Before I finished, Derek's message popped up first.

[I won't let your fiancé find out.]

For some reason, that sentence made me feel like I was having an affair.

My cheeks burned. I typed, then deleted, then typed again—unsure of what to say next.

My fingers hovered for a long time.

While I was dazed, my mom pushed open the door.

"Natalie, where have you been lately?"

Her voice was soft but edged with concern. She crossed the room, picking up the laundry I’d forgotten to fold.

I quickly turned off my phone, feeling guilty.

I tucked it under a pillow, trying to look casual.

"Just... some private stuff."

My mom sat next to me, looked at my red, swollen ear, and frowned.

She reached out, brushing my hair aside. Her fingers were cool, gentle in a way that made me feel like a little kid again.

"Why hasn't the swelling gone down? You need to be more careful."

She sighed, shaking her head. I hated making her worry.

I felt even guiltier, hiding it with my hair.

I made a show of tucking my hair behind my ear, hoping she’d believe me.

"I'll be careful."

My mom nodded: "I won't interfere with your private matters, just stay safe."

She squeezed my hand, then stood, her worry softening into something warmer.

"Also, the situation is different now, so don't be too willful. When things settle down, you can do whatever you want."

Her words were a promise and a warning, all wrapped up in motherly concern.

"I know, Mom."

If the Lee family from San Francisco enters New York, the Bennett family's resources and status will be greatly threatened.

The whole thing felt like a chess match, and I was just another pawn. Still, I wanted to help—even if all I could do was not make things harder.

I can't help my parents much, so I just try not to drag them down.

I kept my grades up, kept my nose clean, and tried to stay invisible when it mattered. That was my contribution.

Meanwhile, in the piercing shop—

The shop was closed, pitch black inside.

The neon sign out front buzzed softly, casting blue shadows over the sidewalk. Inside, everything was still, the air heavy with the scent of disinfectant and fading adrenaline.

Derek sat on the sofa, staring at the chat screen on his phone, unmoving for a long time.

The only light came from his phone, illuminating the tattoos curling up his arms. He scrolled up and down, rereading old messages like they might give him answers.

Should he not have mentioned the fiancé?

He replayed their conversation, cringing at every awkward moment. He wished he could take it back, start over.

Was she angry, so she didn't reply?

He scrolled again, hoping for the telltale dots of a typing reply.

The more he thought about it, the less he could control himself, regret and conflict twisting inside him.

He’d never been the type to chase after anyone, but with her... he felt like a kid again, all nerves and hope.

He knew she had a fiancé, and he shouldn't covet her.

He tried to remind himself of that—over and over, like a mantra. But it never stuck for long.

But whenever he closed his eyes, his mind was full of her gentle, quiet look, and her soft "Derek" still echoed in his ears.

He leaned back, pressing his palms to his eyes, as if that could chase her out of his head. It never worked.

God knows how much effort it took him to restrain himself just now.

Every minute he spent with her felt like walking a tightrope—one wrong step, and he’d fall hard.

Just recalling it, he was already sweating, his nerves on edge.

He ran a hand over his face, then reached for the little box he kept behind the counter.

"Natalie Bennett."

He whispered her name to the empty room, the words soft as a secret.

Derek stroked the butterfly hair clip in his hand.

It was delicate, plastic, cheap—but he guarded it like treasure. It still smelled faintly of her shampoo.

It was from last time, when he helped her take it off for the cartilage piercing, and she forgot to take it back.

He never told her she’d left it, wanting an excuse to see her again. Now he held it like a talisman.

A faint red glimmered in Derek's eyes.

The streetlights outside flickered, casting a soft glow over his haunted face.

He lowered his head and gently kissed the hair clip.

It was a ridiculous, hopeless gesture, but it made him feel closer to her.

"Please, don't come near me again."

His words were barely more than a whisper, meant for no one but the darkness.

"I really can't control myself."

His tone was bitter and pained.

He shut his eyes, willing himself to forget. But the ache only grew.