Chapter 8

Ashley, who had been silently watching his hesitating son, briefly glanced at the watch on his wrist. It was an unspoken pressure to decide quickly as time was running out. Greyson knew well that the only one his Papa would indulge was Koi, the Omega who gave birth to him and his father's only love. With this awareness, Greyson steeled his resolve.

"I'll do it."

Greyson vowed with more conviction than ever before.

"I'll endure no matter what happens. So please help me become a firefighter."

Ashley silently looked at his face. As if trying to confirm how determined his son was.

"...Alright."

After a pause, Ashley gave his response. A faint sneer appeared on his face that had been expressionless until then.

"This should be interesting, let's see how you do."

"Thank you."

Greyson couldn't contain his excitement and smiled brightly. Ashley noticed both his ears moving this time. His steps leaving the office were light as if he might float away.

This time it's real. I can really meet them.

He had dreamed of this his whole life. Someone who would love only him and to whom he could dedicate his entire life.

Believing that he too would surely find a one-of-a-kind love like Papa and Daddy had,

"Oops."

He almost bumped into a woman passing by as soon as he entered the corridor. Having narrowly avoided an accident, Greyson took her hand like a gentleman and smiled.

"You almost fell, Wendy."

"Mr. Miller."

Ashley's secretary returned his smile, but her eyes remained cold.

"Did you come to see the Chairman? Seems like you're finished with your business."

"Ah, yes. It went well."

She used to fall head over heels for this smiling face of his, but now it was different. Of course it was - if a man who acted like he would give you his liver and gallbladder claiming you were his destiny suddenly left saying 'It wasn't you. Goodbye' overnight, anyone would wake up to reality.

And now he had the nerve to act so friendly.

Of course, since reason returns along with anger, it was natural that her feelings toward Greyson Miller weren't good. It was even more nauseating if one knew the reason for his broad smile. Because there was only one reason Greyson Miller could be in such a good mood.

"Have you found a new destiny?"

"How did you know?"

Greyson immediately burst into laughter at Wendy's question. He looked like he might grab and shower her with kisses at any moment. Though Wendy was wary, Greyson was annoyingly good at maintaining boundaries at times like this.

Because you're not my destined one.

...As if saying that, he stuck both hands in his pants pockets and smiled broadly. Wendy barely restrained herself from slapping his face. After all, this was her workplace and he was her boss's son, so all she could do was curse him internally.

"Congratulations, I hope this one's the real deal."

Run away! Wendy mentally shouted at the unknown person. Either completely unaware of her true feelings or simply not caring, Greyson just said "Thanks" with his still-smiling face and walked away whistling. Watching his retreating figure walking as if he might float away, Wendy quickly took out her phone and hurriedly sent a message.

[Looks like Greyson Miller is about to create another victim.]

Within 10 seconds of posting the message, countless replies flooded in so quickly there wasn't even time to read them.

[Why, is he going around saying he found his destiny again?]

[Yes, that's exactly it.]

Messages poured in full of shock and anger that Greyson was still doing such things, along with condolences for the soon-to-be new victim. Sometimes curses appeared too, but no one pointed them out. Because this was their community's secret. As long as Greyson existed, this beautiful cooperation would never break.

Wendy thought.

Another person will be added to this 'Greyson Miller's Victims Association.' Apparently she wasn't the only one who sensed it.

[Let's warmly welcome the new person when they arrive.]

Wendy, who had sighed with sympathy, looked back again. Greyson Miller was already gone. If only this time were real.

So that he would be rejected miserably.

By the destined one he so desperately wanted.

***

"What? Greyson? Really?"

As soon as he heard news of his beloved second son, Koi's voice rose with excitement. He nodded along saying "mm-hmm" to Ashley's voice coming through the mobile phone, then soon let out a satisfied sigh saying "I see."

"I hope this time is real. He shouldn't be disappointed again."

To these words mixed with expectation and concern, Ashley simply said:

— He'll figure it out himself.

"Ah... yes, of course."

Koi scratched his head embarrassedly. Along with the thought that he might be too overprotective, as he usually realized whenever the children came up in conversation. Of course, that was entirely Ashley's assertion, but since Koi accepted whatever he said unconditionally, this time was no different.

— We just need to cheer him on moderately. The rest he needs to figure out himself.

"Oh, yes. Right, that's true."

Koi nodded again at Ashley's words. Since Ashley was always right, he would be this time too. But it was still heartbreaking to watch his son taste failure every time.

"I hope it goes well this time."

Just as he muttered this wish, he suddenly realized something.

"Wait, so Greyson came to the East Coast? Where is he now?"

In contrast to his excited, raised voice, Ashley answered indifferently:

– He probably went back.

"Already?"

Koi's shoulders slumped in disappointment.

"How could he leave without saying a word to me... I didn't even know he was here."

– No use raising them so carefully, right?

Ashley seized the moment to ask. While he meant that six children was already too many, Koi took it completely differently.

"The children grew up too fast. I should have had twelve after all! But it's okay. It's not too late, so let's have six more..."

– What are you doing for dinner tonight? Do you have plans?

Ashley suddenly asked. Koi blinked for a moment going "uh" before shaking his head.

"No, I don't... yes. Huh? What did you say?"

Koi's face suddenly flushed red. After fumbling with "But..." he soon dropped his shoulders and answered quietly.

"...Alright then."

Having obtained surrender so quickly, Ashley leisurely added:

– Looking forward to it. See you later, Koi.

That was the end of the call. After staring at his phone for a moment, Koi shook his head and focused on the new information.

Greyson has finally found his destined one!

Though it was terribly disappointing that he had come all the way to the East Coast but left without even showing his face, Koi forced himself to be reasonable. If he wanted to see him, he could go visit himself. Anyway, wasn't it wonderful that Greyson said he would take up such a noble profession as firefighting?

Though his motivation is impure...

(That kid has too many fantasies.)

Ashley had said that once. Koi agreed with that thought to some extent. While it was admirable that Greyson wanted to love and be loved like Ashley and Koi after seeing them, loving someone isn't just sweetness. As it had been for them.

But Greyson only saw their result without knowing what process they had gone through, and wished to be like that himself. Though this worried Koi, he couldn't stop his son either.

Being passionate about something is good.

Besides, becoming a firefighter - isn't that such an excellent choice? That alone is enough. Having reassured himself again, he soon realized something new.

I can't keep this news to myself. I should definitely share it with the children.