Killing Your Sweet Breath - Chapter 12

Chapter 6.2

Winter requested a contract from Van. To Winter, a cold transaction was more important than the promise of marriage.

The two sat across from each other inside his office.

Aside from the two of them, there was another man in the room, sitting at the corner of the sofa, listening to their conversation and making revisions to the contract.

But there was something off about him; he didn’t quite fit as one of Van’s employees. The young man, who looked barely of age, kept stealing glances at Winter.

“He’s a fan of yours.”

Van revealed with a chuckle, noticing Winter’s attention on the man.

“He said he couldn’t sleep for days at the thought of seeing you.”

Winter’s brows furrowed, not understanding what he meant.

“He’s a former cleaner. He always praised how spotless you left your workspaces.”

A small man like him working as a cleaner? Winter clicked her tongue without realizing it.

When Van mentioned a “cleaner,” he wasn’t referring to the typical job.

He meant someone who takes on the dirty work of cleaning up after an assassin’s job.

Van was still chuckling, finding it ridiculously amusing, while the man’s face turned beet red.

He looked like he wanted to scold Van but was restraining himself in Winter’s presence.

“He’s Sianna’s younger brother, and despite his presumptuousness, he’s the head butler. You’ll be seeing a lot of him, so try to get along.”

Now that she thought about it, he did resemble that maid. Their small stature, round eyes, and bright golden hair were quite similar.

But it seemed he hadn’t picked up his older sister’s composed expressions and demeanor.

“What’s your name?”

Winter asked. The man stammered out, “Sh-Sh-Sh-Sheeran.” Apparently, Van’s comment about him being a “fan” wasn’t a joke, seeing as he was visibly trembling. Winter couldn’t help but chuckle.

“It’s nice to meet you.”

After exchanging brief introductions, Winter and Van resumed their discussion on the details of the contract.

The terms were simple.

Van would restore Ruhen’s honor through revenge, and Winter would surrender herself to him.

This would be achieved through the institutional bond of marriage, with the contract being nullified if his revenge failed or if Van lost his resolve. In that case, it would be dissolved as a divorce.

“I hope you’ll uphold your end of the contract, including all that society expects to see of a married couple. Do you have any other conditions?”

“I’d like to keep working occasionally, if you’d allow me some time for it. I’ll be sure to inform you of my schedule in advance–”

“Winter, as much as I’d like to grant your request, I can’t take any chances. How could I expose you to danger after everything it took to have you?”

It was a difficult request for her to make.

This was bound to be a long process, and until their revenge was complete, she didn’t want to reduce the amount of money she was sending to her sibling.

But Van outright refused Winter’s request without even hearing her out.

She understood his reasoning, but it still left a bitter taste in her mouth.

“No matter the contract, you’re going to be the Lady of Helgram. You can spend our money as you wish.”

“No, that’s not what I want.”

The change in Van’s expression was subtle. He was smiling, but his brows were furrowed, which meant he was troubled. Their silent standoff continued, as neither of them were willing to compromise. He tipped his head from side to side, as if attempting to loosen up before speaking again.

“If this is about money, how about you catch the intruders who infiltrate the estate? I’ll pay you a hefty sum for it. I’m tired and haven’t been able to sleep very well due to those bastards.”

His tone was soft yet firm.

It was icy, smooth, and perfectly polished, indicating there would be no further negotiations.

“Though I doubt you need protection, we’ll do it your way.”

He smiled, as if proud of himself for just solving a troublesome issue. The particular way his lips curled in delight irked Winter’s senses.

She knew that he didn’t ask what she needed the money for out of consideration.

But his nonchalant attitude and the fact that she ultimately had to go along with what he wanted made her frown.

“I’ll finally be able to get a good night’s rest, thanks to you. Sheeran will handle the rest. It’d be best to keep this deal separate from the contract.”

Sheeran nodded so hard his head looked like it might fly off. His gaze ping-ponged between the two of them, checking to see if there were any further adjustments needed.

“Oh, there’s one more thing I’d like to add.”

Van snapped his fingers with a surprised expression, as if he suddenly remembered something important.

Curious, Winter turned her attention back towards him.

“Let’s avoid using vulgar language. Phrases like ‘son of a bitch’ or ‘crazy son of a bitch,’ or anything else you can think of.”

“…Did hearing me use those words upset you?”

Winter thought back to what she’d blurted out in a fit of anger. Back then, he had laughed it off, but now she didn’t know how to react to his apparent displeasure.

Should she apologize? She didn’t want to. She pondered it about three more times when—

“It was a joke.”

He shrugged, showing a troubled expression.

“We used to joke around a lot like this before.”

“I’m more amazed that you’d think to make a joke in this situation.”

“We’re going to be husband and wife. It wouldn’t look good if we only displayed a stiff attitude in front of others.”

While he wasn’t fundamentally wrong, Winter didn’t feel like playing along, so she averted her gaze.

As silence fell between them, Sheeran handed over the contract. Winter immediately signed it and stood up from her seat.

“Don’t worry, I can act friendly when necessary.”

“Right. You should rest up. We’ll be quite busy preparing for the wedding starting tomorrow.”

“You sure seem to be enjoying this.”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

Even with Winter’s sarcasm, Van’s tone remained gentle. Anyone overhearing their conversation would’ve assumed they were truly a loving couple that was earnestly preparing for their wedding.

“It’s the beginning of our revenge, Winter.”

If only he hadn’t said those last words.