5. You want to know my past?

SERA

Having dinner together for the first time as a “family”, Reggie used the historic moment to emphasize his rules. He required all of them to quit their respective jobs and get to know the Blackwood Group.

“You'll be undergoing specialized education in business and management, which I think is fair considering none of you have a business background,” Reggie said, his voice was weak, but full of authority. His presence commanded attention, and even I found myself straightening up whenever he glanced in my direction.

I couldn't help but notice how different they all were. Ace's precise mannerisms clashed with Damon's laid-back demeanor, while Cal's gentle nature provided a stark contrast to Beck's enthusiastic energy. It was like watching four different puzzle pieces trying to fit together in a puzzle they didn't understand.

“I expect each one of you to dedicate yourselves fully to the Blackwood Group. This is not just about inheritance; it's about legacy and honor.” Reggie's voice cut through the silence that hung over us like a heavy shroud.

“I was wondering,” Damon said in a tone full of irony, “how long did you think it would take to gather us here, Father?”

The room felt smaller with the growing tension. I recognized him for his courage—or perhaps his indifference.

I glanced at Reggie, hoping he would defuse the situation. Instead, the old man straightened up, ignoring Damon's taunts as if he'd never heard them. “On Monday, you'll start your business and management classes. I want you all to know everything about the Blackwood Group before I introduce you to the public as my heirs.”

“The public?” Beck repeated with a surprised look. “You seriously want us to appear in front of the world like this? We don't even know anything about your company.”

“Then learn,” Reggie replied coldly. “You guys have time.”

It wasn't like Reggie was talking to his children. The way he spoke to them was very different from how he often made witty comments when he was with me. And for some reason, I felt myself constrained by this atmosphere. I knew this wasn't about creating a family—it was about power, inheritance, and control.

“So, Sera,” Reggie glanced at me. His gaze softened, and there was a small smile there. “You don't have anything to do tomorrow, do you?”

“I actually intend to—”

“That means no activities,” Reggie cut in, I glared. “Tomorrow it's your job to accompany them and start introducing Blackwood to them.” Reggie rose from his chair. “Well, perhaps we could start with a tour of the Blackwood Estate. And... you're at liberty to choose to guide whoever you want.”

I cursed inwardly when Reggie gave me a wink before leaving the dining table. My gaze shifted to look at their faces. Ace stared blankly at the table, Beck twirled his fork, Cal leaned back in his chair with a tired expression, while Damon looked relaxed, though there was a sharp glint in his eyes.

I think I just want to die.

***

“I told you I'm done, Andrés. Don't call me anymore.”

I accidentally heard someone's voice as I opened the back door. A figure in dark shadows turned around, and his eyes collided with mine.

“Since when have you been there?” asked Damon without preamble as he put away his cell phone. Although his words were sharp, I could still hear the worry in his voice.

I raised both hands in the air, pleading guilty. “Just recently, I swear.” Seeing that his eyes were still piercing, I added, “I just overheard—accidentally!—when you were talking about … breaking up with … your boyfriend?”

Damon exhaled tiredly and sat down on one of the loungers by the pool. “Forget it.”

With a little courage, I approached and took a seat on the lounger next to him, straightening my legs, gazing at the dark scene across the pool. The only sound that could be heard was the wind and the rustle of leaves.

These days, I often wake up at this hour and the sleepiness never comes back quickly. I originally intended to get some fresh air after getting a drink in the fridge. I didn't expect to find Damon outside at this early hour. And he was still wearing the jeans and black T-shirt he had been wearing since this afternoon. Wasn't he asleep yet?

“Is wandering around in the wee hours of the morning your routine?” he asked.

“Is fighting with your boyfriend in the wee hours of the morning your routine?” I challenged him.

"He's not my boyfriend and I'm straight," Damon said with a slight shrug.

“Good news considering you would have been eliminated right away if you couldn't love me—oh, gosh, I never thought I'd say that word.”

“Well, the benchmark is not my love for you, but your love for me.”

“Don't make it even more disgusting to hear.”

A chuckle escaped his mouth. It sounded like a mocking laugh, but it was also a sincere one. I had a feeling I would get along better with this man, if only he wasn't so damn mysterious.

We were silent for a while, before I said, “So, why did you finally decide to join Reggie's game? I thought you hated him.”

From the tail of my eye, Damon was looking at the sky. “I do hate him, but for people like me, money will guarantee a lot of things.”

The words he chose intrigued me so much that I changed my sitting position to face him. “People like you?”

“Reggie didn't say anything about my background?” he asked, slightly surprised.

I shook my head, confused. “I had thought you guys were at least in your teens.”

Damon let out a long breath, his gaze fixed on the dark sky above. He was silent for a few seconds, then smiled mockingly. “So you really don't know anything apparently."

Yes, Reggie did not tell me anything. He did whatever he wanted, involving me in whatever way he wanted. The thought occurred to me that Reggie made the announcement perhaps because he hadn't seen me with a man in a long time. I mean, really? Do I look pathetic and lonely?

“What are you like, anyway?” I asked, getting up my courage, trying to get rid of my thoughts about Reggie. I tightened my night robe, preventing the cold air from brushing against my chest.

He looked at me for a moment, one eyebrow rising. His eyes somehow seemed to glow in the darkness. “Why are you interested?”

I knew he wasn't an easy person to approach. “It's just that when we gather together, you hardly ever talk about yourself. You're too busy railing against Reggie, which if I were you, is the last thing I'd do.”

He purred a laugh, and somehow that might become one of my favorite sounds. “Well, I don't wonder why you're suited to be a Blackwood.” He said that while lying down on the lounge, his right arm covering his eyes.

“I just want to know what you're like,” I said quietly, ignoring the way his words were meant to offend me. “You know, Ace is an ambitious lawyer, Beck loves art, and Cal is probably a doctor of some merit; then what about you?”

“I am the person you will meet when you get too close to the fire.” Damon said that as if he had been practicing it for quite some time, as if that was the answer he gave to people who asked him similar questions. As if he had been trained. He didn't even bother to look at me.

“That's not an answer.”

“Whatever you say.”

“Damon,” I called softly. It was the first time I'd called him—maybe even the first time I'd said his name. “I am serious.”

He seemed to hold his breath for a moment, before finally chuckling in annoyance and getting up from his seat. I was unprepared when he bent down until his face was level with mine. His eyes were shining but seemed to be covered in mist, like the moon above us.

“I'm serious too.” His voice was low and alluring, his fingers cupping my chin. “You want to know my past? Trust me, it's better you don't. Some closed doors aren't meant to be opened.”

It sounded like a challenge.

My shoulders tightened, giving him a sharp glare to break through his defenses. “I'm not afraid.”

He smiled faintly. His face inched closer, toward my ear. I tried to brace myself when the faint scent of his cologne hit my nose. And with a breath felt on my neck, Damon whispered, “Maybe you should be afraid, Princess.”

And with a smooth motion, he pulled back and walked away, leaving me frozen with a burning sensation at the spot where he touched me.

***

121224, Anne Joyce