Desire Me If You Can [Novel] - Chapter 8

Ashley silently watched his son hesitate and glanced at the watch on his wrist. It was a silent pressure, urging him to make a decision quickly as time was running out. Grayson knew well that the only person his father indulged was Koi, the Omega who had given birth to him and his father’s only love. And this realization strengthened Grayson’s resolve.
“I’ll do it.”
Grayson vowed in a tone more confident than ever.
“I’ll endure it, no matter what. So please help me become a firefighter.”
Ashley stared at his face without saying a word, as if trying to gauge his son’s determination.
“…Alright.”
After a pause, Ashley responded. A faint sneer appeared on his previously expressionless face.
“This will be interesting. Let’s see how you do.”
“Thank you.”
Unable to contain his excitement, Grayson beamed. This time, Ashley saw both of his ears twitching. His steps as he left the office were as light as air.
This time, it’s real. I can really meet him.
He had dreamed of this his entire life. A partner who would love only him, someone he could dedicate his life to.
Believing that he, too, could definitely find a once-in-a-lifetime love like his Daddy and Papa.
“Oh, sorry.”
As soon as he stepped into the hallway, he almost collided with a woman who was passing by. Narrowly avoiding the accident, Grayson gallantly 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.
“Were you here to see the Senator? Seems like you’re finished with your business.”
“Ah, yes. It went well.”
She had once been completely smitten with his smiling face, but not anymore. It was only natural. Anyone would come to their senses if the man who once swore they were his destiny, promising the world, suddenly disappeared overnight with a simple “It wasn’t you. Goodbye.”
And now he acted so shamelessly as if everything was normal.
Of course, rationality tends to return along with anger, so it was natural for her feelings toward Grayson Miller to be less than favorable. Knowing the reason for the man’s bright smile only made her stomach churn. There was only one reason for Grayson Miller to be in such a good mood.
“Did you find a new destiny?”
“How did you know?”
Grayson burst into laughter at Wendy’s question. If left unchecked, he looked ready to embrace Wendy and shower her with kisses. Wendy was wary, but Grayson, annoyingly, knew where to draw the line in these situations.
Because you’re not my destined one.
…As if to say that, he shoved both his hands into his pockets and grinned. Wendy barely managed to restrain the urge to slap him in the face. This was her workplace after all, and he was her boss’s son, so all she could do was curse him inwardly.
“Congratulations. I hope you’re right this time.”
Run!
Wendy screamed inwardly at Grayson’s unknown victim. Oblivious to her inner thoughts, or perhaps not caring at all, Grayson simply said, “Thanks,” with a smile and walked away, whistling. Wendy watched his retreating figure, his steps as if he would fly at any moment, and quickly pulled out her phone, busily typing a message.
[Looks like Grayson Miller is about to create another victim.]
Less than ten seconds after posting the message, countless replies flooded in, too fast for her to read them.
[Why? Is he running around again saying he’s found his destiny?]
[Yep, you guessed it.]
Messages filled with shock, anger at Grayson’s continued behavior, and sympathy for the new victim poured in. There were occasional curses, but no one pointed them out. This was a secret only within their community. As long as Grayson existed, this beautiful alliance would never break.
Wendy thought,
Another person will be added to the “Grayson Miller’s Victims Association.” It seemed she wasn’t the only one who sensed it.
[Let’s all give a warm welcome to the newcomer.]
Wendy sighed sympathetically and looked back once more. Grayson Miller was already gone. She really hoped he was right this time.
So he can be dumped miserably.
By the very destined partner he so desperately desires.
***
“What? Grayson? Really?”
Koi’s voice rose in excitement as soon as he heard the news about his beloved second son. He was humming in agreement with Ashley’s voice over the end of the phone and then let out a proud sigh.
“I hope it’s real this time. He shouldn’t be disappointed again.”
To his mixed feelings of hope and concern, Ashley simply said,
– He’ll figure it out.
“Uh… yeah, of course.”
Koi scratched his head, feeling slightly embarrassed. He wondered, as he always did when the topic of his children came up, if he was being overly protective. Of course, that was only according to Ashley’s opinion, but Koi always accepted what Ashley said, so he did this time as well.
– We just need to offer appropriate support. He has to figure out the rest himself.
“Oh, yeah. Right.”
Koi nodded emphatically at Ashley’s words. Ashley was always right, so he would be right this time too. But it was still painful to watch his son experience repeated heartbreak.
“I hope it works out this time.”
He murmured his wish again and then suddenly realized something.
“Wait, so Grayson came to the East Coast? Where is he now?”
In contrast to Koi’s excited, high-pitched voice, Ashley replied 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.”
– It’s no use raising them diligently, is it?
Ashley seized the opportunity and asked. He had meant that six children were too many, but Koi
interpreted it differently.
“The kids grow up so fast. We should have had twelve after all! But it’s okay, it’s not too late. We can still
have six more…”
– What are we doing for dinner tonight? Do you have anything scheduled?
Ashley suddenly changed the subject. Koi blinked a few times, then shook his head.
“No, nothing… Yes. Huh? What did you say?”
Koi’s face immediately flushed red. He stammered for a moment, then his shoulders slumped, and he
replied quietly,
“…Alright, then.”
Having secured his surrender in an instant, Ashley added leisurely,
– I’ll be looking forward to it. See you later, Koi.
And with that, the call ended. Koi stared down at his phone for a moment, then shook his head and
focused on the important news.
Grayson finally found his destined partner!
He was disappointed that Grayson had come all the way to the East Coast and left without seeing him, but
Koi forced himself to be understanding. If he wanted to see him, he could always go visit Grayson. After
all, it was admirable that Grayson wanted to pursue such a noble profession as a firefighter.
Even if his motives were impure…
(He has unrealistic expectations.)
Ashley had said that once. Koi also agreed to some extent. It was good that Grayson, seeing Ashley and
Koi, wanted to love and be loved the same way, but love wasn’t all sweetness and light. Just like their own
relationship.
But Grayson, unaware of the struggles they had faced, only saw the outcome and wished for the same.
That worried Koi, but he couldn’t stop his son.
Being passionate about something is a good thing.
Besides, being a firefighter was such an amazing choice. That alone was enough. Having reaffirmed his
thoughts, he suddenly realized something new.
I can’t keep this news to myself. I have to share it with the children, of course.