237: Are you a girl or a boy?

Are you a girl or a boy?

[FLASHBACK]1

In the last hours before Hera's death, she was all alone. Her eyes were stuck on the windows on the side, watching the white flakes coat the lush green outside. She could hear voices outside the private ward, even faint cries, and muffled arguments. However, her countenance showed nothing but peace. 

"Do not cry," she whispered as if that was enough to console the people outside. "It is my wish, so don't cry about it."

Her eyes blinked weakly, forcing a smile on her pale face. "I might have lost, but I will not go down easily."

Hera was dying and all the core members of the organization were already aware of it. However, unlike Bear, who reluctantly accepted and honored her decision, the rest were desperately looking for ways to prolong her life. If there was a way, Hera wouldn't mind living longer. But that wasn't the case.

Hera knew prolonging her life would only prolong her pain. Therefore, she decided. 

Hera decided to go through mercy kill and die on her preferred date. Today was that day. Hence, the commotion outside, as the news surely reached those people who pledged their lives to her. They didn't take the news of her condition well, let alone her decision to die.

"I hope you all live a very good life," she whispered as her chest moved up and down heavily, barely keeping her fading consciousness. "Let's all forget about each other, and I hope to never meet you next time."

Her eyes partially closed, thinking, 'In our next life — if we were all spared to have another one — run away from me. Don't let me ruin your lives again.'

Slowly, Hera succumbed to the darkness where she had originally belonged. Her breathing slowed down and as the snow thickened outside, her body turned stiff. Ironically, someone like her, who was born and raised in such a violent environment, Hera, died in peace. Her only wish was that her efforts before this day would come true. That the only family she left would lead a proper life — away from darkness and fear. 

Her last wish was for those people to sleep peacefully at night. It was just as simple as that. 

It was strange, but true, that the most important turning points of life often come at the most unexpected times and in the most unexpected ways. 

[PRESENT TIME]

'What the…?' Heaven's mouth fell open as her eyes settled on the line of new bodyguards before her. 'What are these guys doing here?'

Her reaction when she met Bear in this lifetime was the same as meeting these guys. Actually, she was even more surprised right now than months ago. Back then, she easily accepted that Bear and her life were tangled, even if she was in a different body. 

But these people…

Heaven immediately turned her head to Dominic, who was sitting right beside her in the living area. "Darling, are you in danger?" she asked, making him arch a brow. 

If his memory served right, this question was also her first question when he introduced her to the newly hired bodyguards months ago. Even though Dominic had already mentioned hiring a new bodyguard almost a week ago, it seemed that wasn't enough to prepare his wife for the shock.

Or so he thought. 

"No…" Dominic slid his eyes to the corner, avoiding her gaze. "I told you about the additional bodyguards."

"Right…" Heaven lowered her gaze, only to glance at the men and woman before them. "But darling, are you sure they were reliable?"

"What?" one of the bodyguards couldn't help but look at the boss's wife in dismay. 

"I mean, look at them." Heaven sighed, sporting a judgemental look. "They look like rogues! They look scary!"

'I know!!!'Dane pressed his lips from seconding the madam, standing on the side since his presence was needed. 

Dominic studied his wife's reluctance and sighed faintly. "Don't worry. They were just here for the time being until we catch your stalker."

'He's doing this because of that?' Heaven mentally slapped her mouth, as this wasn't the outcome she wanted. How could she forget about how Dominic hired a lot of guards just because Sebastian went home on his own?

Stupid mouth. 

"Fine," she grumbled helplessly, acknowledging she had to take responsibility for the consequences of her action. "Where did you get these guys, by the way?"

"Mr. Cruel recommended them."

Half of her face twitched at the information. Why was she so surprised? Of course, it was Bear. How would these guys be here if not for Bear?

'In my first life, my only wish was to not meet them again,'she thought, only to turn her head when Sebastian spoke. 

"Are you a boy or a girl?" Sebastian, who was sitting on the same couch as his mother and father, settled his gaze on the only woman in the group. 

'Pftt — hold it in.'Dane bit his inner bottom lip to stop himself from laughing. Not just him, but the bodyguards also held their laughter in. 

'Oh, my god…'Only Heaven and Dominic didn't find it funny. If anything, Heaven was a little concerned for her son's safety now. 'Basti, my poor baby… good thing I am your mother.'

"Your name is Princess, but you look more like a knight," Sebastian continued, warranting muffled snorts from the bodyguards. Princess, the female bodyguard, who had a masculine face, remained emotionless. 

"I'm a woman, little master." Princess had a low voice, matching her masculine facial features and buffed physique. 

"I see. Thank you for clearing up my confusion." Sebastian rocked his head in understanding, glancing at the rest of the bodyguards. "I hope I didn't offend you."

"No, little master. There's no way I would feel that way." Princess lowered her head, but her eyes glinted as soon as she glanced at the rest of the bodyguards.

"Ahem!" the bodyguards cleared their throats, avoiding Princess's glare as if they already guessed what was coming to them. 

"I like her, Dad." Sebastian smiled, facing his mother and father. "You told me to choose whose bodyguard I want. I choose Princess."

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