Chapter 10: What About A Strawberry Cake….?

Zyke and Shine are staring at me.

Their eyes are wide, frozen in disbelief—and I won’t lie, I’m enjoying it a little. Watching the shock on their faces feels strangely satisfying.

In the novel, the author describes Zyke and Shine as a love marriage. After marrying, they move abroad. Zyke manages the Kael family’s overseas businesses perfectly—responsible, calm, powerful. An S-class alpha worthy of pride. Soon, the parents follow him, choosing to live with their “successful” son.

And Zyren?

Left behind.

The D-class alpha. The disappointment. The mistake.

He stays alone in this country, burdened with the family’s main business, carrying hatred, resentment, and neglect. Everyone looks down on him. Everyone blames him. And honestly… sometimes, I understand why Zyren became the way he did.

His family changed the moment they learned his rank.

Their love became conditional.

Their warmth disappeared.

Their expectations turned into judgment.

That kind of rejection breaks people.

But still—

Zyren chose cruelty instead of kindness.

And that’s where I refuse to follow the script.

I lift my gaze back to them, a polite smile resting on my lips.

“Big brother,” I say gently. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? I would’ve welcomed you at the airport myself.”

Zyke doesn’t answer immediately.

Of course he wouldn’t.

He’s an S-class alpha—sharp instincts, sharp mind. His eyes are studying me carefully, as if trying to peel me apart layer by layer, searching for the familiar monster beneath this calm mask.

Shine smiles instead, his voice soft and warm.

“We wanted to surprise you, Zyren.”

“I’m really happy,” I reply honestly. “This surprise made my morning.”

Shine returns my smile, clearly relieved.

I blink, then ask innocently,

“Why didn’t Mom and Dad come with you? I miss them.”

There it is.

A brief hesitation.

Shine’s fingers curl slightly on the table before he answers, carefully, kindly,

“They miss you too. They said they’ll come on New Year.”

I smile again, slow and polite.

“Really? Then I’ll wait for New Year.”

I know the truth.

I’ve read every line of this novel.

Zyren’s parents don’t miss him.

They erased him from their lives the moment they chose the “better” son.

They’re settled abroad, preparing to welcome a new grandchild, perfectly content without him.

But Shine is kind.

Too kind to hurt someone directly.

My gaze drifts to Shine’s stomach—slightly rounded beneath the fabric. Soon, a new life will join the Kael family. A child born from love, not obligation.

Zyke is still staring at me.

Finally, his voice cuts through the quiet—cold, edged with suspicion.

“Why are you sitting so far away? Do you have a problem with us?”

I smile softly, unfazed.

“Why are you angry, big brother?” I reply calmly. “I want to sit close too. I really do. It’s been so long since we’ve seen each other—I want to hug you.”

Then my gaze shifts to Shine, my tone gentle.

“But sister-in-law is pregnant.”

I pause, sniff the air lightly, then blink innocently.

“Today, my pheromones feel… a little unusual. For his safety, it’s better I keep my distance.”

Shine’s face lights up instantly.

His hand rests protectively on his belly as he smiles warmly.

“Thank you, Zyren. You’re so sweet. You care so much.”

“Of course,” I reply sincerely. “I’m really excited to meet my brother’s baby. I can’t wait to become an uncle.”

Zyke looks like he’s short-circuited.

Eyes open.

Mind frozen.

Completely unprepared for this version of me.

“…When did you become like this?” he finally asks, voice low.

I blink once, then smile again.

“Big brother,” I say softly, “why remember old memories? Let’s eat.”

Silence.

Then Shine happily resumes his breakfast, relaxed, comfortable, safe.

I watch him quietly.

I’ve read thousands of Omegaverse novels. I’ve imagined this scene countless times—but seeing it in front of me, a man carrying life, glowing softly with warmth and love…

It’s rare.

It’s beautiful.

And for the first time since waking up in this villain’s body, I feel something close to hope.

Breakfast ends peacefully.

Shine chats happily, his smile warm and relaxed, and I find myself smiling along without effort. This—this calm—is something the original Zyren Kael never deserved, yet here it is, resting quietly in my hands.

I rise from my seat, adjusting my coat with unhurried grace.

“You two should rest well,” I say gently. “Especially you, sister-in-law.”

My gaze lingers briefly on Shine’s stomach before I add, “I have to go to the office now. Let’s meet again at dinner.”

Shine smiles brightly and nods.

“Alright. Take care, Zyren.”

I turn to the maid nearby.

“Prepare everything perfectly for my brother and sister-in-law. Make sure they rest well.”

“Yes, young master,” she replies immediately.

I glance back once more.

“See you at dinner.”

Shine nods again.

Zyke, however, is still frozen—eyes fixed on me as if he’s staring at a ghost wearing Zyren’s face.

I don’t care.

With a soft smile and light steps, I walk away. Let him think. Let him doubt. I already know why he came here anyway.

As I step into the corridor, my gaze searches instinctively.

Angel…

My eyes sweep the mansion grounds, my heartbeat oddly attentive.

Angel.

Angel….?

And then I spot him.

He’s in the garden again—kneeling, carefully cleaning the grass, his thin clothes fluttering slightly in the cold morning air.

Beautiful like always.

God.

Why do I always find him in the cold?

I stop beside a nearby servant.

“Bring a warm scarf,” I say quietly.

“Yes, young master.”

I walk toward Angel, my steps soft against the garden path. The mansion garden is vast, filled with blooming flowers, fresh with morning dew. Angel doesn’t notice me—too focused on his work, as always.

“Good morning, Angel.”

He startles slightly, then bows.

“Good morning, young master.”

I look around, inhaling the fresh floral scent.

“They’re beautiful,” I murmur, touching a flower gently. “So fresh.”

“Peacefull….”

Angel follows my gaze, silent.

The servant returns and offers the scarf with both hands. I take it and step closer to Angel.

Before he can react, I gently wrap the scarf around his neck.

He flinches.

“Y–Young master—”

I ignore his protest, adjusting the scarf properly.

“The morning air is cold,” I say softly. “Why do I always find you dressed so lightly?”

I take a step back and nod in approval.

“There. That’s better. Don’t take it off. The weather is getting colder.”

He blinks at me, clearly stunned.

“I’m heading to the office now,” I add casually. “We’ll meet at dinner.”

I turn to leave, but something tugs at me.

I stop and glance back.

“Angel.”

He looks up immediately.

“Yes, young master?”

I smile—a little playful, a little warm.

“What flavor of cake do you want today? I’ll bring back after work.”

He freezes.

Blinking.

Confused.

Completely unprepared.

I tilt my head, pretending to think.

“How about strawberry cake? Is that okay?”

He hesitates, then nods softly.

My smile widens.

“Alright.”

I give him a small, charming wink and turn away, walking toward the exit—feeling lighter than I should, and far more dangerous to the original story than I ever planned to be.

Small steps.

But today, the villain takes another step toward becoming a good boy.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep